Story Summary
Discover the legend of The Moon Goddess Chang'e. Learn how Hou Yi's heroism and Chang'e's sacrifice led to the Mid-Autumn Festival and her life on the moon.
Long ago, ten suns scorched the Earth, leaving the land parched and the people suffering. The master archer Hou Yi used his supernatural skill to shoot down nine of the suns, saving humanity. As a reward for his heroism, the Queen Mother of the West granted him a single dose of the elixir of immortality. Hou Yi loved his wife, Chang'e, and refused to drink it without her, so he asked her to hide it safely. However, while Hou Yi was away hunting, his greedy apprentice Feng Meng broke into their home and demanded the elixir. To prevent the villain from gaining eternal life, Chang'e drank the potion herself. Immediately, she became weightless and drifted into the night sky, finally coming to rest on the moon. Deeply saddened by her departure, Hou Yi began leaving her favorite fruits and cakes out under the moonlight, a tradition that eventually evolved into the Mid-Autumn Festival.
The Moral
True love persists through sacrifice and distance, and one must act selflessly to protect the world from those who seek power for evil.
“Though worlds apart, the same moon shines upon us both.”
Fun Fact
The Mid-Autumn Festival is one of the most important holidays in Chinese culture, where round mooncakes are eaten to symbolize the completeness of the family and the full moon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Moon Goddess Chang'e?
The story emphasizes the power of self-sacrifice and the enduring nature of love. It teaches that one should choose the greater good over personal gain, even if it leads to separation.
Why does Chang'e live on the moon?
She drank the elixir of immortality to keep it away from her husband's villainous apprentice. The potion caused her to float upward, and she chose the moon to stay as close to her husband on Earth as possible.
Who is the Jade Rabbit in the story of Chang'e?
In many versions, the Jade Rabbit is a companion to Chang'e on the moon. The rabbit was sent there by the gods as a reward for its own selfless sacrifice, where it now brews herbal medicines.
How is the Mid-Autumn Festival related to Chang'e?
The festival is held during the full moon to commemorate Chang'e's ascent. Families gather to eat mooncakes and leave offerings, mirroring Hou Yi's original tribute to his departed wife.
Who was Hou Yi and what was his role?
Hou Yi was a legendary divine archer who saved the world by shooting down nine redundant suns. His love for Chang'e is the emotional core of the legend, representing the human side of the myth.
What happened to the elixir of immortality?
The elixir was consumed by Chang'e to prevent it from falling into the hands of the treacherous Feng Meng. This act transformed her into a goddess but separated her from the mortal world forever.
