Xihe is a solar goddess in Chinese mythology who is known as the mother of the ten suns that almost destroyed the Earth in ancient times. Her name is derived from the ancient surname “xī” (羲) and the character “hé” (和), which means “gentle or harmonious”. Xihe is associated with the sun and is often depicted as charioteering the sun, being pulled by a dragon.
According to Chinese mythology, Xihe is one of the most important deities in the celestial realm. She is revered for her role as the mother of the suns and is often depicted as a benevolent and gentle figure. In addition to her association with the sun, Xihe is also associated with fertility, growth, and prosperity. She is often depicted holding a sheaf of wheat, which symbolizes her connection to agriculture and the harvest.
Xihe’s family tree is an important aspect of her mythology. She is the mother of the ten suns, who are often depicted as rebellious and destructive. According to legend, Xihe was tasked with controlling the suns and ensuring that they rose and set at the appropriate times. However, the suns became restless and began to rise and set at random, causing chaos and destruction on Earth. It was only through the intervention of the archer Hou Yi that the suns were brought under control and peace was restored.
Overview
Xihe is a solar goddess in Chinese mythology. Her name is derived from the ancient surname “xī” (羲) and the character “hé” (和), which can mean “gentle or harmonious.” Xihe is known as the mother of the ten suns that, in ancient times, nearly destroyed the Earth. She is also one of the two wives of Di Jun, the Emperor of Heaven.
Xihe is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a radiant aura, holding a sun disk in her hand. She is associated with light, warmth, and fertility. In Chinese culture, she is revered as a symbol of motherhood, protection, and prosperity.
According to legend, Xihe gave birth to ten suns, which took the form of three-legged crows. These suns were so powerful that they scorched the Earth, causing widespread famine and drought. To save humanity, the archer Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns, leaving only one in the sky. In gratitude, Xihe bestowed upon Hou Yi the elixir of immortality, which he later gave to his wife Chang’e.
Xihe’s story is a testament to the power of the sun and its role in sustaining life on Earth. She is a beloved figure in Chinese mythology, embodying the qualities of strength, beauty, and maternal love.
Etymology
Xihe, also known as Hsi-ho, is a solar goddess in Chinese mythology. Her name is derived from two Chinese characters, “xī” (羲) and “hé” (和). The character “xī” is an ancient surname, while “hé” can be translated to mean “gentle” or “harmonious.” Together, her name can be interpreted as “gentle and harmonious sun.”
In Chinese culture, the sun is a symbol of warmth, light, and life. As a solar goddess, Xihe embodies these qualities and is revered as a powerful deity. Her name reflects her benevolent nature and the importance of the sun in Chinese mythology.
The character “hé” can also be interpreted as “peaceful,” emphasizing Xihe’s role as a protector of the Earth. According to legend, Xihe was the mother of ten suns, which nearly destroyed the world with their intense heat. Xihe was able to control her sons and prevent them from causing further damage, demonstrating her gentle and harmonious nature.
Overall, Xihe’s name reflects her important role in Chinese mythology as a solar goddess and protector of the Earth.
Attributes
Symbolism
Xihe is often depicted as a beautiful woman with a gentle and harmonious disposition, symbolizing the warmth and radiance of the sun. Her association with the sun also represents the cyclical nature of time and the changing of seasons. Additionally, the ten suns she gave birth to are often seen as symbolic of the ten days of the week in ancient Chinese culture.
Powers
As a solar goddess, Xihe possessed immense power over the sun and its movements. She was believed to be able to control the length of the day and night, as well as the seasons. Her powers were seen as both benevolent and destructive, as the ten suns she gave birth to nearly destroyed the Earth with their heat and light.
Cultural Significance
Xihe’s role as a solar goddess made her an important figure in Chinese mythology and culture. She was often associated with fertility, abundance, and prosperity, as the sun was seen as a source of life and growth. Her story also served as a cautionary tale about the dangers of excess and the importance of balance in nature. Today, she continues to be revered in Chinese culture as a symbol of warmth, light, and harmony.
Family Tree
Parentage
Xihe was the daughter of Emperor Ku and his wife, the goddess Nüwa. Her father was a legendary ruler of China and the inventor of many cultural and technological innovations. Her mother was a creator goddess who was said to have molded humans out of clay.
Siblings
Xihe had several siblings, including Gong Gong, the water god who caused the Great Flood, and Zhuanxu, a wise emperor who was known for his just rule. She also had a half-brother named Yandi, who was the god of fire and the founder of the Yan dynasty.
Progeny
Xihe was the wife of Di Jun, the god of the eastern sky, and the mother of ten suns who took the form of three-legged crows. Her sons were known for causing droughts and famine when they flew too close to the earth, and it was up to the archer Hou Yi to shoot them down and restore balance to the world.
Xihe’s daughter, Chang’e, was also a prominent figure in Chinese mythology. She was the goddess of the moon and was said to have fled to the moon after stealing the elixir of immortality from her husband, Hou Yi.
Mythology
Historical Texts
Xihe is a solar goddess in Chinese mythology and the mother of the ten suns. According to the “Classic of Mountains and Seas,” Xihe was responsible for giving birth to the ten suns, which nearly destroyed the Earth. To save the planet, the hero Hou Yi shot down nine of the suns with his bow and arrow, leaving only one in the sky. In some versions of the myth, Xihe helped Hou Yi by providing him with magical arrows.
Modern Interpretations
In modern interpretations, Xihe is often portrayed as a gentle and harmonious goddess who brings light and warmth to the world. She is associated with the sun, light, and fire, and is sometimes depicted wearing a solar disk on her head. Xihe is also sometimes associated with fertility and motherhood, as she gave birth to the ten suns.
Cultural Impact
Xihe has been an important figure in Chinese mythology and culture for centuries. She is often depicted in art, literature, and popular culture, and her story has been passed down through generations. Today, Xihe remains an important figure in Chinese mythology and is often celebrated during festivals and other cultural events.