Is Nezha still alive?

In Chinese mythology, Nezha is a divine figure with a story that involves both death and resurrection, so whether he is "alive" depends on the context of the myth being discussed.

Nezha's Death and Resurrection:

Nezha's story is a popular one, and it involves him being killed at a young age, but also revived in a dramatic fashion. Here's an outline of the key points:

1. Nezha's Birth and Early Life:

   • Nezha was born to Li Jing, the Dragon King, and his wife. He is often depicted as a rebellious and powerful figure, possessing extraordinary strength from a young age.

2. Nezha's Conflict with the Dragon King:

   • One of the most famous episodes in Nezha's life involves his confrontation with the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea. After a series of conflicts, Nezha kills the Dragon King's son, which leads to an intense dispute. As a result, Nezha’s father, Li Jing, is unable to protect him from the wrath of the Dragon King.

3. Nezha's Death:

   • In order to save his family from the Dragon King's fury, Nezha decides to commit self-sacrifice by taking his own life. He cuts off his own head, and his body is burned in a fire. This marks his physical death.

4. Nezha's Resurrection:

   • After his death, Nezha is revived by the immortal Taishang Laojun (a Taoist deity). Nezha is given a new body made of lotus flowers (the symbol of purity and rebirth). This miraculous resurrection allows Nezha to live again, and he continues his heroic journey.

Thus, Nezha is not dead in the traditional sense but instead is resurrected, and he is a divine being who lives on after this event. In Chinese myth, such figures like Nezha are considered immortal or eternally powerful in the sense that they are beyond death in a normal, mortal way.

Nezha in Popular Culture:

In modern retellings, such as the animated film Nezha: Birth of the Demon Child, Nezha’s immortality and resurrection are key parts of his character arc, showcasing his struggles with fate, his battle against forces of evil, and his ultimate redemption. In these interpretations, Nezha is still alive, continuing to play a central role as a heroic figure.

So, in summary, Nezha is considered immortal and is alive in the sense that he is a divine being who overcame death through resurrection and remains an important figure in both mythology and modern adaptations.