Nezha: The Patron Deity of Youth in Chinese Mythology

Overview

In the realm of Chinese mythology, Nezha (哪吒) emerges as an extraordinary teenage deity, revered as the guardian of the youth. His remarkable birth story begins with a gestation period lasting three years and six months, during which he developed exceptional strength and the ability to articulate speech. Nezha’s character draws inspiration from the Hindu deity, Nalakuvara.

Etymology

The name Nezha finds its roots in the Hindu god, Nalakuvara, which was adapted into Chinese as Nàluójiūpóluó (那羅鳩婆羅). Over time, this term evolved into the more succinct Nǎzhā (哪吒), which is commonly utilized today and romanized as Nezha.

Attributes

Nezha is typically portrayed as a youthful figure with his hair styled in a warrior’s bun. He is often seen brandishing a large spear and donning the Wind Fire Wheels, which allow him to navigate at impressive speeds.

Family

Nezha is the son of military commander Li Jing, sometimes referred to as the “pagoda-wielding heavenly king,” and Lady Yin. He has two older siblings, Jinzha and Muzha. Tragically, Nezha ends the life of his middle brother, Muzha, while the latter attempts to defend their father.

Family Tree

• Parents
  • Father: Li Jing
  • Mother: Lady Yin
• Siblings
  • Brothers: Jinzha, Muzha

Mythology

The tale of Nezha, as narrated in the Fengshen Yanyi, a historical literary work known as The Creation of The Gods, unfolds during the Shang Dynasty. Nezha’s entrance into the world was far from typical, reflecting a particularly tumultuous relationship with his parents.

Origins

Lady Yin endured an astonishing three years and six months of pregnancy before Nezha’s unique birth. Upon delivery, a large mass of flesh emerged, prompting his father to slice at it in fear, believing it to be a demon. A fully formed Nezha then appeared, bowing to his stunned parents. Although a Buddhist monk, Taiyi Zhenren, who assisted in his delivery, reassured them of their child’s divine potency, Nezha’s parents remained apprehensive about their extraordinary son.

Nezha’s Encounter with the Dragon King’s Son

One day, while playing in the waves, Nezha encountered a dragon boy, Ao Bing, who was equally in search of companionship. Nezha, lacking awareness of his strength, tragically smothered Au Bing during their playful antics. Ao Bing, it turned out, was the son of the East Sea Dragon King, Ao Guang, who upon discovery of his son’s demise, stormed to Nezha’s parents demanding vengeance.

Ao Guang’s immense sorrow morphed into wrath, threatening catastrophic floods across China unless Nezha paid with his life. To protect his family and the nation, Nezha chose to end his own life, offering his body as restitution. The relentless rains ceased, but Nezha found himself unable to transition into the afterlife due to his untimely death. Appearing to his mother in a dream, he implored her to construct a temple for his spirit’s repose.

Moved by her son’s plea, Lady Yin commissioned the building of a temple. However, Nezha’s father, deeming his son a disgrace, destroyed it in anger. This act ignited a profound fury within Nezha.

At this juncture, his master Taiyi Zhenren, grieving the separation from his pupil, reincarnated Nezha using lotus roots. Upon rebirth, Nezha received a fire-tipped spear and the magical Wind Fire Wheels, equipping him for retribution. He swiftly set out to confront his father.

In a moment of confrontation, Nezha’s father fled in terror and implored Muzha to protect him. Nezha, in his rage, killed Muzha and was on the verge of attacking his father when two Buddhas, Wenshu Guangfa Tianzun and Randeng Daoren, intervened. They acknowledged Nezha’s grievances but highlighted the gravity of patricide. Ultimately, Nezha heeded their counsel and chose to reconcile with his father, a powerful testament to filial piety and respect for parental authority.

Popular Culture

Nezha has become a symbol for outcasts within society, particularly resonating with adolescents. His fiery wheels endear him to professional drivers, including taxi operators. A significant cultural icon, Nezha appears in various media, including television series, films, and music. Notably, he has been featured in the animated series The Legend of Nezha, as well as referenced in Dragon Ball as the character Chiaotzu and in the game Warframe.