Yi | Yi Yi | Jen I | Hou I | Archer Lord | Divine Archer | Good Archer

  • Yi, a revered hero or villain in ancient Chinese myth, played a pivotal role in the Xia Dynasty.
  • Known as the 'divine archer,' Yi's legendary skill with the bow and arrow earned him a prominent place in folklore.
  • The epic tale revolves around Yi shooting nine out of ten suns, leading to his banishment to Earth.
  • Yi's mission: to save Earth from the disastrous consequences of the suns' rebellion and monstrous chaos.
  • The story unfolds with Yi's encounter with Emperor Yao, divine orders, and the dramatic consequences of his actions.
  • Yi's earthly life takes unexpected turns, from hunting in forests to seeking the elixir of eternal life for his wife, Zhang E.
  • Tragic events follow, including Zhang E's transformation into a striped toad and Yi's untimely demise at the hands of his student, Beng Meng.
  • Yi's legacy extends beyond his mortal life, as myths recount his feats in controlling winds and his ambiguous role as a ruler in some stories.

The Epic Tales of Sun-Shooting and Immortality

Ancient Chinese Myth of Yi

An influential character in ancient Chinese mythology, Yi commonly emerges as a hero responsible for saving the world. However, certain narratives depict him as a villain whose transgressions lead to the downfall of the mythical XIA DYNASTY.

Divine Archer and Sun-Shooting Feat

Yi earned the epithet "divine archer" due to his exceptional bow and arrow skills. The most renowned story linked to Yi revolves around him shooting nine out of the 10 SUNS from the sky. This act led to his banishment from HEAVEN to EARTH, where he assumed a human form.

The Sun's Rebellion and Yi's Intervention

Originally, there were 10 suns, each corresponding to the early Chinese CALENDAR. Offspring of TIAYANG DIJUN and XIHE, the sun god and goddess, these suns dwelled in the MULBERRY TREE named Fu Sang. They provided light to Earth by taking turns in Xihe's CHARIOT, but a rebellion ensued, causing chaos. Emperor Yao sought the assistance of the divine archer, Yi, armed with a VERMILION BOW and white arrows, to restore order.

Sun-Shooting and Consequences

Yi decided to shoot the suns out of the sky, leading to fiery explosions and the suns transforming into three-legged ravens upon falling to Earth. Concerned about the repercussions of losing all 10 suns, Emperor Yao intervened, either stealing an arrow or appealing to Yi's mercy. Ultimately, one sun promised regular appearances, sparing its life.

Yi's Exploits and Divine Punishment

After dealing with the suns, Yi defeated monsters and restored order. However, upon returning to heaven, he faced the wrath of TIAYANG DIJUN, resulting in his and his wife's expulsion from heaven to live as humans. Despite Yi adapting well, his wife, ZHANG E, sought eternal life, leading to a tragic transformation into a striped toad.

Legacy of Yi and Tragic End

Yi, aware of his mortality, imparted his archery and hunting skills to a student, BENG MENG, who eventually turned against him. Another group of stories paints Yi as a neglectful king overseeing the Xia empire, culminating in his demise at the hands of his CLAN, who cooked his body. Despite the gruesome end, his sons refused to consume him and met a tragic fate.