Editor's note: For most the image of a snake creates an instant reaction of fear as it ranks high as one of the world's biggest phobias. But from snake charmers, ancient emperors, medicine, myth and the beginning of time, the snake has a long and winding history in Chinese culture and history. Here, in our special report, we unravel the myths and legends about the charm and fear of the slivery serpent.

China's creator had snake body

Chinese mythology says Nuwa, the original ancestor of the Chinese nation, had the body of a snake, a human head and the virtue of a divine being. She is the goddess who separated heaven from the earth, creating the Divine Land (China).

Peace-loving Nuwa delighted in making things. She molded figures from the yellow earth and gave them life and the ability to bear children, creating humanity. According to the legend, later, demons fought a terrible war and broke the pillars which held up heaven. The sky cracked and the human world was put in mortal peril. In order to save the lives of those she had created, Nuwa melted the five-colored stones and worked unceasingly to mend the breach. Finally, the sky was whole again, but exhausted Nuwa collapsed and was transformed into a vast mountain range, nurturing the growth of the Chinese nation by providing a rich and fertile land.

Legend also says Nuwa was the younger sister and wife of Emperor Fuxi, who also had a human face and a snake body. Murals showing Nuwa and Fu Xi having snake-like tails interlocked were unearthed in ancient tombs where husband and wife were buried together as a symbol of undying love.