The characters of Nezha and Ao Bing have captured the imagination of audiences worldwide, especially in the context of Chinese mythology and its various modern adaptations. Their relationship is a subject of great intrigue, as it oscillates between enmity and friendship, depending on the interpretation of the story. This article delves deep into the nature of their connection, exploring how their roles have evolved across different narratives and what their relationship symbolizes.
The Traditional Narrative: Nezha and Ao Bing as Enemies
The Clash in The Investiture of the Gods
In the traditional Ming – dynasty novel The Investiture of the Gods, Nezha and Ao Bing are pitted against each other from the start. Nezha, the mischievous son of Li Jing, the commander of Chentangguan, causes chaos in the underwater world of the Dragon King. While playing by the sea, Nezha’s actions, such as using his magical weapons, the Hun Tian Ling (Red Armillary Sash) and Qian Kun 圈 (Universe – Shaking Ring), disrupt the tranquility of the Dragon King’s domain. This leads to the Dragon King sending his third son, Ao Bing, to confront Nezha.
Ao Bing, armed with his Fang Tian Hua Ji (Halberd) and riding a Bi Shui Shou (Water – Repelling Beast), arrives with the intention of teaching Nezha a lesson. However, the encounter quickly turns violent. Nezha, with his impulsive nature, refuses to back down. A fierce battle ensues, and Nezha, being more powerful in this instance, overpowers Ao Bing. He not only defeats the dragon prince but also resorts to a rather brutal act – he skins Ao Bing and extracts his dragon tendons. This act of violence is a clear sign of their adversarial relationship in the traditional narrative. The conflict between them is so intense that it sets off a chain of events that includes the Dragon King’s attempts to seek revenge, which ultimately leads to Nezha’s self – sacrifice to save his family and the people of Chentangguan.
The Symbolism of Their Enmity
In this traditional context, the enmity between Nezha and Ao Bing represents a clash of worlds. Nezha, associated with the human and divine realms, and Ao Bing, a representative of the underwater dragon race, symbolize different aspects of the natural and supernatural order. The dragon, in Chinese mythology, is often seen as a powerful and somewhat unpredictable force of nature, while Nezha is a hero – in – the – making, with his own set of divine – given powers. Their fight can be interpreted as a struggle between the forces of chaos (Nezha’s impulsive actions) and the established order (the Dragon King’s rule over the sea). It also reflects the theme of hubris, as both characters are initially driven by their pride and a desire to assert their dominance.
The Modern Reinterpretations: A More Nuanced Relationship
Birth of the Demon Child: From Rivals to Friends
The 2019 animated film Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child presents a revolutionary take on the relationship between Nezha and Ao Bing. In this version, the two are born under extraordinary circumstances. Nezha is the reincarnation of the Demon Pill, while Ao Bing is the incarnation of the Spirit Pearl. Their destinies seem to be set in opposition from the start, as the Demon Pill is fated to cause chaos, and the Spirit Pearl is meant to bring peace.
However, the film subverts expectations. When Nezha and Ao Bing first meet, they engage in a playful fight while trying to capture a sea – 夜叉. During this encounter, they discover that they share a common feeling of being misunderstood. Nezha, shunned by the people of Chentangguan due to his reputation as a “demon child,” and Ao Bing, burdened with the weight of his family’s expectations to restore the glory of the dragon race, find solace in each other’s company. They bond over a game of kick – the – shuttlecock, a simple yet powerful moment that shows their shared humanity.
As the story progresses, their relationship becomes more complex. At Nezha’s birthday party, Ao Bing, under the influence of his scheming teacher, Shen Gongbao, is initially sent to kill Nezha. But in the heat of the battle, Nezha’s words about controlling one’s own destiny resonate with Ao Bing. He begins to question his actions and his loyalty to his family’s plans, which involve flooding Chentangguan to cover up the dragon race’s secrets. In the end, when the Heavenly Tribulation descends upon Nezha, Ao Bing, moved by their friendship, sacrifices himself to help Nezha survive. This act of selflessness shows that their relationship has evolved from one of potential enemies to one of deep – seated friendship.
The Significance of Their Friendship in Modern Adaptations
The friendship between Nezha and Ao Bing in modern adaptations like Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child carries several important messages. Firstly, it challenges the traditional binary view of good and evil. Nezha, despite being the “demon child,” is shown to have a kind heart, and Ao Bing, the “spirit pearl” reincarnation, is not without his own moral dilemmas. Their relationship shows that people are not defined by their labels or their fated roles but by their choices and actions. Secondly, it emphasizes the power of friendship to overcome differences. Nezha and Ao Bing come from vastly different backgrounds – one is a human – turned – divine figure, and the other is a dragon prince. Yet, they are able to look beyond their differences and form a bond based on mutual understanding and respect. This message of unity and acceptance is particularly relevant in today’s diverse and often divided world.
The Role of External Forces in Shaping Their Relationship
The Influence of Their Families and Teachers
In both traditional and modern narratives, the families and teachers of Nezha and Ao Bing play a significant role in shaping their relationship. In The Investiture of the Gods, the Dragon King’s pride and his desire to protect his son and his domain drive him to send Ao Bing to confront Nezha. Similarly, Nezha’s father, Li Jing, is initially more concerned with maintaining order and his reputation than understanding his son’s actions. These parental pressures contribute to the hostility between Nezha and Ao Bing.
In modern adaptations, the influence of teachers is more prominent. In Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, Shen Gongbao, Ao Bing’s teacher, manipulates his student into doing his bidding, which includes trying to kill Nezha. On the other hand, Taiyi Zhenren, Nezha’s teacher, tries to guide Nezha towards the path of righteousness but also fails to fully understand his student’s emotional needs. These external influences create obstacles in the relationship between Nezha and Ao Bing, but they also provide opportunities for the two characters to break free from their expectations and form their own connection.
The Impact of Society and Destiny
Society’s perception of Nezha and Ao Bing also affects their relationship. In the traditional story, Nezha is seen as a trouble – maker, and the dragon race is often feared and respected. This societal view creates a divide between them. In modern adaptations, Nezha’s status as a “demon child” and Ao Bing’s role as the hope of the dragon race place heavy burdens on them. They are both expected to conform to certain roles, and these expectations can either push them apart or bring them together. The concept of destiny also plays a role. In some interpretations, their fated roles as the Demon Pill and the Spirit Pearl seem to predestine them to be enemies. However, as seen in Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, they have the power to defy their destiny and choose their own path, which includes their relationship with each other.
Conclusion
The relationship between Nezha and Ao Bing is far from straightforward. In traditional narratives, they are often depicted as bitter enemies, representing a clash of worlds and values. However, modern adaptations have reimagined their relationship, showing them as friends who overcome their differences and the expectations placed upon them. Whether they are foes or friends, their relationship is a central and compelling aspect of the Nezha mythos, one that continues to resonate with audiences and inspire new interpretations. As the stories of Nezha and Ao Bing continue to be told and retold, it will be interesting to see how their relationship evolves and what new insights it will offer into the themes of identity, friendship, and destiny.
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