Skip to Content

Eight Immortals: An Overview

The Eight Immortals, also known as Ba Xian, are a group of legendary figures in Chinese mythology. They are believed to have achieved immortality through their study, good works, and inherent virtues. The Eight Immortals are said to live on a group of five islands in the Bohai Sea, where they continue to fight for justice and vanquish evil.

The term “Ba Xian” is derived from the Chinese words “ba” meaning eight, and “xian” meaning immortals. The Eight Immortals are often depicted in Chinese art and literature, and their stories have been passed down through generations. While cults dedicated to various Taoist immortals date back to the Han dynasty, the popular and well-known Eight Immortals first appeared in the Jin dynasty.

Each of the Eight Immortals possesses unique attributes and is often accompanied by captivating legends that recount their extraordinary existence. They have been part of Chinese oral history long before they were recorded in the works of writers of various dynasties. In this article, we will explore the overview, etymology, attributes, family tree, and mythology of the Eight Immortals.

Overview

The Eight Immortals, also known as the Ba Xian, are a group of legendary figures in Chinese mythology. This group of eight people are believed to be immortal beings who have achieved the highest honors of their faith through their study, good works, and inherent virtues.

Historical Context

The Eight Immortals first appeared in the Jin dynasty, and were popularized during the Tang and Shang Dynasties. The wall murals and sculptures in the Jin tombs, created during the 12th and 13th centuries, depicts a group of eight Taoist immortals. The Eight Immortals have been part of Chinese oral history long before they were recorded in the works of writers of various dynasties.

Cultural Significance

The Eight Immortals have played an important role in Chinese culture, and have been the subject of many artistic works, including paintings, sculptures, and literature. They are often depicted as a group of eight individuals, each with their own unique attributes and personalities. The Eight Immortals are also believed to have the power to protect people from evil spirits, and are often invoked for good luck and success.

Overall, the Eight Immortals are an important part of Chinese mythology and culture, and continue to be celebrated and revered to this day.

Etymology

The name “Eight Immortals” (Chinese: 八仙; pinyin: Bāxiān) is derived from the Chinese word “xian,” which means “immortal” or “transcendent.” The number eight is considered lucky in Chinese culture, and the Eight Immortals are believed to represent the eight directions of the compass.

Each of the Eight Immortals has a unique name and attribute, and they are often depicted together in artwork and literature. The most famous of the Eight Immortals include Li Tieguai, Han Xiangzi, and Zhongli Quan.

According to legend, the Eight Immortals were originally human beings who achieved immortality through their good deeds and spiritual practices. They are often associated with Taoism, which emphasizes the pursuit of inner harmony and self-cultivation.

The Eight Immortals have been a popular subject in Chinese mythology and art for centuries. They are often depicted as joyful and carefree, and their stories are full of humor and adventure. Today, the Eight Immortals continue to be celebrated in Chinese culture as symbols of good fortune, longevity, and happiness.

Attributes

The Eight Immortals are known for their unique attributes and powers that set them apart from ordinary humans. This section provides an overview of the individual powers of each Immortal and their symbolic representations.

Individual Powers

Each of the Eight Immortals has a unique power that reflects their personality and character. For example, Lu Dongbin is known for his swordsmanship and ability to exorcise evil spirits, while Han Xiangzi is associated with music and is often depicted playing the flute. Zhang Guo Lao, on the other hand, is known for his ability to ride a donkey backwards and for his Taoist magic.

Other individual powers of the Eight Immortals include:

  • Li Tieguai’s ability to separate his soul from his body and enter the spiritual realm
  • Cao Guojiu’s skill in playing the castanets and his reputation as a generous and kind-hearted official
  • Lan Caihe’s androgynous appearance and his/her ability to fly and control the weather
  • He Xiangu’s ability to heal the sick and grant longevity

Symbolic Representations

In addition to their individual powers, the Eight Immortals are also associated with various symbolic representations that reflect their virtues and the ideals they embody. For example, the peach symbolizes longevity and is often associated with He Xiangu, who is said to have obtained immortality by eating a magical peach.

Other symbolic representations of the Eight Immortals include:

  • The fan, which represents the power of transformation and is often associated with Zhongli Quan
  • The gourd, which symbolizes abundance and is often associated with Li Tieguai
  • The lotus flower, which symbolizes purity and enlightenment and is often associated with He Xiangu
  • The fly-whisk, which symbolizes authority and is often associated with Lü Dongbin

Overall, the unique attributes and symbolic representations of the Eight Immortals make them an important part of Chinese mythology and culture.

Family Tree

Ancestral Origins

The Eight Immortals are believed to have been born in different dynasties and regions of China. The ancestral origins of each immortal are not clear, but they are said to have come from different social backgrounds, including peasants, scholars, and officials.

One of the most famous of the Eight Immortals is Lu Dongbin, who is believed to have lived during the Tang dynasty. He is often depicted as a scholar and is associated with the sword. Another immortal is Han Xiangzi, who is believed to have been a nephew of the famous Tang dynasty poet, Han Yu. He is associated with the flute and is often depicted with a basket of flowers.

Interrelations

The Eight Immortals are not related by blood, but they are often depicted as having close relationships with each other. For example, Lu Dongbin is often depicted with Zhongli Quan, who is believed to have been a general during the Han dynasty. They are often depicted as drinking wine together.

Similarly, Li Tieguai, who is believed to have been a beggar during the Tang dynasty, is often depicted with Zhang Guolao, who is believed to have been a Taoist priest during the Tang dynasty. They are often depicted as riding on a donkey together.

Overall, the relationships between the Eight Immortals are complex and varied. They are often depicted as having close bonds with each other, but they are also depicted as having individual strengths and weaknesses.

Mythology

Major Tales

The Eight Immortals are known for their various tales, which often involve them using their special abilities to help people in need. One such tale involves the Immortal Li Tieguai, who helped a poor family by transforming himself into a piece of gold and allowing them to sell him for money. Another tale involves the Immortal Lu Dongbin, who helped a young man overcome his fear of death by teaching him the secrets of immortality. These tales continue to be told in Chinese culture today and serve as a reminder of the virtues of selflessness and compassion.

Contemporary Influence

The Eight Immortals continue to be a popular subject in modern Chinese culture, appearing in everything from films to video games. Their depictions often emphasize their unique personalities and abilities, with each Immortal representing a different aspect of Taoist philosophy. For example, the Immortal Zhang Guolao is often depicted riding a donkey and carrying a bamboo tube, which represents his ability to travel great distances and communicate with the gods. The continued popularity of the Eight Immortals serves as a testament to their enduring influence on Chinese culture.