The Tale of Chang'e and the Moon
In the vast expanse of Chinese mythology, there are countless stories that have been passed down through generations. One such tale is that of Chang'e, the goddess of the moon. This story has been immortalized in "Chinese Mythology 100 Stories," a collection of tales that showcase the rich cultural heritage and imagination of ancient China.
Chang'e's Journey to the Moon
According to legend, Chang'e was once a mortal woman who lived during China's Han dynasty (206 BCE - 220 CE). She was known for her exceptional beauty and her ability to heal others with her herbal remedies. However, she became increasingly obsessed with immortality elixirs after hearing about their existence from an old man named Zhang Liang.
One day, while searching for these elixirs in a cave, Chang'e accidentally consumed one meant for two people. The elixir granted her immortality but also caused her to ascend into heaven immediately afterward.
Chang'e on the Moon: A Life Alone
Upon reaching heaven, Chang'e found herself alone due to not being able to consume both doses of the elixir at once. To alleviate this loneliness and ensure she would never be left alone again, she brought with her a jade rabbit which served as both companion and confidant.
As time passed, Chang'e realized that she missed life on Earth so much that she decided to send down messages through various animals like birds or butterflies asking if anyone wanted company on the moon. Eventually,
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