The Legend of Hou Yi and Chang’e

A long time ago, ten suns took turns shining in the sky, bringing light and warmth to the world. One day, however, all ten suns appeared at once, scorching the land, drying up rivers, and leaving people in unbearable suffering.

Seeing this disaster, the Jade Emperor summoned the gods to find a solution. Many suggested persuading the suns to behave, but they were too stubborn to listen. As a last resort, the Jade Emperor sent the legendary archer Hou Yi to restore order. However, he strictly commanded Hou Yi only to discipline the suns, not harm them.

Hou Yi descended to Earth and witnessed the devastation. He pleaded with the suns to take turns shining again, but they laughed at him and ignored his warnings. Left with no choice, Hou Yi drew his bow and shot down nine of them, leaving only one to illuminate the world.

While his actions saved humanity, they also enraged the Jade Emperor, who saw Hou Yi’s defiance as a great offense. As punishment, he stripped Hou Yi of his immortality and banished him to live as a mortal on Earth.

Despite this, Hou Yi found happiness when he met and married a kind and beautiful woman named Chang’e. They lived a peaceful life together, and Hou Yi became a respected teacher of archery.

The Gift of Immortality

One day, the Queen Mother of the West Xi Wangmu rewarded Hou Yi’s heroism with an elixir of immortality granting him the chance to ascend to the heavens once more. However, Hou Yi cherished his life with Chang’e and chose not to take the elixir. Instead, he hid it away in a wooden box.

Unfortunately, one of his apprentices Peng Meng discovered the secret and plotted to steal it.

Chang’e Ascends to the Moon

One evening, when Hou Yi was away, Peng Meng broke into their home and forced Chang’e to hand over the elixir. Realizing she could not let such a villain obtain eternal life, Chang’e made a desperate choice. She swallowed the elixir herself.

Instantly, her body became weightless, and she floated toward the heavens. Not wanting to be too far from her beloved husband, she chose the Moon as her new home, where she could watch over him every night.

Hou Yi was heartbroken when he returned and found Chang’e gone. Looking up at the moon, he saw her shadow and realized she was still close. Overwhelmed with sorrow, he prepared her favorite foods and set them outside in remembrance.

Touched by his devotion, people began offering mooncakes, lanterns, and fruits every year on the full moon of the eighth lunar month. This tradition became what is now known as China’s Mid-Autumn Festival, a celebration of love, reunion, and the beauty of the moon.

Hou Yi and Chang’e in Modern Culture

The legend of Hou Yi and Chang’e remains one of China’s most beloved myths, inspiring countless works of art, literature, and film. Today, the Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in China and other East Asian cultures, celebrated with family gatherings, moon-gazing, and sharing mooncakes.