The Ten Suns and Destruction
Hou Yi: The Hero Who Saved the World
In the face of this catastrophe, Hou Yi, a legendary archer, was tasked with restoring order. While the Jade Emperor hoped Hou Yi would simply advise the suns to take turns, Hou Yi saw the situation was too dire for mere words. With his unmatched archery skills, Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to sustain life on Earth.
Though he saved the world, Hou Yi's actions angered the Jade Emperor, who had never intended for his sons to be killed.
The Elixir of Immortality and Tragedy
As a reward for his heroism, Hou Yi was not granted honor but instead cast down to the mortal realm. Seeking a way to reunite with his wife, Chang’e, in immortality, Hou Yi sought out the Queen Mother of the West, who ruled over the immortals. Moved by his deeds, she gave Hou Yi an elixir of immortality—enough for just one person to become immortal.
However, Hou Yi could not bear the thought of living forever without his beloved wife, Chang’e. He kept the elixir hidden, but one of his disciples, the treacherous Cao Ying, learned of it and plotted to steal it.
The Tragic Sacrifice of Chang’e
When Hou Yi was away, Cao Ying broke into Hou Yi's home to seize the elixir. In an effort to protect it, Chang’e was forced to swallow the elixir. Instantly, her body became light as air, and she floated up toward the moon, where she was trapped for eternity, unable to return to Hou Yi.
Hou Yi's Heartbreak
Upon returning home, Hou Yi was devastated to learn what had happened. Every full moon, he gazed at the sky, yearning to reunite with his beloved wife. Deeply moved by their love, the people of the land set up altars under the moonlight, offering food and mooncakes in honor of Chang’e.
The Symbolism and Legacy
The story of Hou Yi and Chang’e is not just a tale of love; it also carries profound meanings:
• Courage and Sacrifice: Hou Yi’s bravery in facing the Jade Emperor to save humanity.
• Love and Separation: The tragic love between Hou Yi and Chang’e, symbolizing unfulfilled love.
• Origin of the Mid-Autumn Festival: It is believed that every year, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, Chang’e appears on the moon, and people celebrate her memory by gathering together to admire the moon and enjoy mooncakes.
The legend of Hou Yi and Chang’e remains an integral part of Chinese culture and continues to be celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival, a time when families come together to honor the enduring love and sacrifice of these two legendary figures.