Final answer:
The myth of Lao Tzu encompasses the legendary life of Laozi, the purported author of the Daodejing and founder of philosophical Daoism, which teaches harmony with the Dao and includes principles like simplicity and wu wei.
Step-by-step explanation:
The myth of Lao Tzu refers to the historical and legendary accounts surrounding the life of Laozi (also spelled Lao Tzu), the founder of philosophical Daoism, and the authorship of the Daodejing (Tao Te Ching). Laozi is a semi-mythical figure believed to have lived in the sixth century BCE in ancient China. The teachings attributed to Laozi in the Daodejing promote living in harmony with the Dao, which is often translated as 'the Way', and espouse virtues such as simplicity, compassion, and moderation. While historical evidence of Laozi's existence is scarce, the influence of his attributed writings and the subsequent development of Daoism by thinkers such as Zhuangzi is significant. Daoism itself is characterized by its emphasis on naturalism, a counterculture to the prevailing Confucian norms, and teachings that highlight the concept of wu wei or 'effortless action'.