Abstract: Characters of myth are viewed as a window to show national culture and a way to know about a country. Humanity reflected from myth characters also helps us to learn cultural differences. In a way of comparative analysis, the paper takes four groups as an example: Jade Emperor and Zeus, goddess N·wa and Prometheus, Dayu and Apollo, Yue-laou and Cupid, to explore cultural differences reflected from myth characters between China and the West so as to promote cultural exchange, and learn from other’s strong points to offset one’s weakness.

Key words: myth characters; cultural differences; cross-cultural communication

CONTENTS

Abstract

摘要

1. Introduction.1

2. Literature Review .2

3. Comparison in Myth Characters between Chinese and Western Culture3

 3.1 the Jade Emperor and Zeus

 3.2 Goddess N·wa and Prometheus

 3.3 Dayu and Apollo

 3.4 Yue-Laou and Cupid

4. Reasons for Differences in Characters of Myth between China and the West6

 4.1 Difference in Geology

 4.2 Difference in Civilization

4.3Difference in Models of Economy

5. Implications of the Research.8 

6. Conclusion.9

Bibliography.10

Acknowledgements11