Story Summary
Discover the Chinese legend of The Ten Suns. Learn how the archer Hou Yi saved the world from a scorching drought by shooting down nine suns to restore balance.
In ancient times, there were ten suns, the children of the celestial god Di Jun and the goddess Xi He. They lived in a giant mulberry tree in the Eastern Sea, taking turns each day to cross the sky. However, one morning, the ten suns decided to rise all at once for their own amusement. The heat became unbearable; the earth scorched, crops withered, and rivers turned to dust. Seeing his people suffering, Emperor Yao prayed for divine intervention. The great archer, Hou Yi, was sent to the mortal realm with a magical red bow and ten white arrows. Hou Yi initially pleaded with the suns to return to their tree, but they mocked him. Realizing they would not listen, Hou Yi took aim. With precision, he shot down nine of the suns, which transformed into three-legged golden crows before falling. Just as he reached for his final arrow, Emperor Yao stopped him, pointing out that the world needed one sun to provide warmth and light. Hou Yi spared the last sun, which thereafter rose and set alone, maintaining the balance of life.
The Moral
Individual desires must be balanced against the welfare of the collective, and power should be used with restraint to prevent destruction.
“One sun is a blessing that brings life; ten are a curse that withers the world.”
Fun Fact
In Chinese folklore, the sun is often symbolized by a three-legged crow called a 'Sanzuwu,' representing the sun's journey across the sky.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Ten Suns?
The story emphasizes that excessive power or indulgence can lead to chaos. It highlights the importance of duty and the need for heroes to use their skills for the greater good of society.
Who is Hou Yi in Chinese mythology?
Hou Yi is a legendary divine archer known for his incredible marksmanship. He is often depicted as a hero who saves humanity from various disasters and is famously married to the moon goddess, Chang'e.
Why did the ten suns rise at the same time?
The ten suns were brothers who grew bored of their repetitive schedule of rising one by one. They decided to play together in the sky simultaneously, unaware or indifferent to the destruction their combined heat caused to the world below.
What happened to the suns Hou Yi shot down?
In many versions of the myth, the suns are revealed to be three-legged golden crows. When Hou Yi's arrows struck them, they burst into flames and fell to the earth, leaving only their feathers behind as they perished.
Why was one sun left in the sky?
Emperor Yao realized that while ten suns were destructive, the world would be plunged into eternal darkness and cold without any sun at all. He stopped Hou Yi from firing his last arrow to ensure life could continue.
How is this story related to the Mid-Autumn Festival?
The story of The Ten Suns serves as the prequel to the legend of Chang'e. Hou Yi was rewarded with an elixir of immortality for his heroism, which his wife Chang'e later drank, leading to her ascent to the moon.