HOUYI SHOOTS DOWN THE SUNS

(Houyi She Ri)

Houyi, leader of a tribe and a superb archer, is one of the heroes in Chinese mythology, like Yu the Great.

In the remote past, it is said, there were ten suns in the sky, veritable burning fires which scorched the plants, the grass and the woods. Nothing could grow and there was great famine. On top of this, snakes and beasts roamed everywhere, endangering the people.

In view of this, King Yao presented Houyi a strong bow and sharp arrows with orders to shoot down the suns and kill the beasts to rescue the people from their misery.

Houyi defied all difficulties to carry out this order, and succeeded in shooting down all the surplus suns and finishing off the ferocious animals. Since then, there has been only one sun shining in the sky, making for a temperate climate, exuberant vegetation, fine harvests and consequently general well - being. His immortal feats for the people and for posterity won Houyi universal admiration and support.

This popular myth symbolises the people's aspiration for power to bring the natural elements under control.