Chang’e and Hou Yi the Archer
In ancient Chinese mythology, the tale of Chang’e and Hou Yi is a captivating legend that has been cherished for centuries. The story unfolds in a time when the world was plagued by an unprecedented crisis – ten suns that took turns scorching the earth, causing devastating droughts, famine, and suffering. The people cried out for a hero to save them from this calamity, and Hou Yi, a skilled archer, emerged as their savior.
Hou Yi was renowned for his exceptional archery skills, strength, and noble character. He was married to a beautiful woman named Chang’e, who shared his love for the people and their desire for peace. Together, they embarked on a mission to restore harmony and balance to the world.
Read an alternative version of the story here!
With his bow and arrows in hand, Hou Yi embarked on a treacherous journey to confront the ten suns. Drawing his bow with unwavering precision, he shot down nine of the suns, one by one, with each arrow finding its mark. His extraordinary feat brought relief to the earth, and the people rejoiced in his heroic act.
Hou Yi’s selfless actions earned him the admiration and respect of the heavens and the earth. The Queen Mother of the West, a divine goddess residing in the celestial realms, recognized his valor and bestowed upon him a vial of the elixir of immortality. This precious elixir had the power to grant eternal life and transcend the mortal realm.
Filled with gratitude and an unwavering love for his wife, Hou Yi decided not to consume the elixir right away. He wanted to share this extraordinary gift with Chang’e, knowing that eternal life without her by his side would be meaningless. He entrusted the elixir to her safekeeping until the time was right for them to ascend together.
However, news of the elixir’s existence spread far and wide, reaching the ears of Peng Meng, a treacherous and jealous man. Fueled by greed and envy, Peng Meng hatched a sinister plan to obtain the elixir for himself.
One day, when Hou Yi was away, Peng Meng stormed into their home, demanding that Chang’e hand over the elixir. Faced with the threat of its falling into the wrong hands, Chang’e made a difficult decision. Rather than surrendering the elixir, she consumed it herself, hoping to protect its power and prevent it from being misused.
As soon as Chang’e drank the elixir, her body became weightless, and she began to float upward. She soared higher and higher, transcending the mortal realm until she found herself on the moon, a celestial palace bathed in silver light. There, she would forever reside, separated from her beloved husband.
Heartbroken and filled with sorrow, Hou Yi returned home to find his wife gone. His anguish was immeasurable, and he could not bear the thought of never seeing her again. Night after night, he gazed longingly at the moon, his tears falling like gentle raindrops.
Read more about the Moon and the Jade rabbit here!
To express his enduring love and commemorate Chang’e, Hou Yi would offer her favorite foods and burn incense during the Mid-Autumn Festival, which falls on the fifteenth day of the eighth lunar month. This festival became a time of family reunions, moon gazing, and honoring the enduring love between Chang’e and Hou Yi.
In Chinese culture, the Mid-Autumn Festival holds great significance, as it symbolizes unity, harmony, and the eternal nature of love. Mooncakes, round pastries with various fillings, are shared among family members and friends as a representation of the full moon and the unity of the family.
The legend of Chang’e and Hou Yi encompasses profound themes that resonate with people throughout generations. It speaks of the strength of love, the power of sacrifice, and the longing for eternal unity. Their story emphasizes the importance of selflessness and the enduring bond between two souls, even in the face of separation.
The tale of Chang’e and Hou Yi continues to captivate hearts and minds, passed down through generations as a treasured part of Chinese folklore. It serves as a poignant reminder of the power of love, the significance of selflessness, and the eternal nature of deep connections that transcend time and space.