Chang'e & Houyi
Parted between the Moon and the Earth
The archer Houyi, who shot down nine suns, was given the elixir of immortality; his wife Chang'e drank it to keep it from a thief and rose alone to the Moon, where she lives parted from him forever.
01Why it matters
It is the myth behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's most important holidays.
02The conflict
The theft of the elixir and the immortality that divides them.
03The iconic moment
Houyi offering mooncakes each year to Chang'e's silhouette.
04What survived
The Mid-Autumn Festival; mooncakes.
05Frequently asked questions
Why is the story of Chang'e & Houyi famous?
It is the myth behind the Mid-Autumn Festival, one of China's most important holidays.
How does the story of Chang'e & Houyi end?
Houyi offering mooncakes each year to Chang'e's silhouette. The Mid-Autumn Festival; mooncakes.
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