Story in Chinese: Hou Yi's Epic Battle With Nine Suns

Table of Contents

Imagine if there were ten suns shining brightly in the sky right now. Severe drought, plants withering, water evaporating, and the earth turning into a hellish place. This was the scenario thousands of years ago in Chinese mythology when ten suns appeared simultaneously in the sky. However, a hero named Hou Yi changed everything. As the greatest archer in Chinese mythology, Hou Yi took on the daunting task of saving the Earth. This is the Hou Yi and Chang'e story — a tale of sacrifice, courage, and love that transcends time and space.

The Beginning of the Calamity

The Arrogance of the Suns

Long ago, the ten suns were the sons of the Jade Emperor, each tasked with rising in the sky at different times. However, the suns grew tired of their daily rotations. "Why do we have to take turns?" one of them asked arrogantly. "Why not rise together and show our power?" With no regard for the consequences, the suns decided to appear at once, turning the sky into an unbearable furnace. The Earth began to burn as crops withered and rivers dried up.

The Arrival of the Hero

From the heavens above, Hou Yi, the mightiest archer of all, emerged. Known for his extraordinary skill and bravery, Hou Yi possessed a magical bow gifted by the gods. He was soon tasked with saving the world from this unprecedented disaster. "Hou Yi, you alone are capable of this feat," the Jade Emperor said. However, Hou Yi believed in diplomacy first. "Suns, stop your madness!" he shouted to the blazing orbs in the sky. "Let us settle this peacefully."

The Climactic Battle

A Difficult Decision

Unfortunately, diplomacy failed. The suns, proud and arrogant, mocked Hou Yi’s plea. "We are the suns, who dares to challenge us?" one of the suns boasted. "We rule the sky; no one can defeat us!" With no other choice, Hou Yi took aim with his bow. One by one, he shot down the suns, their light slowly fading away. In the end, only one sun remained to preserve the balance of the Earth.

The Price of Heroism

The Jade Emperor was furious at the loss of his sons. "You have destroyed the order of the heavens!" he roared. As punishment, Hou Yi was banished from the heavens and forced to live as a mortal on Earth. Although the people on Earth honored him as a hero, Hou Yi’s heart ached as he longed for his former life. He had saved the world, but in doing so, he had lost his place among the gods.

A Love Separated by Fate

The Elixir of Immortality

After the epic battle with the Nine Suns and Hou Yi’s exile from the heavens, the archer hero found himself in a world that felt foreign and empty. The people of Earth revered him for his bravery, but Hou Yi felt lost, unable to return to the celestial realms. One day, while traveling through the mountains, he encountered the Queen of the West, a celestial being who was deeply impressed by his sacrifice. “Hou Yi,” she said, “you have saved the Earth from certain destruction, and for that, I offer you the Elixir of Immortality. It will grant you eternal life and allow you to live forever.”

Hou Yi, though honored, was reluctant to take the elixir immediately. “I will keep it for a time of need,” he decided, choosing to delay immortality, unsure of the consequences. He hid the elixir, unsure of whether he was ready to part with his mortal life.

The Eternal Separation

However, the fates had different plans. One day, as Hou Yi was away hunting, his wife, Chang’e, discovered the hidden elixir. Overcome by fear of losing her beloved husband to the ravages of time, Chang’e made a decision driven by love and desperation. Without Hou Yi’s knowledge, she drank the elixir, believing that this would ensure they could be together forever, defying the inevitable passage of time.

The moment the elixir touched her lips, Chang’e’s body began to lift off the ground. She floated upwards, her form soaring into the sky, until she reached the moon. Hou Yi, returning home, saw only the faintest trace of light in the sky. When he reached the house, he cried out, “Chang’e!” But his words were met with silence. Chang’e had become the Moon Goddess, forever separated from him by the vast expanse of the heavens.

From that moment on, Hou Yi could only look up at the moon, his heart heavy with longing. Though he had saved the Earth, he could not save the love of his life. Chang’e, forever isolated on the moon, would live alone in eternity, while Hou Yi, grounded on Earth, could only dream of their reunion.

Conclusion

Moral of the Story

This story teaches us that arrogance leads to destruction. It also shows that great sacrifices are sometimes required for the greater good. Every action has consequences, and true love transcends time and distance, surviving even the harshest of separations.

Origin of the Story

This story in Chinese comes from ancient Chinese mythology and has been passed down through generations for thousands of years. It is the foundation of the Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration that honors the moon and the tale of Hou Yi and Chang’e. Different versions of the story exist across various regions of China, but the core themes of love, sacrifice, and the dangers of arrogance remain unchanged.

FAQ

What does Yi mean in Chinese?

The character "Yi" (义) in Chinese typically means righteousness, justice, or a sense of duty. In the context of Hou Yi's name, it represents his heroic spirit and sense of justice in protecting the world.

What is the story behind Chinese Valentine's Day?

Chinese Valentine's Day, also known as the Qixi Festival, is based on the legend of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl. The festival celebrates the love between the two, who are separated by the Milky Way and only able to reunite once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month. This story symbolizes the power of love and the longing for reunion, much like the tale of Hou Yi and Chang’e.

Why did Chang'e drink the elixir of immortality?

There are several versions of the story. Some say Chang'e drank the elixir to protect it from thieves, while others consider it an accident, where she consumed it out of desperation or curiosity.

Did Hou Yi and Chang'e ever meet again?

In most versions of the story, they never meet again. Chang'e remains on the moon as the Moon Goddess, while Hou Yi continues to live on Earth, forever longing for his lost love.

Why is this story still relevant today?

This story contains universal values about love, sacrifice, and the consequences of arrogance. These values remain relevant today, emphasizing the importance of wisdom and true love in human life.