Chinese Mythology

The Folk Gods and Spirits of the Middle Kingdom

YI

Chinese Hero God

Also known as Hau-Yi, Hou I, Hou-Yi, Shen-Yi

Picture of the Chinese Hero God Yi from our Chinese mythology image library. Illustration by Chas Saunders.

Celestial Archer with a magic bow

Arch-enemy of Wind God Fei Lian. He’s best known for his part in the Ten Suns story...

Once upon a time there were Ten Suns who insisted on appearing in the sky at the same time. Due to complaints of Global Warming, their celestial father Di Jun sent Yi to frighten them into behaving themselves.

But instead of scaring the Suns into submission, the over-enthusiastic Yi shot nine of them out of the sky. He would have shot them all, but his last arrow had been pinched by the Emperor, who was taking no chances.

With nine Suns down and dead, the only one left had to take over all Sunny duties, like it or not. That’s why we only have one sun in the sky.

Di Jun was so upset at the blatant murder of his nine children that he banished Yi to Earth and stripped him of all Godly status. However, the Western Goddess Xiwangmu took pity on him and offered an Elixir of Immortality. This was promptly guzzled by his wife Chang’e, leaving him no better off.

Yi Facts and Figures

Name: Yi
Pronunciation: Yee
Alternative names: Hau-Yi, Hou I, Hou-Yi, Shen-Yi

Gender: Male
Type: God
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role:
In charge of: Heroics
Area of expertise: Hero

Good/Evil Rating: NEUTRAL, may not care
Popularity index: 6982

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Article last revised on April 21, 2019 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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