In the construction of historic/cultural consciousness, traditions and epics have long played pivotal roles. Through the formation of the tradition, Chinese thinkers were able both to make clear their emphasis on the universal values which transcend history and also, through maintaining the tradition, set critical standards for future restorative endeavors. These standards will later be the ideals for ever more spiritual renewals. In Western civilizations, epics narrate the legendary and mythic growth and metamorphosis of heroes and heroines. These epic simultaneously guarantee identification and also consolidate the social cohesion and collective belongingness. In addition, the meanderings of the epics resonate with the inner journeys of individual personifications, through their untiring adventures. These adventures would provide the driving forces of ever expanding self-explorations. In this age of material abundance and spiritual dearth, the wish to reach backward for the main life flow of tradition or to re-forge the epic scene, may proffer a timely opportunity for the coming together of Eastern and Western cultures, for a new understanding and experience. The theme of Vol. 41 of the National Central University Journal of Humanities is to be “Traditions and Epics.” We welcome scholars from different fields and cultures to address issues related to the theme of the issue and to discuss the significance of tradition in Chinese culture and the epic tradition of Western cultures. Historical studies, theoretical explorations and reflections on the contemporary relevance and modern transformations, big or small, are all welcome.

Please send submissions by post or email to JH@ncu.edu.tw, no later than November 30, 2009.