The Eight Immortals, also known as the Eight Immortals of the Taoist pantheon, are a group of legendary figures from Chinese mythology and folklore. They are revered as deities of longevity, good fortune, and various supernatural abilities. The Eight Immortals are believed to have achieved immortality through their mastery of Taoist practices and the attainment of the elixir of immortality.
Each of the Eight Immortals is associated with unique characteristics and symbols, and they are often depicted together in artwork and stories. Here is a brief introduction to each of the Eight Immortals:
- Li Tieguai: He is depicted as an old beggar with a crutch and a gourd containing magical medicines. Li Tieguai is known for his eccentric appearance and his ability to take on different forms.
- Han Xiangzi: He is often portrayed as a young scholar playing a flute. Han Xiangzi is associated with music and is believed to have the power to attract and control spirits.
- Zhang Guolao: He is depicted as an old man riding a donkey backward. Zhang Guolao is associated with the ability to travel long distances quickly and is often portrayed carrying a bamboo tube that grants eternal youth.
- Lan Caihe: This Immortal is often depicted as a young man or a young woman dressed in rags and carrying a flower basket. Lan Caihe is associated with the power of transformation and is sometimes depicted as androgynous.
- Lü Dongbin: He is portrayed as a scholar or a warrior with a sword. Lü Dongbin is one of the most well-known and revered of the Eight Immortals. He is associated with wisdom, military strategy, and spiritual cultivation.
- He Xiangu: She is often depicted as a beautiful young woman holding a lotus flower or a peach. He Xiangu is associated with femininity, purity, and healing abilities.
- Cao Guojiu: He is depicted as a dignified-looking official with a jade tablet or a castanet. Cao Guojiu is associated with loyalty and righteousness and is believed to have the power to drive away evil spirits.
- Zhongli Quan: He is portrayed as an old man with a fan and a peach. Zhongli Quan is associated with magic and alchemy, and his fan has the power to revive the dead and cure illness.
The Eight Immortals are revered in Taoism and are often depicted as a group, symbolizing good fortune, longevity, and spiritual attainment. They have become popular figures in Chinese art, literature, and culture, and their stories are often told to inspire and teach moral lessons.
