The Legend of Chang’e: The Goddess of The Moon

In ancient China, during the reign of the mythical Emperor Yao, the world was scorched by ten suns that appeared in the sky. The immense heat caused rivers to dry up, crops to wither, and people to suffer. In response to this crisis, the emperor summoned Hou Yi, a renowned archer, to save the world.

With his unmatched skill, Hou Yi climbed to the top of Kunlun Mountain, drew his bow, and shot down nine of the ten suns, leaving just one to provide light and warmth to the earth. His heroic feat earned him great praise, and he was bestowed with many riches and honors. People admired him, and he soon became a king.

Hou Yi married Chang’e, a woman of unparalleled beauty and grace. The couple lived happily together, and Hou Yi continued to help his people as a wise and strong leader. But despite all his accomplishments, Hou Yi began to fear the passage of time. He wanted to live forever with his beloved wife.

Determined to gain immortality, Hou Yi sought out the Queen Mother of the West, an immortal deity who lived atop Mount Kunlun. After a long and treacherous journey, Hou Yi found her and asked for the elixir of life. Moved by his dedication, the Queen Mother gave him a vial containing a potion, telling him that whoever drank it would ascend to the heavens and become immortal.

Upon returning home, Hou Yi shared the elixir with Chang’e but did not immediately drink it. He wanted to wait for the right moment when they could both share in the blessing of eternal life. However, word of the elixir soon spread, and a treacherous man named Peng Meng sought to steal it.

One day, when Hou Yi was away, Peng Meng broke into their home and demanded the elixir from Chang’e. To prevent the potion from falling into evil hands, Chang’e made a fateful decision. She drank the elixir herself. As soon as the liquid passed her lips, she felt her body grow lighter and lighter until she began to float into the air. Unable to stop, Chang’e ascended into the sky and flew toward the moon, the nearest celestial body.

Though heartbroken, Hou Yi could only watch as his wife disappeared into the heavens. As the moon rose that night, he saw her silhouette on its surface, realizing that she had become the goddess of the moon. From then on, Hou Yi would offer sacrifices of fruits and sweets to the moon, hoping that one day he might be reunited with her.

The people, who had long admired Chang’e, also began to offer sacrifices during the Mid-Autumn Festival in honor of the moon goddess. They believed that on this day, the moon was at its brightest and fullest, symbolizing reunion and harmony. Families would gather, share mooncakes, and look up at the moon, remembering the love between Hou Yi and Chang’e.

In time, Chang’e became a symbol of immortality, beauty, and sacrifice in Chinese culture. Her legend has been passed down through generations, inspiring countless poems, paintings, and festivals.

Even today, during the Mid-Autumn Festival, people look to the moon, cherishing family bonds and remembering the timeless tale of Chang’e and Hou Yi. While separated by the heavens, their love remains eternal, reflected in the full moon's gentle glow.