The Legend of Hou Yi and Chang'e

Long ago, in an ancient and mystical time, there were ten suns in the sky. These suns were the ten sons of the Jade Emperor, the ruler of heaven. Instead of taking turns to rise and set, as their father instructed, they all rose into the sky at once, scorching the earth below. The intense heat caused crops to wither, rivers to dry up, and the people to suffer greatly. Life on Earth became unbearable.

In the face of this disaster, a great hero named Hou Yi emerged. Hou Yi was a legendary archer, known far and wide for his extraordinary skill with a bow and arrow. The people admired him deeply and called upon him to save the world from the oppressive heat. The Jade Emperor, recognizing Hou Yi's skill, entrusted him with the mission to rid the world of the ten suns.

Hou Yi decided to take action. With his bow in hand, he shot down nine of the ten suns, leaving only one to provide light and warmth for the world. His bravery and strength saved humanity, but the Jade Emperor was furious that his sons had been killed, even though they had caused such suffering. As punishment, Hou Yi was summoned to the Jade Emperor's palace.

For his heroic deed, Hou Yi was rewarded with an elixir of immortality, a potion that would grant him and his wife, Chang'e, eternal life. However, the Jade Emperor warned that if either of them drank the potion, they would live forever. But if both of them drank it, they would be separated for all eternity and never be able to meet again.

Hou Yi, deeply in love with Chang'e, decided to keep the elixir and wait for the right moment to drink it. He could not bear the thought of being apart from his beloved wife, even if it meant living forever. However, one day, while Hou Yi was away, a treacherous disciple of his named Cao Heng learned about the elixir and decided to steal it.

In an attempt to take the elixir from their home, Cao Heng confronted Chang'e. To protect the elixir from falling into the wrong hands, Chang'e swallowed the potion. The moment she drank it, she felt her body lighten, and before she knew it, she was lifted into the air. She ascended to the moon, where she would live forever, separated from Hou Yi.

From that moment on, Chang'e lived alone on the moon, her figure becoming a symbol of longing and sadness. Every year, on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the people of China look up at the moon, remembering the story of Hou Yi and Chang'e. They tell the tale of the lovers' eternal bond and the sacrifices they made for each other, as well as the deep sorrow of a love that could never be reunited.

In this legend, the moon serves as a constant reminder of love, separation, and the eternal yearning of a couple that was destined to be apart. The story of Hou Yi and Chang'e continues to be a cherished symbol of love and sacrifice in Chinese culture, inspiring countless generations.