If you missed my last Smite article on Hel, you can find it here.
Ne Zha, also spelled Nezha, is a protective god of Chinese myth. He protects misfits, children, and others. He is a teenage god with other names and epitaphs. To the Taoists, he is known as Marshal of the Central Alter, and throughout China, he earned the title Third Lotus Prince.
Nezha was born during the early Shang Dynasty, and his father was Li Jing, a military commander who became known as the Pagoda-Weilding Heavenly King. His mother, Lady Yin, is said to be the second daughter of the Jade Emperor. Lady Yin was pregnant with Nezha for three and a half years. When he was finally born, he was a ball of flesh. When Li Jing attacked it, Nezha jumped out as a young boy instead of a baby with the ability to speak and understand what was said. He could also walk, but he was born mortal for all this. Nezha has two older brothers- Jinzha and Muzha. Nezha ended up killing Jizha. Nezha was taught by Taiyi Zhenren, who was there for his birth. Nezha and his father spent their entire relationship at odds. It started with Nezha as a kid because he was full of mischief and had a habit of ignoring rules and commands, and Li Jing couldn’t stand it.
Nezha is usually portrayed as a teen or child because he never reached adulthood. He wears hair in a warrior’s bun wearing the Universe ring, either around his waist or on his left hand. Additionally, he wears a red Armilitary Sash while holding a fire-tipped spear in his right hand. Nezha is shown riding the fire wheels granted to him by a Buddha.
One day when Nezha bathed in the stream near the East Sea, and Ao Guang became earth-shaking pissed because of it and caused a drought in that region. When food was sacrificed to make up for the offense, Ao Guang rejected the offering, stating only a sacrifice of a boy and a girl to be eaten would appease him. The Dragon King sent Li Gen to collect them, and Nezha was playing with the two intended children. When Li Gen appeared, Nezha beat him so severely that Li Gen ran, well, figuratively, back to Ao Guang. He then sent his son Ao Bing. Nezha killed the prince. Then Ao Guang commanded Li Jing’s death until Nezha stepped in and committed suicide in his father’s place. This sacrifice gave Nezha his godhood as well as gave him the chance to fight the Dragon in Heaven. He had his flesh and bones returned to his parents.
Nezha was resurrected either by his mother or his teacher, depending on the myth. If Lady Yin resurrected him, it was after she built him a temple because he asked for it in a dream. He needed a place where he could rest. Unexpectedly, it flourished, resurrecting him. He stayed alive even after his father burned it to the ground. Or if it was his immortal teacher, Taiyi Zhenren, who somehow built Nezha a body from lotus roots and bound his soul to it. Nezha’s father never forgave him, causing harm to their family. When Li Jing burned Nezha’s temple, it made Nezha hate his father so much that when he had a corporeal body again, he went after him. Li Jing and Nezha fought each other time and again, almost killing each other. Eventually, Li Jing was given the power to trap his son.
Most Chinese know the story of Nezha Conquering the Sea even today. Nezha is also in Journey to the West (by Wu Cheng’en) as a general under his father, Li Jing. In the story, Nezha fights Sun Wukong but later becomes friends. He is also found on screen and in games. Nezha is still revered today. He is viewed as the protector of professional drivers like taxi drivers, bus drivers, and truckers.
Have you used Ne Zha in Smite? How do you like playing him? What do you think of his mythological origins? Let me know in the comments below. Until next time, have fun storming the castle!
