The Witch’s Curse and the Taoist’s Charm: Chinese and African Perspectives on Nature’s Power

Saturday, June 14, 2025

11:15 - 13:00 GMT

Location: MFB-Amphi 3

Presenter(s)

JM

Jun Ma
Shanghai International Studies University, China (People's Republic)

Paper Abstract: Nature serves as the foundation of all life, yet cultural perceptions of humanity’s relationship with the natural world differ widely. These differences are reflected in literature, where supernatural figures like witches in Swahili literature and Taoist priests in Chinese literature symbolize humanity’s interaction with nature's forces. This paper employs a comparative literary approach to analyze two Swahili and two Chinese texts, focusing on the roles of witches (mchawi) and Taoist priests.

In Swahili literature, the mchawi is often depicted as a malevolent figure who uses supernatural powers to harm others, disrupting the social order and manipulating nature for personal gain. In contrast, Taoist priests in Chinese literature are portrayed as agents of balance, working with nature to achieve harmony between the natural and human worlds.

By examining these contrasting representations, this study explores how these figures embody cultural attitudes toward the supernatural. The research reveals how African traditions often associate nature with sacredness and community ethics, while Chinese perspectives prioritize understanding and aligning with natural laws. This comparison provides valuable insights into the ways African and Chinese worldviews shape literary portrayals of supernatural power and their implications for human-nature relations.