Houyi (Chinese: 后羿; pinyin: Hòu Yì) is a legendary archer and hero in ancient Chinese mythology. He is most famous for his feat of shooting down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the earth, thereby saving humanity from catastrophe. Houyi's story is deeply rooted in Chinese folklore and has been passed down through generations, embodying themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the struggle against natural forces. The name "Houyi" can be translated to Hebrew as חוּי (pronounced "Khoo-yee"), though the name does not have a direct translation. In Japanese, he is known as Kōi (後羿), and in Korean, he is referred to as Huyi (후이). Houyi's legend is often associated with the myth of the Xihe (西王母), the mother of the ten suns, and his wife, Chang'e, the moon goddess, who is celebrated during the Mid-Autumn Festival. The tales of Houyi highlight his exceptional archery skills and his role as a cultural hero who brought balance and order to the world.
