Hou Yi

Hou Yi (后羿), also known simply as “Yi,” is traditionally regarded as the chieftain of the Youqiong tribe of the Dongyi people during the Xia Dynasty (夏代东夷有穷部落), renowned for his exceptional archery skills. He once overthrew the rule of Tai Kang of the Xia Dynasty and seized the throne, but was ultimately killed due to his indulgence in hunting and neglect of state affairs.

The most famous legend about him is that of shooting down the suns. It is said that during the reign of Emperor Yao, ten suns appeared in the sky simultaneously, causing severe drought across the land. Crops withered, and wild beasts, poisonous snakes, and evil birds wreaked havoc among the people. Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns in one breath and slew the monstrous creatures that plagued the populace, thereby restoring peace to the world.

Another legend holds that Hou Yi’s wife was Chang’e. She stole the elixir of immortality that Hou Yi had obtained from the Queen Mother of the West and ascended to the moon alone, leaving the couple forever separated between heaven and earth.