Eight Immortals Research Paper

The Eight Immortals, sometimes referred to as the Eight Genies, are a group of legendary immortals in the Chinese religion of Taoism. The immortals are He Xiangu, Cao Guojiu, Li Tieguai, Lan Caihe, Lü Dongbin, Han Xiangzi and Zhang Guolao and Zhongli Quan (Wikipedia). Born in the Song Dynasty, each immortal’s power can be transferred into a “Power Tool” and can be used to grant life or destroy evil; these tools are referred to as the “Covert Eight Immortals” (Wikipedia). Even though this sounds as if it is a part of a dead myth in Taoism, the Eight Immortals became a vital role in Chinese artwork, literature and marital arts.
Ever since Taoism became popular, Chinese artwork normally portrays humans who have become immortal. In the 12th and

13th centuries, during the Jin Dynasty, the art of the Jin tombs illustrates a group of eight Taoist immortals in murals and sculptures (Wikipedia). The Eight Immortals are considered to be signs of “prosperity and longevity,” thus making them popular themes in ancient and medieval art (Wikipedia). Besides being considered as figures for fortune and permanence, the Eight Immortals quickly became prominent figures in the Taoist Religion. This is shown in early art pieces where they are often accompanied by jade hand maidens who are commonly depicted as servants of the higher ranked deities or other images showing great spiritual power (Wikipedia). Many silk murals, vases, wall murals and wood block prints remain of the Eight Immortals (Wikipedia). The artwork of the Immortals goes further than the visual arts; it is also in the written works and the martial arts.
The Eight Immortals appear in various literary works such as The Yueyang Tower by Ma Zhiyuan, The Bamboo-leaved Boat by by Fan Zi'an and The Willow in the South of the City by Gu Zijing (Wikipedia). There is another anonymous literary work that mentions the Eight Immortals called the The Eight Immortals Cross the Sea. While they are on the way to a conference, the Eight Immortals encounter an ocean that they need to cross; instead of floating across on their clouds, they decide to exhibit their powers in order to get across (Wikipedia). Other than books, the Eight Immortals had an influence on martial arts and drunken boxing styles where certain moves would be named after the Eight Immortals since they embodied their characteristics (Wikipedia).
Even in today’s culture, the Eight Immortals can be found in different forms art and media. The Eight Immortals most famously found in various Jackie Chan movies such The Forbidden Kingdom and the movie Drunken Master; the Eight Immortals also appear in Marvel’s comic book series, X-Men, where the Eight Immortals can be seen protecting China (Wikipedia). The Eight Immortals have influenced China’s art work through the ages whether it be through paintings, books or fighting styles.