In ancient times, a giant named Kuafu lived in the northern wilderness. Distressed by the biting cold and the brevity of daylight, he vowed to catch the sun and bring it down to earth to provide eternal warmth for his people. With strides like thunder, Kuafu raced across the vast plains, chasing the golden orb from the east toward the west. As he drew near the setting sun, the intense heat parched his throat. Seeking to quench his burning thirst, he drank the entire Yellow River and the Wei River in a single gulp, yet he remained unsatisfied. He turned north toward the Great Marsh to find more water, but his strength finally failed him. Kuafu collapsed and died of exhaustion just miles from his goal. As he fell, he dropped his wooden staff, which miraculously transformed into a lush forest of peach trees, offering shade and fruit to all future travelers who crossed the barren land.
Persistence in the face of impossible odds can create a lasting legacy that benefits others, even if the original goal is not reached.
Questions about this story
Who was Kuafu in Chinese mythology?
Kuafu was a giant and the leader of a tribe in northern China who possessed incredible strength and determination. He is best known for his mythological attempt to capture the sun to help his people.
Why did Kuafu decide to chase the sun?
He wanted to catch the sun to prevent it from setting, hoping to bring perpetual light and warmth to the world and end the suffering caused by cold and darkness.
What rivers did Kuafu drink to quench his thirst?
According to the legend, Kuafu drank the entire volume of both the Yellow River (Huang He) and the Wei River, but even their waters were not enough to cool his thirst.
What happened to Kuafu at the end of the story?
Kuafu died of extreme thirst and exhaustion before he could reach the Great Marsh. His body became a mountain range, and his staff turned into a peach forest.
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Good night.
