The Legend of Yanxia | The Warrior Princess of the Mountain
Based on the original by Yanxia Genet | Rewritten for TaleTreasury.com
High atop the rugged and mist-shrouded Yan Mountain, there stood a lonely temple carved from ancient stone. It was a place where sunlight barely kissed the floors and where cold winds howled from the east, chilling all who dwelled within — if any did. Yet within this dark sanctuary lived a girl unlike any other. Her name was Yanxia, and she was born from ashes, an orphan raised not by human hands, but by the kindness of white doves nesting in the forests nearby.
The doves brought her grains of rice, which they cleverly cooked in the steaming waters of the boiling waterfalls higher up the mountain. With no clothing or bed, Yanxia roamed the temple freely, her small body warmed by movement, her belly fed by the birds’ offerings. She knew no parents, no other humans — only the birds, the wind, and the stone beneath her feet.
A Song in the Distance
One dawn, as the sky blossomed with pale light, a strange and wondrous sound reached Yanxia’s ears. A man’s voice, rich and melodic, drifted from the distance. Entranced, she ran to the temple’s entrance, eager to hear more. She listened all day, enchanted by the unseen singer, but as dusk fell, the song faded with the sun, leaving Yanxia alone once more.
Tears welled in her eyes. She knelt and prayed under the rising moon.
“O great Moon Goddess,” she whispered, “I have heard the voice of a young man, and it has stirred my heart. Yet I am afraid to leave this temple. I know nothing of the world beyond.”
Suddenly, the temple glowed with a soft silver light, and before Yanxia stood the Moon Goddess herself — tall, radiant, her long hair flowing like midnight silk, her gown the color of twilight.
“Child of ash,” the Goddess spoke kindly, “do not weep. You were born of ashes, much like the phoenix that is reborn from flame. The people below call you ‘the girl of ash’ because they believe that with but a touch, you would crumble. And indeed, you would… for now.”
The Goddess touched Yanxia’s shoulder gently, and the girl felt a strange weakness spread through her body, her form trembling as if made of dust. She wept again, but the Goddess smiled.
“Fear not. What lies within you is stronger than any mountain wind — the breath of a dragon dwells in your heart. You are destined for more.”
The Goddess then raised her arms, and the temple shook as ash and dust spiraled around Yanxia in a brilliant storm. When the whirlwind ceased, Yanxia stood transformed — wings of the purest white feathers had unfurled from her back, strong and grand, like the sails of mighty ships that crossed the kingdom’s seas. Their flutter made the very air sing.
To clothe her, the Moon Goddess bestowed a robe of crimson silk, soft yet resilient, and fit for a princess.
“Now you are no longer the girl who withers. You are Yanxia, the Warrior Princess of Yan Mountain,” declared the Goddess. “Go, follow the voice that touched your heart. The prince who sings longs for his princess. You shall find him and marry by the next evening. And never forget: your wings are not for escape, but for protection — of animals, humans, spirits, and all beings of light and shadow alike.”
Yanxia, filled with gratitude, thanked the Goddess a hundred times over. The doves and creatures of the mountain bid her farewell, and with courage anew, she spread her wings and soared down the mountain, embracing the unknown.
The Meeting by the Cascade
By dawn, Yanxia landed in a lush clearing beside a cascading waterfall, where wildflowers bloomed and the air was fragrant with life. Exhausted, she fell asleep on the soft grass. Some hours later, she stirred to the sound of humming — the same voice from the temple.
She opened her eyes to see a young man sitting beside her, his eyes warm and curious.
“Good morning, fair maiden,” he greeted her. “I am the Prince of the Kingdom you see below. Pray tell, how did you come by such magnificent wings and this radiant robe?”
Yanxia rose, her wings glistening in the morning sun.
“These wings are my own, and this robe was gifted by the Moon Goddess herself. I am Yanxia, Warrior Princess of the Yan Mountain.”
Hearing this, the prince immediately bowed, his respect genuine and deep. They spoke for hours, sharing stories of their lives — Yanxia’s lonely temple days and the prince’s longing for someone whose spirit was as strong as it was gentle. Upon hearing of the Moon Goddess’s prophecy, the prince smiled brightly.
“My father honors the Moon Goddess greatly. He will welcome you as my bride without question. Come, Yanxia — let us rule together, side by side.”
A Kingdom Rejoices
That very evening, the Kingdom celebrated their union. The people rejoiced, for not only had their prince found love, but their new princess was a protector and warrior, a beacon of strength and grace. From that day forward, Yanxia kept her promise to the Moon Goddess, using her wings and courage to defend all creatures — whether of the light or the shadow, of the seen or the unseen.
She ruled with wisdom and compassion, and the song of the prince and the legend of the girl born of ash became a tale sung through generations — a testament to the power within even the most humble beginnings.
Moral of the Story
We are more than what the world perceives us to be. Even from the humblest origins, great strength and destiny can arise, especially when guided by kindness, courage, and the willingness to embrace the unknown.