Traditionally in Chinese Folklore (Im taking reference to Journey to the West, which is probably the source material for that "monkey" show you were talking about), there were spirits and entities capable of flight/levitation, shapeshifting, manipulation of the elements and other "magical" properties. In Chinese History, Scientists, Doctors and Alchemists (China was probably the most technologically advanced country in it's era before the Western countries began their own rapid modernisation) could also have been referred to as "mages" and "clerics" because of their almost legendary ability (to the common folk) to perform feats of healing and science, like the invention of primitive bombs/inciendiary devices for use on a battlefield. To a common soldier or a peasant, these could very well have been interpreted as fireballs. Chinese battles were often quite inventive and technology-dependant on the latest innovations from court scientists.
Someone correct me if I'm wrong, It has been a while since I last read up Chinese History, No offence indended to anyone, no offence will be taken if anyone proves me wrong
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Why?
[This message has been edited by Lifetime (edited 03-13-2001).]