The Fusang tree is a legendary plant in Chinese mythology, whose origin can be traced back to the classic Chinese text “Shan Hai Jing” (Classic of Mountains and Seas). The text describes the tree as growing in Tang Valley, located in the northern region of Heichi. The Fusang tree is composed of two large mulberry trees, which intertwine and support each other, and it is said to be the dwelling place of ten suns, each of which is represented by a three-legged crow called the Golden Crow.
According to the myth, every day, a Golden Crow would come to the Fusang tree, pick up one of the suns, and carry it into the sky. Once the sun had set, the Golden Crow would return to the tree, and another Golden Crow would take its place to pick up the next sun. This cycle would continue every day, ensuring that there was always one sun in the sky, providing light and warmth to the earth.
The Fusang tree is also believed to be the place where the sun goddess Xihe gives birth to her son, the Golden Crow. The Golden Crow was said to have three legs and was considered a symbol of the sun. It was believed that the Golden Crow would rise into the sky from the Fusang tree, spreading its wings and bringing light to the world.
In some versions of the myth, the archer Houyi shot down nine of the ten suns, causing chaos and imbalance in the world. The resulting damage to the Fusang tree caused it to lose its ability to serve as a gateway between the three realms of heaven, earth, and the underworld. From that point on, the tree was no longer able to function as a bridge between the realms, and the balance between the three worlds was disrupted.
The Fusang tree has been a symbol of the unity of heaven and earth and a source of inspiration for artists and writers throughout Chinese history. Its story has been passed down through the generations and remains an important part of Chinese mythology to this day.
