Nezha
Nezha is a miraculous child born from a ball of flesh, wielding a fire-tipped spear, cosmic ring, and Wind Fire Wheels. After slaying a dragon prince and clashing with his father, he dies, rebuilds his body from lotus, and continues fighting evil.
Story beats
- 1) Nezha’s birth shakes heaven; as a boy he kills a sea dragon’s son defending fishermen.
- 2) Dragon kings demand his life; to save his family, Nezha slashes himself and returns his bones to his parents.
- 3) He is reborn in a lotus body crafted by his master Taiyi Zhenren, stronger and freed from paternal ties.
- 4) Riding Wind Fire Wheels and wielding ring and spear, he battles demons and aids the righteous (e.g., in Investiture of the Gods).
Context & symbolism
Nezha represents youthful rebellion channeled into protection. His self-sacrifice and lotus rebirth explore autonomy and duty, while his dragon conflict highlights defiance against oppressive demands. His magical gear signals mobility and cosmic authority in a small frame.
In modern adaptations, he embodies anti-bullying courage and self-definition beyond fate.
Motifs
- Fire-tipped spear and Universe Ring
- Wind Fire Wheels for flight
- Lotus-rebuilt body after self-immolation
- Child hero defying heaven and dragons
Use it in play
- Rebuild a fallen ally in a lotus body with a master’s help.
- Race on Wind Fire Wheels across lava fields to deliver a message.
- Navigate duty vs. rebellion: defy a tyrant dragon at a cost to family ties.
- Borrow Nezha’s ring and spear; their power demands fearless heart and quick feet.