The story of Chang’e Flying to the Moon is a classic Chinese myth. Here is an English version of the story:
Once upon a time, there was a beautiful and virtuous woman named Chang’e. She was the wife of Hou Yi, a great archer who was known for his skill in shooting down nine suns that had previously caused great suffering to the people of the world.
Hou Yi was so revered for his heroic deed that the gods rewarded him with the elixir of immortality. However, Hou Yi was not greedy and decided to share this precious gift with his people. He divided the elixir into two parts, one for him and one for Chang’e.
One day, while Hou Yi was out hunting, a mischievous fairy named Chang’e’s younger sister, who was curious about the elixir, stole it and swallowed it all at once. The elixir was so potent that it caused Chang’e’s body to become lighter and lighter, until she floated out of the window and into the sky.
As Chang’e soared higher and higher, she reached the moon. The moon, a symbol of beauty and purity, became her new home. From that day on, Chang’e lived on the moon, where she became the Moon Goddess.
In the world below, Hou Yi returned to find his wife missing. He searched for her everywhere but to no avail. Heartbroken, he built a silver bow and an arrow to shoot towards the moon, hoping to bring Chang’e back. But the arrow only hit the moon, leaving a mark that can still be seen today.
Every year on the Mid-Autumn Festival, the Chinese people celebrate Chang’e’s story by looking at the full moon and enjoying mooncakes, a traditional pastry said to represent Chang’e’s wish to return to her husband.
And so, the legend of Chang’e Flying to the Moon continues to be a symbol of love, longing, and the beauty of the moon.
This story has been told and retold for centuries, captivating the hearts and minds of people across China and beyond.
