Story Summary
Explore the legend of Jingwei Fills the Sea, a powerful Chinese myth about a princess bird's eternal quest to conquer the ocean through sheer willpower.
Nuwa, the young daughter of the Yan Emperor, was captivated by the vastness of the East Sea. One day, she sailed out alone to witness the sunrise, but a sudden, violent storm capsized her boat. The merciless waves swallowed her, and she drowned in the cold depths. However, her spirit refused to be extinguished. She was resurrected as a mythical bird named Jingwei, with a colorful head, a white beak, and red feet. Driven by the memory of her death and a vow to prevent others from suffering the same fate, she dedicated her existence to filling the sea. Every day, she flies from the Faxian Mountain to the East Sea, carrying a single pebble or a small twig in her beak and dropping it into the roaring water. Though the sea mocks her, claiming she could never fill its infinite expanse even in millions of years, Jingwei continues her tireless work, one stone at a time, for all eternity.
The Moral
Unyielding persistence and determination can define a person's character, even when facing an impossible or monumental task.
“Though you are vast, my will is vaster; one day you shall be nothing but solid ground.”
Fun Fact
The Chinese idiom 'Jingwei Tian Hai' is frequently used in modern times to praise people who show indomitable willpower in the face of overwhelming adversity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Jingwei Fills the Sea?
The moral is the power of 'Jingwei's determination,' symbolizing the spirit of never giving up regardless of how difficult the challenge. It teaches that even the smallest efforts, when repeated with conviction, carry profound meaning.
Who was Jingwei before she became a bird?
She was originally a princess named Nuwa, the daughter of the Yan Emperor, also known as Shennong. She was a young girl who tragically drowned in the East Sea before being transformed into a bird.
Is Jingwei the same as the goddess Nüwa?
No, they are different figures. The goddess Nüwa is the creator of mankind who patched the sky, while this Nuwa is the daughter of the Yan Emperor who became the bird Jingwei.
What does the bird Jingwei look like?
Ancient texts describe her as resembling a crow but with a multi-colored head, a white beak, and red feet. Her name comes from the specific sound of the cry she makes.
Where does the story of Jingwei originate?
The legend is found in the 'Classic of Mountains and Seas' (Shanhaijing), a foundational ancient Chinese text that compiles geography, mythology, and folklore dating back over 2,000 years.
Does Jingwei ever finish filling the sea?
In the mythology, she never finishes her task. Her story is not about the completion of the goal, but the eternal and heroic nature of her refusal to accept defeat.
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