Story Summary
Explore the heart-wrenching Chinese legend of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Extended), where two lovers bridge the Milky Way to reunite once every year.
Niulang, a humble and kind-hearted cowherd, lived a lonely life until his magical ox led him to a hidden lake where the celestial Weaver Girl, Zhinü, was bathing. Zhinü, the granddaughter of the Queen Mother of the West, wove the very clouds of heaven. The two fell deeply in love, married in secret, and lived happily on Earth with two children. However, when the Queen Mother discovered a goddess had married a mortal, she was furious. She descended to Earth and forcibly dragged Zhinü back to the heavens. Desperate, Niulang donned the hide of his magical ox, which allowed him to fly into the sky with his children to find his wife. Just as he was about to reach her, the Queen Mother drew her hairpin across the sky, creating the vast, celestial Silver River—the Milky Way—to separate them forever. Moved by their eternal devotion, the magpies of the world fly up once a year on the seventh day of the seventh lunar month to form a bridge, allowing the lovers to reunite for a single night.
The Moral
True love possesses the strength to endure long periods of separation and can move the heavens to create miracles.
“Across the Silver River, their hearts remained entwined, waiting for the day the magpies would fly.”
Fun Fact
This legend is over 2,600 years old and was first recorded in the 'Classic of Poetry,' the oldest existing collection of Chinese poetry.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Cowherd and the Weaver Girl (Extended)?
The moral is that true love and devotion can transcend physical boundaries and social status. It teaches that even the most difficult obstacles can be overcome with patience and a steadfast heart.
What is the significance of the Qixi Festival?
The Qixi Festival, or the Double Seventh Festival, is based on this legend and is celebrated as the Chinese Valentine's Day. It honors the annual reunion of the Cowherd and the Weaver Girl on a bridge of magpies.
Who is the antagonist in this Chinese legend?
The Queen Mother of the West acts as the antagonist by enforcing the laws of heaven that forbid immortals from marrying mortals. She is the one who creates the Milky Way to separate the couple.
Why do the magpies form a bridge for the lovers?
The magpies are moved by the deep sorrow and unwavering love shared between Niulang and Zhinü. They take pity on the couple and fly to the heavens to form a living bridge so they can meet.
Which stars represent Niulang and Zhinü?
In astronomy, Niulang is represented by the star Altair, while Zhinü is represented by the star Vega. They are separated by the Milky Way in the night sky, reflecting the legend's plot.
What role does the magical ox play in the story?
The magical ox is a loyal companion who facilitates the couple's meeting and later sacrifices himself so that Niulang can use his hide to fly to the heavens to chase after his wife.