Incredible Story of Zhang xian, the immortal with pebble bow

In http://www.atarn.org/letters/ltr_jan01.htm

Mr. Selby mentioned this Zhang Xian, the immortal with pebble bow.

I know this guy from the Kun opera. it is an acient Chinese opera.
even older than Peking opera.

You know, if you dig into Chinese opera, you might find a lot of info about archery, too.

check this out
[external image]

Unfortunately, the bow is wrong, it should be a pebble bow, instead of regular bow, but at least, the actor did not bring an arrow.
and he suppose only draw empty bow with out pebble, since he should not kill the bird. and when the bird fly away, one women will get pregnant. That is why he is the god for give people kids.

BUT WHY he want to shoot the black dog?
Because people believe the successful people is a star come down from the sky or from god, kind like Jesus. but the black dog block the way from paradise to the middle earth. So Zhang Xian, the archery master, stands out, and shoot the black dog, so the stars will be delivered to the people as their kids and they will become successful, like a star, when they grow up.
Does Zhang Xian sounds like Legolas?

Well, anyway, since Zhang Xian's great achievement , he become the god for success in the most popular three stars.(fortune, success and longevity)

Wow, now I have the confidence that archery will defintely be very popular in China

[external image]


Well, this is more related with Chinese culture than archery. I do not know if it will be welcome to post here.

since it will be Chinese new year this weekend, wish you all the best in the new year.