Chang'e, the Lady in the Moon

In ancient times, the hero Hou I saved the earth by shooting down nine of the ten suns that were scorching the land. As a reward, he received an elixir of immortality from the Queen-Mother of the Jasper Sea. He hid the potion at home, but his wife Tschang O secretly consumed it while he was away. The magic caused her to float up into the sky, where she became trapped on the moon as the Lady of the Moon. Years later, an emperor from the Tang dynasty sat with two sorcerers during a festive night. One sorcerer cast his staff into the air, transforming it into a bridge to the lunar realm. The trio climbed up and found themselves in a magical world made entirely of crystal and glass. They encountered a great cassia tree being chopped by a man who maintains the moon's radiance. The Lady of the Moon herself appeared, greeting the visitors with grace and wonder. She summoned attendants who flew on white birds to perform songs and dances for their guests. A jasper rabbit was seen grinding herbs in a marble mortar nearby. The emperor enjoyed the enchanting music and beauty of this celestial place. Eventually, he returned safely to earth, carrying the memory of his heavenly visit. He had the melodies written down to be played in his garden back home. Thus, the tale connects the lonely fate of Tschang O with a moment of wonder for an earthly ruler.