Chinese Mythology

Hou Yi

the Archer of Nine Suns

Hou Yi is a Chinese hero of hunt, associated with the realm of earth. Hou Yi belongs to the hero generation of the pantheon. Roughly equivalent to Apollo in cross-pantheon mapping. Symbolised by the bow.

Historical Note

When ten suns rose at once and scorched the earth, Hou Yi shot down nine of them. The Queen Mother rewarded him with the elixir of immortality — which his wife later stole and fled with to the moon.

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