Once in a while. But when late evidence is routinely substituted for early evidence, we wonder about the soundness of the result. Myth, like all other cultural phenomena, is subject to change over time. It is well understood in the more sensibly conducted fields of history that historical personas or events are highly vulnerable to being reshaped by posterity, so as to render them more functional for an evolving present. The cultural psyche, like the individual psyche, has needs which can be met or compensated in the imagination.
Myth is perhaps the prime area where that form of cultural imagination is exerted.
The classic case of mythic elaboration, discovered by both Tswei Shu and Gu Jye-gang, is the addition of increasingly ancient emperors to the far end of what was originally a more or less historical ruler list. This growth process went on throughout the Warring States period, and continued into Han. A summary is given below under Ancient Emperors. Additional examples, culled from the WSW discussions or the research of the Project, are provided as further samples of the value of adhering to rational procedures even in the study of the seemingly irrational. Viewers are invited to contribute to the discussions summarized here, or to suggest further topoi for inclusion or investigation.