depictions of Zhong Kui (public domain)‘The Legend of Zhong Kui’: A Poem by M.D. Skeen The Society June 5, 2025 Culture, Poetry 4 Comments . The Legend of Zhong Kui Zhong Kui is pronounced like “Jong Quay” One dark and dour winter day His mother sent her son Zhong Kui Along with his good friend, Du Ping To take exams held by the King. Zhong Kui, a large and ugly lad, had bulging eyes, appeared quite mad. With big black beard he didn’t look The type to study scrolls and books. The eight-legged essay one must write Took him a full three days, two nights. Emerging from the barren cell, He felt that he had done quite well. But all the same he went home nervous because to join the civil service was his dream. Soon scores on tests announced Zhong Kui’s to be the best. He was summoned to see the King Who gaped and asked how they could think Someone with such a hideous face Could be top scholar—What a disgrace! Then Zhong Kui, shattered, bashed his head Against the gate till he was dead. The royal court recoiled with horror As Zhong Kui’s brains oozed on the floor. His friend Du Ping took up his body To bury in the cemetery. Hell’s Judge, impressed, condemned his soul To help keep ghosts under control. Now robed in red, five bats around him He hunts rogue ghosts, harasses, hounds them, Gives them a choice: Submit or die, Take my commands or else you’ll fry. Returning once by ghost-drawn carriage, He gave his sister’s hand in marriage, To good Du Ping, his faithful friend Who stood by him until the end. The King of Ghosts, the people say, Will hear the words of those who pray, And fervid beg that he help muster His powers as the top ghostbuster. . . M.D. Skeen works as an attorney in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO READERS: If you enjoyed this poem or other content, please consider making a donation to the Society of Classical Poets. The Society of Classical Poets does not endorse any views expressed in individual poems or commentary. ***Read Our Comments Policy Here*** 4 Responses Roy Eugene Peterson June 5, 2025 Fascinating tale rooted in the requirement of those times to memorize reams of writing to be accepted into the ancient Chinese civil service. I remember reading about such Chinese examinations. For some reason the number 144 pages comes to mind, but that would have been from years ago and likely inaccurate. Reply Paul A. Freeman June 5, 2025 Never judge a book by its cover. Great story, though I just wish Zhong Kui had got some payback on the king! Thanks for the read, MD. Reply Joseph S. Salemi June 5, 2025 I had never heard the myth of Zhong Kui before now, but after reading this poem I was reminded of the figure of Charon in Greek mythology. He too is a big, hulking, ugly figure, and he is in charge of ferrying the souls of the dead across the River Styx. He can tyrannize over them, and he sometimes physically beats them, just as Zhong Kui does with misbehaving ghosts. Charon is a god (the son of Night and Darkness), while Zhong Kui is a ghost himself. Reply Yael June 8, 2025 This is an intriguing tale well told in a pleasant rhyming format. It’s entertaining and enjoyable to read. I like that it’s not overly ghoulishly and outrageously styled, but told matter-of-factly, which makes it sound more plausible. Great job! Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYour email address will not be published.CommentName* Email* Website Notify me of followup comments via e-mail. You can also subscribe without commenting. Δ This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.
Roy Eugene Peterson June 5, 2025 Fascinating tale rooted in the requirement of those times to memorize reams of writing to be accepted into the ancient Chinese civil service. I remember reading about such Chinese examinations. For some reason the number 144 pages comes to mind, but that would have been from years ago and likely inaccurate. Reply
Paul A. Freeman June 5, 2025 Never judge a book by its cover. Great story, though I just wish Zhong Kui had got some payback on the king! Thanks for the read, MD. Reply
Joseph S. Salemi June 5, 2025 I had never heard the myth of Zhong Kui before now, but after reading this poem I was reminded of the figure of Charon in Greek mythology. He too is a big, hulking, ugly figure, and he is in charge of ferrying the souls of the dead across the River Styx. He can tyrannize over them, and he sometimes physically beats them, just as Zhong Kui does with misbehaving ghosts. Charon is a god (the son of Night and Darkness), while Zhong Kui is a ghost himself. Reply
Yael June 8, 2025 This is an intriguing tale well told in a pleasant rhyming format. It’s entertaining and enjoyable to read. I like that it’s not overly ghoulishly and outrageously styled, but told matter-of-factly, which makes it sound more plausible. Great job! Reply