In the ancient city of Wuhan, a humble tavern owner named Mr. Xin frequently provided free wine and food to a ragged, penniless scholar. Unbeknownst to the tavern owner, this guest was Lu Dongbin, one of the Eight Immortals, testing the man's character. To repay the debt of kindness, Lu Dongbin took a piece of orange peel and drew a magnificent yellow crane upon the tavern wall. He told the owner that whenever guests clapped their hands and sang, the crane would come to life and dance. The tavern soon became famous, and Mr. Xin grew wealthy from the crowds who came to witness the miracle. Years later, Lu Dongbin returned to the tavern. He played a celestial melody on his jade flute, and the crane stepped off the wall one final time. Lu Dongbin mounted the bird, and they ascended into the clouds, leaving behind the site where the legendary Yellow Crane Tower was eventually built to commemorate the event.
True kindness shown to others without expectation of reward often returns to the giver in miraculous and life-changing ways.
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Questions about this story
What is the moral of Lu Dongbin and the Yellow Crane?
The story emphasizes that genuine charity and hospitality toward those in need are divine virtues. By helping a beggar without seeking profit, the tavern owner was granted a legendary fortune.
Who is Lu Dongbin in Chinese mythology?
Lu Dongbin is one of the most prominent members of the Eight Immortals. He is usually depicted as a scholar-warrior carrying a magical sword that dispels evil spirits.
Where is the Yellow Crane Tower located?
The real Yellow Crane Tower is a historic landmark located on Snake Hill in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China. It has been a source of inspiration for poets for centuries.
How did the magical crane work?
The crane was painted using a magical orange peel. It remained a static image until the tavern guests clapped and sang, at which point it would manifest and dance in rhythm.
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