The Divine Pearl Reborn
Nezha was originally the Spirit Pearl, reincarnated into the family of Li Jing. His mother carried him for three years and six months, then gave birth to a flesh ball. Li Jing slashed it open — and out leaped a child with a Universe Ring and Red Armillary Sash.
Wrath of the Eastern Sea
At age seven, Nezha bathed at the Eastern Sea. His sash stirred the waters, shaking the Dragon King's Crystal Palace. When the patrol demon cursed at him, Nezha killed it in a rage.
The Dragon King sent his Third Prince with an army. Nezha on Wind-Fire Wheels defeated him, stripped his dragon tendons, and braided them into a belt for his father.
Flesh and Bone Returned
Unwilling to endanger his parents and the people, Nezha took his own life — cutting his flesh to return to his mother, stripping his bones to return to his father — trading his life for safety.
Rebirth from the Lotus
Taiyi Zhenren rebuilt Nezha's body from lotus roots, leaves, and flowers. Reborn from the lotus, Nezha stood six zhang tall with three heads and eight arms, wielding seven divine weapons.
The Spirit of Rebellion
Nezha challenges authority, resists patriarchy, and sacrifices himself for justice. The 2019 animated film Ne Zha broke Chinese box-office records.