Character Introduction
The Eight Immortals are eight Taoist deities in Chinese mythology:
- Tieguai Li (Li Xuan): Tang Dynasty beggar with a medicine gourd
- Zhongli Quan (Han Zhongli): Han Dynasty general with a palm-leaf fan
- Lu Dongbin (Lü Yan): Tang Dynasty Taoist with a Pure Yang sword
- Zhang Guolao (Zhang Guo): Tang Dynasty hermit with a fishing drum
- Cao Guojiu (Cao Jingxiu): Song Dynasty royal with jade tablets
- Han Xiangzi (Han Yu’s nephew): Tang Dynasty poet with a flute
- Lan Caihe (Xu Jian): Tang Dynasty entertainer with a flower basket
- He Xiangu (He Qiong): Tang Dynasty peasant girl with a lotus
Historical Background
The group evolved from Tang Dynasty legends and was finalized in Wu Yuantai’s Journey to the East (Ming Dynasty). Each has unique enlightenment stories:
- Tieguai Li’s soul-transferring
- Zhongli Quan’s celestial guidance
- Lu Dongbin’s ten trials
- Zhang Guolao’s reverse donkey ride
- Cao Guojiu’s renunciation of wealth
- Han Xiangzi’s poetic miracles
- Lan Caihe’s drunken ascension
- He Xiangu’s peach immortality
Plot Summary
Chapter 56 of Journey to the East describes the immortals using magical items to cross the East Sea after the Queen Mother’s Peach Banquet. Their displays of power—including gourd boats and sword battles—spark a conflict with the Dragon King’s son, resolved by Guanyin’s mediation.
Relationships
- Zhongli Quan: Mentor to Lu Dongbin and Han Xiangzi
- He Xiangu: Great-aunt of Han Xiangzi
- Zhang Guolao: Friend of Lan Caihe
- Cao Guojiu: Relative of Emperor Renzong
Literary Sources
- Journey to the East (Ming Dynasty, Wu Yuantai)
- Origins of the Eight Immortals (Ming Dynasty, Yu Xiangdou)
- Complete Biography of the Eight Immortals (Qing Dynasty)
- Yuan Dynasty opera Lu Dongbin’s Three Tests
Festivals & Customs
- Immortals’ Birthdays: March 3rd (He Xiangu), April 14th (Lu Dongbin)
- Eight Immortals Temple Fairs: Shandong Taishan and Xi’an Taoist events
- Wangchuan Ritual: Fujian’s exorcism ceremony mimicking their journey
- Eight Immortals Lanterns: Zhejiang’s painted lanterns during Lantern Festival
- Eight Immortals Feast: Jiangsu-Zhejiang’s symbolic dish arrangement
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