yì羿shè射jiǔ九rì日
To describe a heroic act performed for the benefit of the people, eliminating a great danger or source of suffering.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Legend has it that during the reign of Emperor Yao in ancient times, there were ten suns in the sky, each supposed to appear in rotation. However, due to a dispute, all ten suns appeared simultaneously. The scorching heat withered all the trees and crops on Earth, and the common people were on the verge of starvation.
Emperor Yao commanded Hou Yi, the husband of Chang'e, to shoot down the suns with his bow and arrows. Hou Yi, mustering all his strength, shot down nine of them, leaving only the one sun we see today.