Dria El
June 29th, 2001, 09:08 PM
Ch'ang-O, Chinese Moon Goddess
In the beginning, Ch'ang-O (sometimes called Heng-O) was the wife of Yi, the Excellent Archer. Her husband was renowned for having shot down the ten Suns of primitive times when they decided to all rise at once and scorch the Earth. In return for this deed, the gods had rewarded Yi with a drink of immortality. Instead of drinking the potion, Yi hid the bottle and went off to spend most of his time elsewhere. Ch'ang-O grew restless being alone and under Yi's strict orders. She was powerful in her own right but never allowed to exhibit her powers. She took the bottle of immortality and drank it.
Finally, Yi returned home from one of his long ramblings to discover the bottle empty. Immediately he guessed what had happened. Rather than have her immortal and able to use her powers, Yi decided to kill his wife. He grabbed up his sword, but Ch'ang-O fled. She made her way to the Moon where she asked protection of Hare who lived there. Yi followed her there, fully intending to do her in. Hare fought with and defeated Yi, then made him promise to give up his revenge. Ch'ang-O did not trust Yi to keep his promise if she returned to his home, so she continued to live with Hare in the Moon.
In the beginning, Ch'ang-O (sometimes called Heng-O) was the wife of Yi, the Excellent Archer. Her husband was renowned for having shot down the ten Suns of primitive times when they decided to all rise at once and scorch the Earth. In return for this deed, the gods had rewarded Yi with a drink of immortality. Instead of drinking the potion, Yi hid the bottle and went off to spend most of his time elsewhere. Ch'ang-O grew restless being alone and under Yi's strict orders. She was powerful in her own right but never allowed to exhibit her powers. She took the bottle of immortality and drank it.
Finally, Yi returned home from one of his long ramblings to discover the bottle empty. Immediately he guessed what had happened. Rather than have her immortal and able to use her powers, Yi decided to kill his wife. He grabbed up his sword, but Ch'ang-O fled. She made her way to the Moon where she asked protection of Hare who lived there. Yi followed her there, fully intending to do her in. Hare fought with and defeated Yi, then made him promise to give up his revenge. Ch'ang-O did not trust Yi to keep his promise if she returned to his home, so she continued to live with Hare in the Moon.