ARTICLE
TYING THE CONNECTIONS:
NE ZHA
By Timothy Tian
Welcome to another round of Tying the Connections! This month, we stay put in
A
the Chinese Pantheon to take a look at another of its deities, Ne Zha!
s always, let’s first delve into the lore of
Ne Zha to see the accomplishments that
During his tenure in the world, his relationship
with another deity, Ao Kuang, is probably the most
awarded him the title of the Third Lotus Prince.
well-known of his adventures. Being the Dragon King
From the moment he was born he showed signs
of the Eastern Seas, the people asked to be blessed
of greatness within him. It all began during the
with rain for their crops. In exchange, they attempted
Shang Dynasty, circa 1600 BC. In the depths of
to please him by offering food. All these offerings
a military fortress, after carrying the weight of
were rejected and in their place, Ao Kuang demanded
an unborn child within her for three years and
for girls and boys instead for his meal. He sent Ye
six months, Lady Yin finally gave birth to an
Sha to scout for food and eventually came across Ne
unintelligible form. Her husband, Li Jian, saw
Zha and his friends. A fight ensued between him and
it as a demon and attacked it. Soon, they found
Ne Zha and in the end, Ye Sha could only retreat. Ao
out that it was no demon. The form opened up
Kuang then sent his brother, Ao Bing, to complete the
and out jumped a boy. Thus, Ne Zha was born.
task, but instead, he got slain in the process. Angered
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