The story of Hou Yi and Chang’e is one of the most beloved legends in Chinese culture. It is closely associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival and has been passed down for generations as a tale of love, courage, and sacrifice. At its heart, the legend speaks to the human longing for reunion, even when separated by heaven and earth.
Long ago, the sky was ruled by ten suns, the children of the Jade Emperor. Each was supposed to take turns shining, but one day, all ten rose into the sky together. Their combined heat scorched the land, dried up rivers, burned crops, and left humanity on the brink of destruction. Unable to stop the disaster through peaceful means, the Jade Emperor summoned Hou Yi, a famed archer known for his extraordinary skill. Though the Emperor hoped Hou Yi would simply warn the suns, the situation left him no choice. With great sorrow and determination, Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one to light and warm the world.
Hou Yi’s actions saved the earth, but they came at a cost. The Jade Emperor, enraged by the loss of his sons, banished Hou Yi from heaven and forced him to live as a mortal. Despite this punishment, Hou Yi was admired by people everywhere. He settled on Earth with his beautiful wife, Chang’e, and continued to live a humble but respected life. Over time, Hou Yi longed to reclaim immortality, not just for himself but so he could spend eternity with Chang’e. His quest led him to the Queen Mother of the West, a celestial being who guarded the elixir of eternal life. Touched by his bravery and sincerity, she offered him a single vial. But the elixir was only enough for one person.
Hou Yi brought the elixir home but chose not to drink it. He could not imagine eternal life without Chang’e, so he hid it away. However, one of his disciples, a deceitful man named Cao Ying, discovered the secret. When Hou Yi was away, Cao Ying broke into their home to steal the elixir. In desperation, Chang’e swallowed it to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. The potion took immediate effect. Her body became light and airy, and she rose into the sky, eventually landing on the moon, where she remained forever separated from Hou Yi.
Devastated by the loss of his wife, Hou Yi stood under the night sky, calling out to the moon in grief. Every full moon, he would leave out Chang’e’s favorite foods in hopes of bringing comfort to her spirit. Touched by this love story, people began to do the same. This act of remembrance grew into a cherished tradition. Families would gather during the Mid-Autumn Festival, offer mooncakes, and admire the full moon in honor of Chang’e.
This legend is not only a story of love but also one filled with deeper meaning. Hou Yi’s courage in saving humanity, Chang’e’s sacrifice to protect the elixir, and the pain of eternal separation all reflect the human values of bravery, loyalty, and devotion. Their story continues to be remembered each year when the moon is at its brightest, reminding us of love that transcends time and distance.