The Eight Immortals, a group of legendary immortals, are among the most well known Chinese folk heroes from Taoist mythology.
Originally, they were eight ordinary mortals. However, due to their good works and lives, they were rewarded by the Heavenly Empress by giving them the everlasting lives.
The Immortals are:
- Han Zhongli – A Han Dynasty general, is usually shown carrying a feather fan which he uses to revive the dead.
- Lu Dongbin – Known for his drinking and fighting abilities, he always carries a demon-slaying sword and a fly whisk which he uses to walk on clouds or fly to heaven.
- Chang Kuo- Riding a donkey (sometimes backwards), he carries a tube-shaped bamboo musical instrument called yugu.
- Li Tieguai - known as “Li with the iron crutch”, carries a gourd with magic elixir.
- He Xiangu – The only female in the group and usually carries a lotus, peach or fly whisk.
- Han Xiangzi – He is always seen playing a flute. It is said that he can make flowers bloom with just his will, and soothe wild animals with his music.
- Cao Guojiu – Carrying a ruyi sceptre or castanets, he is always shown wearing formal court dress.
- Lan Caihe – Depicted as either a male or female, he usually wears a tattered blue gown and only one shoe, holding a fruit/flower basket.
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