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The Eight Immortals (Chinese: 八仙) are a group of legendary xian (immortals) in Chinese mythology. Each immortal's power can be transferred to a vessel (法器) that can bestow life or destroy evil. Together, these eight vessels are called the "Covert Eight Immortals" (暗八仙). Most of them are said to have been born in the ...
- Cao Guojiu. Cao Guojiu was once an official who served in the Imperial Court. His younger brother, Cao Jingzhi, was also a court official, but abused his position and was known for being a gambler and a corrupt official.
- Han Xiangzi. Han Xiangzi was thought to have been the grandnephew of the prominent politician and poet, Han Yu. Han Yu enrolled Han Xiangzi in a Confucian school, to better prepare him to become an official, but Han Xiangzi had no interest in his studies.
- He Xianggu. Born with exactly with six hairs on her head, it was obvious that there was something special about He Xianggu since her birth. At age 14, a vision came to her in a dream that told her to gradually decrease her food intake and to begin eating powdered mica everyday so she could avoid death.
- Lan Caihe. Lan Caihe was described as an intersex person, or a man who believed he was meant to be a woman. One day after getting very drunk, Lan left the mortal world by riding to heaven on the back of a crane.
Feb 3, 2021 · The Eight Immortals are a group of well-known figures in Taoism and Chinese folklore. All were once believed to have been historical figures who earned renown by following the teachings of Laozi. Most of these immortals were believed to have been born during the time of the Song and Tang Dynasties.
- He Xian Gu (何仙姑; pinyin: Hé Xiān Gū) The Immortal Woman. He Xian Gu’s immortality is due to a consistent diet of powdered mother-of-pearl and moonbeams. While swallowing it, she vowed to remain a virgin.
- Cao Gou Jiu (曹國舅; pinyin: Cáo Guó Jiù) The Royal Uncle Cao. Cao Gou Jiu is reputed to have been the brother of a 10th century Song Empress, the uncle to the Emperor of the Song Dynasty and the son of a military commander.
- Li Tie Guai (李鐵拐; pinyin: Lĭ Tiĕ Guăi) The Iron-Crutch Li. Because of his great skill at magic, Li Tie Guai, was able to free his soul from his body and aid and meet others in the celestial realm.
- Lan Cai (蓝采和; pinyin: Lán Cǎihé) The Immortal Hermaphrodite. Lan Cai is said to have wandered the streets as a beggar while singing a song about the brevity of mortal life.
The Eight Immortals play an essential role in Chinese mythology and spiritual life. Renowned heroes who fight against the forces of evil, the stories of the Eight Immortals have found their way into almost every level of ancient Chinese society.
Sep 24, 2023 · In the rich tapestry of Chinese mythology, the “Eight Immortals” stand as a revered group of legendary beings. These immortal figures, known for their unique powers and distinctive personalities, have captivated the hearts and minds of people for centuries.
May 12, 2018 · The Eight Immortals of Taoism can be interpreted in a psychological, archetypal manner, much the way the characters of other ancient mythologies have come to symbolize human needs and wishes at a collective, universal level.
