In the ancient celestial realm of China, the Moon Goddess Chang'e shone with ethereal beauty. This is the tale of her celestial journey and the choices that led her to reside in the luminous embrace of the moon.
Chang'e was once a mortal woman, married to the great archer Houyi. Together, they lived harmoniously until a crisis befell the world—ten suns scorched the earth, causing suffering and despair. Houyi, a skilled archer, intervened and shot down nine of the suns, earning the gratitude of the people.
As Houyi's fame grew, so did his ambition. He embarked on a quest to seek the elixir of immortality, leaving Chang'e behind. On his journey, Houyi encountered the Western Queen Mother, who gifted him the elixir as a reward for his deeds.
Returning home, Houyi faced a difficult decision. His bond with Chang'e weighed heavily on his heart, and he couldn't bear the thought of eternal life without her. Entrusting the elixir to Chang'e, he asked her to keep it safe.
However, news of the elixir spread, and a jealous apprentice sought to steal it. Faced with imminent danger, Chang'e made a courageous choice. Rather than let the elixir fall into the wrong hands, she consumed it, becoming weightless and ascending to the moon.
In the celestial realm, Chang'e found solace amidst the moonlit landscapes. She became the Moon Goddess, her radiance illuminating the night sky. Houyi, heartbroken by the loss, continued his heroic deeds in the mortal world, hoping that his virtuous actions would reunite him with Chang'e.
The legend of Chang'e and Houyi is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival, where families gather to admire the moon, light lanterns, and share mooncakes. It is a time to reflect on the themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring connection between the mortal and celestial realms, embodied by the luminous presence of Chang'e in the moonlit sky.