Hou Yi
后羿
The Archer Hero
Legendary Archer Who Shot Down the Suns (射下九日的传奇射手)
A master archer who saved the world by shooting down nine of the ten scorching suns. He is the husband of Chang'e and a symbol of courage, strength, and tragic heroism in Chinese mythology.
Quick Facts
ORIGIN
Chinese Mythology & Ancient Folklore (中国神话与古代民间传说)
Xia Dynasty Era (夏朝时期)
POWERS
SYMBOLS
WEAPONS
60-Second Story
The complete journey in six key moments
Birth & Rise
Born into a mortal family, Hou Yi demonstrated extraordinary archery skills from a young age, surpassing all masters in the land.
The Ten Suns Crisis
The ten suns rose together, scorching the earth, drying rivers, and destroying crops. Monsters emerged to prey on suffering humanity.
Shooting Down the Suns
At the emperor's request, Hou Yi shot down nine of the ten suns with his divine bow, leaving only one to sustain life.
Marriage to Chang'e
Rewarded for his heroism, Hou Yi married the beautiful Chang'e, and they became the most celebrated couple in the mortal realm.
Quest for Immortality
Fearing mortality and wanting to share eternal life with Chang'e, Hou Yi journeyed to the Queen Mother of the West to obtain the elixir of immortality.
Chang'e Ascends to the Moon
While Hou Yi was away, his treacherous apprentice Peng Meng tried to steal the elixir. To protect it, Chang'e swallowed it and ascended to the moon, separating the lovers forever.
East vs West Comparison
How Hou Yi compares to Hercules + Apollo
Solar Control
Chinese Tradition
Shot down nine suns with divine arrows to save humanity from scorching heat
Western Tradition
Apollo drives the sun chariot across the sky; Ra is the sun itself
Hou Yi controls the sun through martial force and archery skill, while Western sun deities embody or serve the sun rather than dominate it.
Immortality Quest
Chinese Tradition
Sought the elixir of immortality from the Queen Mother of the West to share with his wife
Western Tradition
Hercules achieved immortality through completing twelve labors; Gilgamesh failed his quest
Hou Yi's immortality quest is driven by love and partnership, unlike the individual glory sought by Hercules or the fear of death that drove Gilgamesh.
Tragic Hero Archetype
Chinese Tradition
A mortal hero whose greatest deed led indirectly to losing his beloved wife forever
Western Tradition
Orpheus lost Eurydice by looking back; Achilles chose glory over long life
Like Orpheus, Hou Yi's tragedy stems from love and loss after a heroic triumph, creating a uniquely bittersweet narrative in Chinese mythology.
Modern Cultural Impact
Where you might have seen Hou Yi today
Honor of Kings
game • 2015
Playable marksman hero based on Hou Yi, extremely popular across Asia
Smite
game • 2014
Playable god "Hou Yi" in the mythological MOBA, wielding his legendary bow
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang
game • 2016
Marksman hero inspired by Hou Yi's archery and solar themes
Cultural Significance
Hou Yi represents the archetype of the tragic hero in Chinese mythology — one whose great deeds are overshadowed by personal loss. His story explores themes of sacrifice, mortality, and the consequences of ambition. The tale of Hou Yi and Chang'e remains one of the most romantic and bittersweet stories in Chinese culture, celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival as families gaze at the moon.