An Analysis of Anonymous Authors in Dun Huang Songs

In the tradition of Chinese literature, anonymous authors, though their names and biographies may not be preserved, have made contributions arguably more significant than any named writer. Their works resonate with strong vitality, candidly reflecting the realities of life and expressing emotions more directly. The anonymous authors of Dun Huang Songs, rooted in the cultural background of the Dun Huang region in northwest China, encompass a diverse range of occupational backgrounds, including disgruntled literati, Taoist priests, and local leaders from border regions. These authors not only contributed to the creation of Dun Huang Songs but also played a central role in transcribing and disseminating Dun Huang manuscripts. The hidden identities behind the anonymity of Dun Huang Songs cannot be simply overlooked. This research examines the anonymous authors of Dun Huang Songs based on their content, authorial status, and transmission methods. Generally, when discussing anonymous authors, it is often assumed that they hail from the common ranks of society, their voices emerging from the collective experiences of everyday life. This assumption finds its roots in longstanding literary traditions such as the 诗经 Book of Poetry and Han dynasty 乐府 Yuefu Poetry, where authors are conventionally associated with the common folk. However, the case of the anonymous authors of Dun Huang Songs defies such simplistic categorization. Influenced by the unique characteristics of the Dun Huang region and the literary genre in which they operated, these poets embody a complexity that transcends the boundaries of social status and conventional literary norms.