Emperor Shennong had four beautiful daughters, each unique in her own way. However, his youngest daughter, known as Nv Wa (女娃), was different from her three elder sisters. While the older sisters were gentle and graceful, always enjoying the pleasures of the garden and their needlework in their chambers, Nv Wa was wild at heart. She could never stand such a quiet and passive life and constantly begged her father to take her outside. Emperor Shennong, overwhelmed with state affairs, was unable to grant her requests. But this only made Nv Wa more restless and determined.
One day, unable to wait any longer, Nv Wa decided to leave home on her own. Fearless and adventurous by nature, she ventured into the world outside. For Nv Wa, every aspect of nature was more exciting than the life she had been living in the palace. Even the smallest blade of grass seemed more beautiful and lively than anything she had ever seen before. She felt a newfound sense of freedom and joy.
Soon, Nv Wa became addicted to exploring the world outside. She made new friends and heard tales of the joy of boating on the East Sea. Her friends warned her of the danger posed by the stormy seas, but Nv Wa, headstrong and unafraid, did not listen. “I’ll be fine. There’s no danger at all,” she thought. So, one day, she set off alone for the East Sea.
When she arrived, the sea was calm and peaceful. Nv Wa, feeling proud of her courage, laughed at her friends’ fears. She got into a small boat and began her journey. The soft wind and gentle waves made her feel at ease, but, as if by fate, the weather soon turned. A sudden storm struck, and the once-calm sea became wild and menacing. The waves roared like demons, and the small boat was tossed helplessly by the wind and waves. Despite her frantic efforts to row, the sea overwhelmed her. With a final crash, the storm swallowed her, and Nv Wa’s life was taken.
But Nv Wa’s story did not end with her death. In the afterlife, her soul was reborn as a bird—Jingwei. This bird emerged from the East Sea, where Nv Wa had met her tragic end, and flew to the Fagou Mountain, which was covered in wild shrubs and trees. There, Jingwei made her home. Every day, she would gather branches from the mountain and fly back to the East Sea, dropping them into the water.
Jingwei’s efforts never ceased. Whether it was stormy or calm, with the wind howling or the thunder roaring, she continued her mission without rest. Day after day, year after year, Jingwei’s determination remained unwavering. Her sole purpose was clear: to fill the East Sea, the very sea that had claimed her life.
As time passed, the East Sea grew irritated by Jingwei’s persistent actions. One day, as Jingwei once again dropped a branch into the sea, the sea raged and spoke to her, “What are you trying to do, you mad bird?” Jingwei, undeterred, replied firmly, “I am going to fill you up, no matter how long it takes.” The sea, surprised and amused, asked, “Fill me up? Do you really think you can accomplish such a feat? You are wasting your time.”
Jingwei, resolute, answered, “You swallowed my life when I was young. I cannot allow you to harm any more lives. I will fill you up, even if it takes a million years, even if it takes until the end of time.” The sea was speechless, dumbfounded by the bird’s determination. It could not understand her unwavering commitment, and, shaking its head, it left.
Despite the sea’s derision, Jingwei never stopped. One day, a seabird called Haiyan saw Jingwei’s actions and was deeply moved. Haiyan flew down and asked, “Why do you do this? What drives you to fill the sea?” Upon hearing the story of Jingwei’s loss and her determination, Haiyan was touched. Soon after, Haiyan and Jingwei became partners and had many offspring. Together, they all worked tirelessly to fill the sea, day after day, year after year.
To this day, the descendants of Jingwei and Haiyan continue this legendary task, striving to fill the sea with their determination and labor. Their story has become a symbol of perseverance, the belief that no obstacle, no matter how great, can stand in the way of a determined heart. The myth of Jingwei, the bird who vowed to fill the sea, remains an enduring legend, inspiring generations with the idea that even the most impossible challenges can be met with unyielding effort.