Overview
Nezha (哪吒) holds a significant place in Chinese mythology as a youthful deity revered as the protector of younger generations. His extraordinary narrative begins with an unusual gestation period, resulting in his birth imbued with remarkable strength and the ability to articulate his thoughts. The inspiration for Nezha’s character can be traced back to the Hindu deity, Nalakuvara.
Etymology
The name Nezha evolved from the original Hindu god, Nalakuvara, which was transliterated into Chinese as Nàluójiūpóluó (那羅鳩婆羅). Over the course of history, this name underwent transformations, eventually becoming the more concise Nǎzhā (哪吒) and now commonly referred to as Nezha.
Attributes
Nezha is characterized as a youthful warrior, often portrayed with his hair styled in a traditional bun. His iconic image typically features him wielding a substantial spear and adorned with Wind Fire Wheels that grant him swift movement.
Family
Nezha is the son of Li Jing, a prominent military leader also known as the “pagoda-wielding heavenly king,” and Lady Yin. He has two elder brothers, Jinzha and Muzha. Tragically, Nezha ends up killing Muzha while defending his father, signaling a fraught familial dynamic. His eldest brother, Jinzha, finds guidance from the bodhisattva Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun, who intervenes to spare Nezha from patricide.
Family Tree
- Parents:
- Father: Li Jing
- Mother: Lady Yin
- Siblings:
- Brothers: Jinzha, Muzha
Mythology
In the historical narrative known as the Fengshen Yanyi, or The Creation of The Gods, Nezha’s origin unfolds during the Shang Dynasty where he was born into a tumultuous familial environment.
Origins
Lady Yin endured an astonishing three years and six months of pregnancy before Nezha’s birth. When the time came, what emerged from her was a fleshy orb. Mistaken for a demon, Li Jing struck at the orb only for a fully developed boy to emerge, bowing to greet them. Both parents were understandably shocked and frightened. However, a compassionate monk, Taiyi Zhenren, reassured them and recognized Nezha as a child of divine powers. He took Nezha as his disciple, although the boy’s parents never fully accepted him.
Nezha Kills the Dragon King’s Son
One fateful day at the beach, Nezha encountered a little dragon boy amidst the waves. Loneliness plagued Nezha as few children would engage with him due to his eerie beginnings. He extended a playful invitation to Ao Bing, the dragon boy, leading to some innocent fun. Tragically, Nezha’s unwitting strength resulted in Ao Bing’s accidental death.
Ao Bing’s father, the East Sea Dragon King, Ao Guang, learned of his son’s demise and was consumed with grief and fury. He approached Nezha’s parents, demanding revenge—Nezha’s life for his son’s. As storms raged and threats of flooding loomed over China, Nezha decided to take his own life, offering his physical form as reparation. The storm immediately ceased. Yet, Nezha’s spirit, uneasy about his early demise, couldn’t transition to the afterlife. He appeared in Lady Yin’s dreams, requesting a temple for his spirit to find peace.
Overjoyed by the revelation that her son still existed in some form, Lady Yin arranged for a temple to be built. However, Li Jing viewed Nezha’s actions as a source of disgrace and destroyed the temple out of shame. Infuriated by his father’s actions, Nezha succumbed to a rage-fueled desire for vengeance.
Meanwhile, Taiyi Zhenren longed for his disciple and forged a new body for Nezha from lotus roots. Upon his reincarnation, he was bestowed with a fire-tipped spear and the Wind Fire Wheels, allowing him to move with extraordinary speed. Nezha sought out his father, who, in fear, fled and begged Muzha for protection. In a fateful confrontation, Nezha killed his brother. Just as he was about to act against Li Jing, two Buddhas intervened, urging him against making the irreversible decision to harm a parent. Accepting their wisdom, Nezha reconciled with his father, rendering his tale a compelling illustration of filial piety and the respect children owe their parents.
Popular Culture
Nezha has emerged as a symbol of hope for societal outcasts and maintains a particular affinity with the youth. His association with fiery wheels also endears him to drivers. A cultural icon in China, Nezha has appeared in various media, including television shows, films, and music. Notably, he stars in the beloved animated series, The Legend of Nezha, and also figures prominently in popular culture representations like Dragon Ball’s Chiaotzu and the video game Warframe.
