Nezha

Nezha
Cyborg Human
Character Information
Height:	165 cm (5'5")
Weapon(s):	Bladed rings (Cyborg) Fire-Tip Spear (Human)
Sacred Treasure:	Taijitu
Type:	Speed (WO3~4)
First Appearance:	Warriors Orochi 3 (Cyborg) Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate (Human)
Historical Information
Real name:	Nézhā
Chinese/Japanese name:	哪咤 - 哪吒
Also known as Nàzhā (那吒), Nata (나타), Lǐ Nézhā, Lǐ Nàzhā, Li Nata or Li Nataku (李哪吒 or 李那吒), Prince Nezha (哪吒太子, Nézhā Tàizǐ) or Third Prince Nezha (哪吒三太子, Nézhā Sān Tàizǐ), General of the Middle Altar (中壇元帥, Zhōngtán Yuánshuài), Prince Luoche (羅車太子, Luóchē Tàizǐ), Prince of the Silk Wagon (金環元帥, Jīnhuán Yuánshuài), or Nalakuvera (那羅鳩婆 or नलकुवेर). Mythological figure. Na tra (VIetnamese)

Nezha (哪吒, onyomi: Nata) is a Chinese mythological figure who is accepted as one of Li Jing's sons. He is famously known for assisting Jiang Ziya's war against the Shang Dynasty. Proving himself as an esteemed warrior, he was granted passage into the heavens as an anointed prince. Nezha later clashed with Sun Wukong and tamed the mighty Bull Demon King.

The Warriors Orochi series splits his persona into two different playable entities. His first appearance is a cyborg and the other is his human self in Ultimate. Players can unlock him in his debut by viewing the True Ending.

His human version is designed by Akihiro Yamada. This alternate version can be playable if players choose the recommended team for one of the story battles found in Chapter 7. His human self won seventh place in the Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate popularity poll.

While clearly distinguished as a boy in the Japanese ports of the Fengshen Yanyi series, Nezha is made female in the English version of Mystic Heroes and is named Naja. He is 12 years old in the first game and remains 15 years old throughout the series. His height is 159 cm (5'3") and he weighs 47 kg (104 lbs). In the English version of Saiyuki: Journey West, he is called The Fool.

Role in Games

Warriors Orochi

Nezha was originally a child born between the mystic and human realms. His natural fighting capabilities permitted him to live with the immortals in their homeland. He fought valiantly for them until Orochi killed him. Susano'o resurrected him from beyond the grave to inhabit his current cyborg state.

Feeling indebted to the mystic leader, he hunts Da Ji at Sekigahara and has no intention of working with the coalition. He obediently follows Susano'o's orders at all times. When he is bested four times by humanity (Sekigahara, Tong Gate, Yamazaki, and Osaka Castle), a baffled Nezha wonders if he perhaps misjudged them.

Although he effortlessly defeats Lu Bu throughout the story, the cyborg is finally defeated by the coalition during the final battle with Susano'o prior to the final showdown at New Koshi Castle.

He is also one of the stars of the downloadable stage "Lu Bu's Revenge". Even after he loses against Lu Bu, the rivalry between them does not end. In "True Love", Nezha and Nuwa are given a lesson by Aya about the value and different forms of love.

Ultimate shows Nezha's past incarnation in the seventh chapter where he aids efforts to end Tamamo's schemes. After Orochi's sudden arrival, Nezha and Sun Wukong were sent to the Wuhang mountains in Susano'o's stead to help create a united front against the serpent king. Given the extreme chaos at the Wuhang mountains, Hanbei detects that Tamamo has been in the area, and helps in preventing her from interfering in the near future. He dies at Koshi Castle against Orochi. One of the side stages has him, Yinglong, and Fu Xi face Kyūbi to save their fellow mystics.

Nezha's cybernetic incarnation gains two scenarios. The first stage revisits the previous chase at Sekigahara but with Susano'o and Shennong aiding the hunt. Nezha then aids Susano's attack on the Coalition and pursuit of Da Ji. Although their target escapes, the mystics still refuse to leave the matter to the humanity.

Nezha initially appears as a mysterious contender of the Resistance in 4 often appearing to get in the way of the allied army, but encouraging them to gain the strength to defeat Nobunaga at the same time. His true intentions are eventually revealed after Nobunaga is defeated at Honnōji, and Nu Wa tells the Resistance army that the two mystics had found a mysterious snake bracelet that reacted to the daimyō.

Hoping to find the cause of the commotion, they had Nobunaga act as a villain to have other factions gather together to fight him. Once the truth is revealed, both the Oda and the Resistance armies form the Coalition, which Nezha and Nu Wa both join.

Nezha later accompanies the Coalition's armies to Jing Province, where they search out Himiko, who is now being protected by the demons that gathered to worship her.

Fengshen Yanyi

In this series, he is Li Jing's oldest son, Jinzha and Muzha's older brother and Taiyi Zhenren's pupil.

When Nezha was seven years old, he played with a dangerous paopei and accidentally burned himself to death. Moments after he died, Taiyi Zhenren reconstructed his body so that he would continue to live. Though he was able to grow a few inches, the price for his new life is that he would forever stay in the immortal body of a young boy. His father was pleased to see his son still alive and entrusted Nezha to the mystic.

After Taigong Wang left for the mortal realm, Li Jing was asked by his mentor to aid the youth. Nezha overheard his father's plans to leave without him and became upset. By the time the main party meets the family duo, Nezha is beating his father during his tantrum. He spars with Huang Feihu while his father talks to his fellow Kunlun student. Once Taigong Wang invites the boy to join their perilous journey, Nezha jumps at the chance for some action.

When they confront the first of the five gates, Zhang Guifang stuns the travelers with his paopei. Since Nezha isn't human, he remains unaffected by the treasure's effects and proudly beats the general. Confident from his first victory, he daringly challenges Wu Wenhua but is squashed by the man's technique. Severely wounded and unconscious, Taiyi Zhenren momentarily returns him to Mount Kunlun to properly mend his wounds. He returns in perfect health before the party faces Ma Yuan and remains with the main party for the rest of the game. He returns with his family to Mount Kunlun after the final battle.

During the timeline in Magical Fengshen, Nezha is heralded as a one of the four legendary heroes who sealed away Da Ji's soul. Huang Feihu hints that one of the paopei he gave the children formerly belonged to Nezha and the rest of townsfolk mistakenly say that it belonged to "a beautiful goddess" seen in a south-eastern lake. When Sora's party reaches him, he throws a fit for being called a beauty and attacks the children. Once he is defeated by them and learns their real purpose for visiting him, Nezha refuses to aid their cause. Before he disappears into the lake, Marin showers him with praise and sweet talks him to help. He tells them Yang Jian's location and comically erupts when the girl admits that she was lying to him.

In Fengshen Yanyi 2, he isn't mentioned until Yang Jian suggests finding a powerful member for Ziya's party. Before his master informs them of his whereabouts, Nezha desired to become more talented within human limits. To "assist" him, Taiyi Zhenren placed him within a pot and hurled him to the human world. Ziya and company find Nezha throwing a tantrum within the Sleeping Forest, yelling he was tricked and smashing open his pot. Huang Tianhua perks the boy's attention by mocking Nezha's bravery and fighting ability. Infuriated by the swordsman's jeers, Nezha joins Ziya to show his "new minion" a real mystic's strength.

Saiyuki: Journey West

He also appears as one of Sanzo's Guardians in Saiyuki: Journey West. He is sealed at Firetop mountain where Sanzo's party first encounters Yaksa. Upon his release, he is surprised to see Goku out of his rock and throws a few curses at him. Without much ado, he leaves everyone baffled as he enters Sanzo's staff. Goku replies that he was the one who he bullied back in Heaven five hundred years ago. When he is summoned into battle, the party's attack strength rises and Sanzo can use Nezha's fire whip.

Character Information

Development

The director for Warriors Orochi 3, Shigeto Nakadai, is one of the developers who took part in Koei's take on Fengshen Yanyi. He helped develop the Nezha in the past product so he eagerly thought to put his fondest character into the Warriors franchise. He is quite pleased with Nezha's renovated look.

Personality

For his Warriors incarnation, Nezha finds humanity to be a weak annoyance and hindrance to his master's plans. He believes himself to be superior to them in every way, yet his repeated defeats against them has him start to consider them in a new light. His unfailing loyalty to Susano'o prevents him from accepting humanity as quickly as the other mystics. Although he acts haughty and cold, Nezha enjoys a good challenge and only seeks the company of strong warriors. While Lu Bu considers him the one opponent he needs to defeat, Nezha finds him unsatisfying. He thinks the warrior has no chance of surpassing him. He prefers to chat with other mystics: Da Ji, Kaguya, and Fu Xi. In 4, he has notably warmed up more to the humans and often pesters Munenori Yagyū for duels, insisting to see the swordsman's true strength. His occasionally destructive nature is also something that is encouraged by Nobunaga.

Susano'o claims to have made some errors in bringing Nezha back to life after his death stating he forgot to give him back his emotions. His assessment rings somewhat true when comparing the cyborg to his young, bolder self. He fights with a proactive desire to challenge himself. This version shares an affinity with Sun Wukong and Yinglong. Notably, even in his human form, Nezha still looks down on humanity's worth, and insists that they are more of hindrances than assets.

Smug and daring, Nezha thinks himself to be one of the greatest beings in any realm in the Fengshen Yanyi series. Willing to show his superiority at any time, he loves to brawl and picks fights at any opportunity. He is also irritated easily by subjects that he can't understand and doesn't particularly care much for traditional values. Magical Fengshen reveals that he probably isn't very educated since he can't read King Wu's letter.

He is also the black sheep of his family, as his outspoken confidence starkly contrasts their prim and proper image. Nezha is a strong idol for his younger brothers and, though he tries to act kindly towards them, he is slightly annoyed by the similarity of his younger brothers' faces. He can't stand his "useless father's" preachings and pummels Li Jing mercilessly. He claims that he can't stand children and is constantly disturbed by Leizhenzi's need for attention.

Since they share the same rebellious spirit, he shares a minor rivalry with Huang Tianhua. Like his rival, Nezha surprises the party with his unabashed and caring love for animals. It's implied that he also has a rivalry with Gokuu, but not much is said regarding their history together.

Character Symbolism

Two of Nezha's weapons for his cyborg appearance are callbacks to two divine weapons given to him by his master in the novel Fengshen Yanyi. His second level weapon along with the item he is affiliated with in Ultimate is named after his Wind-Fire Wheels, a pair of universe rings which Nezha could throw as dual projectiles in battle. Nezha could also ride them as a speedy form of transportation.

Coincidentally akin to one of Taigong Wang's weapons referencing an alternate adaptation of Fengshen Yanyi, the Nezha from the said adaptation and the Orochi cyborg Nehza both are able to fire their version of the universe rings as a rocket-punch-styled projectile, as well as primarily fighting hand-to-hand without the existence of their iconic Fire-Tip Spear, referenced in his third weapon's name.

As for his human version, he uses the very aforementioned Fire-Tip Spear itself. Though it appeared to be a normal lance, it emitted fire as it sliced through the air. Alternatively, the lance has been argued to have been an average weapon that later became a divine treasure because Nezha laid his hands on it and imbued it with his own power.

Nezha's human form's personal item, the lotus flower, follows how his second body was constructed with lotus roots, which locked him into having a body of a child from then on.

Voice Actors

• Shunzō Miyasaka - Warriors Orochi 3
• Shinobu Adachi - Fengshen Yanyi
• Yuka Imai - Fengshen Yanyi drama CDs ~ Mystic Heroes (Japanese)

Quotes

See also: Nezha/Quotes

• "I think I have learned to appreciate you."

"Do not take me as a fool. Unless you have a fondness for being impaled!"

"I admire your strong arms and sturdy shoulders. Now I must set my sights on such a physique."

~~Nezha and Lu Bu; Warriors Orochi 3

• "Ahh, Da Ji... You really are quite adept at causing trouble."

"Hey, Nezha. Who are you to criticize me? You seem to be wreaking havoc everywhere you go as well."

"What am I supposed to do? Demons are running wild and the Mystic Realm is in danger. I have no choice."

~~Human Nezha and Da Ji; Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate

• "You and I were such a perfect match. You desired battle for the sake of your ambition. l lured our enemies into battle against you, and had the opportunity to fight against the mightiest among them. We are still in the same camp, but our relationship is now dissolved. I doubt whether I will still be able to fight such mighty enemies."

"Hehe. You desire battle against a powerful foe...?"

"Yes. I desire endless battle."

"Then do as you did before. Lure the enemy out! Find them and challenge them! There are always battles awaiting those who desire them! Keep on challenging your limits! Keep on fighting forever! Hehe... Hahahaha!"

"Yes, that's good. I will do as you say. I will challenge this world. And as before, I will do it by your side."

~~Nezha and Nobunaga; Warriors Orochi 4

• "Hey, Nezha. Looks like you're still as belligerent as ever. I mean, I played one little trick up in the Mystic Realm, and you came running to punish me."

"If I didn't hurry, Susano'o or Yinglong would beat me to the punch, and I'd miss out on a fight. That'd just be a waste."

"That's just it. You really have no idea that you're in the top three mystics no demon wants to see come after them, do you?"

"Oh, that sounds fun! Who else is in the top three?"

"You just don't get it... Anyway, Susano'o obviously makes the cut. He's so merciless I doubt he has blood in his veins. So many have suffered for his "big picture." And then there's Yinglong. He's a humanitarian, in that there's nothing he enjoys more than the tears of the suffering people. You take your life in your hands with him. He's all order, order, order. Nothing else."

"Really...? I've never fought Yinglong in earnest. I'd love to give it a go."

"That right there is why you're in the top three! That innocent laugh, as you declare you want to fight the strongest warriors you can find-- it's terrifying!"

~~Human Nezha and Sun Wukong; Warriors Orochi 4

Gameplay

Warriors Orochi

Keys:

Normal Attack •

Charge Attack •

Musou •

Jump/Mount

• Cyborg
• Human

Ground Moveset

: Emits a shockwave and conjures two floating orbs, which eventually home in on targets.

, : Kicks a burning spinning energy saw blade forward that launches.

EX Attack: , , : Jumps into the air with a powered-up dash diagonally-into the sky. There a period throughout the animation where Nezha is still considered to be on the ground.

, , , (), (): Jumps into the air and shoots his bracers downward into the enemy ranks twice, then dive-stomps onto the ground afterwards.

, , , : Spins around to conjure two spinning energy saw blades and performs a body-stretching gesture to shoot them forward.

, , , , : Creates a wave of water erupting forward.

, , , , , : Engulfs himself in flames and dashes forward. Inflicts spiraling crashing knockback.

, , , , , : Creates spinning blade-like objects at his limbs for all of these attacks; right hook, left hook, two inward mid-high spin kicks from right-to-left, then conjures two energy sabers at his wrists while waving outward and finishes the attack string with shooting two energy saw blades forward from his feet (while upside down for a brief moment); Nezha as soon as he recovers, then performs an aura burst to fire two piercing energy spheres that home in on foes.

Dashing : Performs a floating cartwheel-styled tumble.

, : An air dash that makes him temporarily invincible. Nezha rolls forward through the air.

, : Swats downward with his right hand to fire an energy saw blade downward to the ground.

, : Dive-bombs towards the ground diagonally to punch it for a quake. Can hit downed targets.

R1: Emits an aura burst that unleashes four homing energy spheres at once then dashes forward with two energy sabers created at his wrists as he tuck-braces himself.

, R1 (Warriors Orochi 3 Ultimate only): Fires his bracers down to the ground diagonally, rocket-punch style, and causes them to fly back to Nezha on a return path, hitting enemies twice. Nezha then flips back to the ground when they reattach, and the bracers are surrounded by a wind funnel for added range. Launches opponents on hit. Can be cancelled into from his C3.

: A series of heavy punches and kicks powered up with energy (in order: right cross, left cross, right hook, left hook, inward right-legged kick to an outward left-legged spin kick, skyward-punch that fires an energy wave vertically upward to launch, fires a burst of light upward with both hands, then drill-dives forward in energy). Finishes with creating a large aura burst shockwave. The startup uses a Mystic Musou Attack effect.

Horse Moveset

:

, , , , , :

: Horse stampedes with a powerful aura.

Warriors Orochi 4

, , , , : No longer activates elements.

Fighting Style

In Warriors Orochi 3 Nezha's moveset has some tricky movements that might deter beginners. Depending on the player's preferences, his character type might cause some problems with crowd clearing. Overall, Nezha is a powerhouse and easy to use in most situations. His performance isn't hampered much on the game's harder difficulties, and his charges are jump cancel friendly for lengthy combos.

On higher difficulties with solo maximization, Nezha's C5 is able to generate a notable amount of combo for Aggression and Bastion, while also combining the sustain setups via the elemental + Absorption + Osmosis attributes.

Ground Moveset

: Twirls his spear above him, then slams it down to shoot forward a grounded-fire wave. Can hold down to charge up the attack at different intervals to increase the damage and size of the wave; maximum charge will make Nezha release the wave automatically. The spear twirling itself also has a hitbox.

, : Swings his spear for a launching waving-swing upward, then tosses up a pair of jian with his free hand that float and spin at a height above himself which strikes launched targets. The jian thrown out still persist if the animation cancelled into either an R1 Type Action or Musou Attack.

EX Attack: , , : Jumps into the air with a brief-continuous amount of spinning upward swings. Cannot be jump cancelled nor can it activate elements.

, , , (), (): Spins around like a top through midair while teetering on one foot, then smashes the ground for a quake that stuns (or launches on airborne hit). Cannot be jump cancelled.

, , , : Throws out a pair of spinning jian that orbit around him, while following up with a turning two-handed swing-sweep with his spear that emits a brief trail of fire. The jian thrown out still persist if the animation cancelled into either an R1 Type Action or Musou Attack.

, , , , : Twirls his fire-tip spear upwards as he steps forward in a showy display-dance (which suck in and spiral-launch enemies into the hitboxes), then sends his enemies flying with a spiraling launch via a jump-rising swing turning to his left. The jump itself cannot be acted out of until the end of the animation.

, , , , , : Leaps up with a spear twirl and plants his spear to the ground for a fissure, causing flames to surround him like a pillar. Cannot be jump cancelled, but can be cancelled into his grounded R1 Type Action at any point.

, , , , , : A flailing swing to his left, right, a full-circle swat one-handed swing to the right, a lifting-scoop swing to the left, a downward swing overhead to the left, then finishing with turning-leap slam that inflicts crashing knockback.

Dashing : A turning sweep-swing to the left.

, : An air dash that makes him temporarily invincible. Nezha rolls forward through the air.

, : Swings downward with a sideways scoop to the left.

, : Dives down with a wind-tunnel-effect kick into a sliding entry to launch up foes. Invokes a unique camera panning to the right whenever Nezha lands into his sliding animation.

R1: Tosses out a pair of spinning jian (akin to his C4) forward with his free hand that fall to the ground, then Nezha gestures into a pose with his spear where a single storm of stunning lightning bolts strike down in front of himself around where the jian were thrown. Cannot be directed and cannot be jump cancelled.

• As of Patch 1.05, the attack inflicts more hits than before.

, R1: Enshrouds his spear in flames as he twirls it about, tossing a fire circle-projectile to the ground as it leaves trails of fire behind. Nezha can damage enemies as he twirls his spear. Cannot be directed during the animation, and can be cancelled into from his EX Attack; interacts with destructible objects and spiral launches targets.

: Nezha tosses up into the air a small blue and green 'yin and yang orb-like object', only to have it separate and enlarge both at once when twirls his spear beside himself with both hands, performing some sort of ritual to attach both the object parts together in front of himself. After it fully forms while also sucking in enemies during that time, Nezha then thrusts forward his spear at the object to detonate it into a multi-hitting flame tornado that lingers around for some time. Startup graphics are akin to a Dynasty Warriors 7-styled Musou Attack.

Horse Moveset

:

, , , , , :

: Horse stampedes with a powerful aura.

Warriors Orochi 4

, : Same as before, but no longer pans the camera.

Fengshen Yanyi

The following lists his starting weapon and magic proficiencies in Fengshen Yanyi.

Sword - n/a

Spear - 2/8

Club - n/a

Bow - 1/7

Earth - 1/7

Healing - n/a

Illusion - 2/8

Chi - 1/6

Mystic Heroes

Keys

Normal Attack •

Magic •

Stronger Magic •

Jump

(far away):

(while rising):

, , , , , ...:

, :

:

(held): Targets multiple highlighted targets.

, :

(gauge full):

(partial gauge):

, :

Stats

Magic Type: Fire

Power: 4/4

Magic: 1/4

Jump/Speed: 3/4

Fighting Style

Nezha is a purely offensive character in Fengshen Yanyi who is quick on his feet and can deal critical hits often. In the first game, he has below average physical life and defense but several offensive capabilities at his disposal. He cannot take physical hits very well but he is resistant to most magics in the game. He has the power to float and can dodge attacks relatively easily. He is one of the first characters to have a long range attack and is a capable fighter in most situations.

In the first game he uses a golden ring of fire to burn his foes. In Fengshen Yanyi 2 his attacks are changed to additionally deal fire damage.

Weapons

See also: Nezha/Weapons

Warriors Orochi 4

• Cyborg
• Human

Fire-Tipped Rings
	Attack: 12~18	Bonus: 6
	Rank: 1 ★	Max: 5
Demon Rings
	Attack: 18~27	Bonus: 10
	Rank: 2 ★	Max: 10
Mystic Rings
	Attack: 36~45	Bonus: 13
	Rank: 3~5 ★	Max: 15
Origin Rings
	Attack: 44	Bonus: 19
	Rank: 5 ★	Agility: 10
Brawn: 9	Flame: 8	Revival
Wind Fire Donuts
	Attack: 44	Bonus: 19
	Flameslay: 10	Wrath
Agility: 10	Aerial: 10	Absorption: 10
Storm	Bastion	Berserker

Rare Weapon Acquisition

• Stage: The Gods of Olympus

Brilliant Spear
	Attack: 11~22	Bonus: 6
	Rank: 1 ★	Max: 5
Hellfire Spear
	Attack: 17~32	Bonus: 10
	Rank: 2 ★	Max: 10
Mystic Gemspear
	Attack: 33~43	Bonus: 13
	Rank: 3~5 ★	Max: 15
Inferno Spear
	Attack: 40	Bonus: 19
	Rank: 5 ★	Agility: 10
Flame: 8	Courage: 8	Echo
Terrain Spear
	Attack: 40	Bonus: 19
	Flameslay: 10	Wrath
Agility: 10	Might: 10	Courage: 10
Storm	Alacrity	Berserker

Rare Weapon Acquisition

• Stage: The Gods of Olympus

Chinese Mythology

Painted mural of Nezha and Sun Wukong in Long Corridor.

While famously known as a Chinese deity, Nezha's origins date back further into Asia within the Agni and Bhagavata Purana. The exact origins of his original form are unknown, but he is known as Nalakuvara (alternatively Nalakubara or Nalakuvera) within Hindu mythology. He is known as a yaksa and is the eldest of Kubera's twin sons, a demigod who is known to rule over all other yaksa. His wife is Rambha, the Queen of all apsaras. The earliest known recording of his name is within the Buddhacharita which has Nalakuvara, as a deva within the narrative, be mentioned at Siddhattha Gotama's birth.

Nalakuvara and his brother Manigriva were sons who were spoiled on the wealth of their father's realm. They spent their days in absolute indulgence. One day they lazily partied within one of Siva's gardens near Mandakini Ganges, enjoying wine and the beautiful women present within the blissful waters. The Great Sage Narada happened to pass by and saw the naked spectacle. The women fetched clothes to hide their nudity in shame, but Nalakuvara and Manigriva were too drunk to care for humility and didn't notice the sage's presence. Upon seeing the brothers' lack of respect, Narada thought to have them learn the error of their ways for straying away from Krsna. He cursed both siblings to be trees so they could reflect on their myriad of sins, some of which include a life of false bravado and profligateness, avoiding self-suffering and others, and relishing degradation to society.

He placed the trees within his yard so Krsna could one day find them. When Krsna did many years later, he purified the trees by breaking them apart. Nalakuvara and Manigriva both said in earnest that they had repented and pleaded for Krsna's blessings. Like Narada, Krsna accepted their words of worship for him and let them join their father in heaven. He allowed their arduous lives as trees to be their last mortal reincarnation.

When Buddhism was being introduced to China, the concept of Kubera being one of the previous lives of Vaisravana was emphasized. Vaisravana became a type of warrior deity within Chinese mythology due to the increased acceptance of Taoism. By the Tang Dynasty, Vaisravana was also known as Pagoda-wielding Heavenly King Li as a nod to the historical general of the same name. He had three sons, the youngest of which was known as Nezha. The idea of Vaisravana and his sons being Taoist deities rather than the demi-gods in Hindu mythology was fully embraced due to their popular interpretations in Taoist folklore.

Fengshen Yanyi

Nezha was Li Jing's third son and Jinzha and Muzha's younger brother. In chapter 12, his mother experienced a pregnancy period of three years and six months with no signs of labor. When she experienced an odd dream, she suddenly gave birth the following day. Rather than seeing a normal child, a ball of flesh rolled out from her and Li Jing cleaved it with his sword. It unraveled a white haired boy with a golden bracelet around his wrist and a red silk sash tied around his waist. Fairy Primordial arrived shortly and named the child "Nezha". He noted that the objects born with the child were divine treasures, the Universal Ring and Sky Muddling Damask. Taking the boy as his disciple, he foretold that Nezha would bring an end to the Shang Dynasty.

Seven years pass and Nezha stood at six feet tall. One day, when he was wandering around the gate that his father was stationed at, Nezha took a bath due to the intense heat. As the Sky Muddling Damask dipped into Nine Bed River's waters, the waters were wounded by the weapon and began to bled. Unbeknown to the boy, each time he swished around, it violently shook the palace of the dragon king of the East Sea, Ao Guang. Once he learned that Nezha was the cause, he ordered one of his scouts to take care of it. He became angry when Nezha killed his subordinate but his third son, Ao Bing, volunteered to deal with the boy. Upon their encounter, Nezha's arrogance annoyed the dragon king's son and Ao Bing was killed in combat. Ao Guang was furious upon learning the death of his son and demanded for Li Jing to bring Nezha before him in person. Nezha, who didn't know the status of his opponents, tried to apologize by handing Ao Guang the remaining tendon of his son. This only earned him the dragon king's further discontent and he declared that he would see the Jade Emperor to deal punishment.

Wanting to alleviate the stress that his parents were experiencing at his expense, Nezha flew to his master within a moment's time. His master responded by making his pupil invisible, which allowed him to clonk Ao Guang's head as the king made his way towards heaven. He continued to brutally beat the dragon king until Ao Guang agreed to not report Nezha. Returning to Nezha's home in a flash, Ao Guang swore to gather the other dragon kings to avenge his loss. While Li Jing scolded his son's impetuous actions, Nezha calmed him by saying that his master could easily deal with any future threats.

With his father calmed, the boy went into their garden and enjoyed the fresh air. He bored quickly and climbed up his neighbor's tower. Spotting a bow and a few brightly colored arrows, he practiced archery to pass the time. He didn't realize that the bow he was using was the Universal Bow, formerly wielded by Emperor Xuanyuan and one that no normal mortal could use. By chance, one of his arrows slayed one of Lady Rock's disciples. An enraged Lady Rock confronted him and negated his divine treasures. Nezha fled to his master's cave and Fairy Primordial defeated the divine maiden in a duel. Confining Lady Rock in a prison and informing his pupil that the Jade Emperor had agreed to Ao Guang's request, Nezha returned to his home. Standing before the four dragon kings, Nezha took responsibility for his actions and, to save his parents from punishment, killed himself in a violently spectacular fashion. Seeing him dead in a pool of his own blood, the dragon kings honored his sacrifice and declared his parents innocent.

As a soul, his master informed him that he could be resurrected in three years time if a temple of worship was built for him. Nezha appeared in his mother's dreams and pestered her until the building was built eleven months later. When people began to revere him as a god, Li Jing tore down the shrine and scolded his wife for giving into their son's selfishness. Nezha informed his master about the turn of events, but the people's prayers were enough to resurrect the boy anyways. Using two lotus flowers and three lotus leaves, his master performed a spell and granted his pupil a perfect human body. He was trained to wield the Fire-Tip Spear and Wind-Fire Wheels, mastering his weapons in a short time. Retrieving his previous divine items from Lady Rock's corpse, he was given a golden brick that could change its mass on the user's will. Angry with his father, Nezha appeared before his former home shortly after. Li Jing tried to attack his disrespectful son, but lost to Nezha's celestial powers and fled for his life. Nezha chased him and fought any who stood in his way, including his brothers. Nezha's rampage was not stopped until Burning Lamp overpowered him and forced the boy to give up his vengeance.

When Huang Feihu's party was taken prisoner and heading back to the west from the Sishui Pass, Fairy Primordial ordered Nezha to rescue them. The boy, wanting to entertain himself, obeyed and chased away the gate's defenders. He returned to his master after he completed his task, but was eventually ordered to aid Jiang Ziya's army at West Qi. Nezha fought several battles against the Shang army and earned his share of victories and losses. During this time, he had a comical rivalry with the equally cocky Huang Tianhua, as they both dared one another to win their respective fights in the field.

After the war ended, Nezha and his family returned to their respective masters to continue their lives as hermits. By the end of the novel, Nezha obtained a new form with a head of three faces.

Journey to the West

Appearing as the anointed Prince Nezha, God of the Seas, he joined his father to subjugate Sun Wukong. Boldly confident of his status and might, he challenged the Monkey King and was sorely insulted by the latter's rudeness. Shifting into his six-armed, three face form, Nezha fought with Sun Wukong at his fullest. Both fighters were of equal character and strengths, neither seeming to prevail over the other. After a long fight, Monkey King was able to trick Nezha using a body double and beat the mystical boy back. Nezha and his father continued to be a part of the Jade Emperor's vanguard to subdue the monkey, but they were driven back each time they participated.

Five hundred years later, Nezha helps the Monkey King repair the sky with a magical banner. When Xuanzang and his other traveling companions were captured by Bull King, Sun Wukong pleaded with the Jade Emperor for assistance. Nezha and his father acted on the plea, descending with their divine weapons at the ready. Although he experienced humiliating losses during his early attempts, Nezha was the one who eventually had Bull King begging for mercy.

Gallery

Gallery

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