The Tale of Yu Gong Moving Mountains

    By Storybird

    The Tale of Yu Gong Moving Mountains cover image

    12 Jun, 2023

    Once upon a time in ancient China, there was a wise old man named Yugong who lived at the foot of a huge mountain range. This mountain range stretched across the landscape and separated his village from the rest of the world.

    Yugong was very old, but his heart was still very young. He was very strong for his age and was always determined to do what was best for his family and his village. One day, he decided that the mountains were an obstacle that needed to be removed.

    Yugong knew that the mountains were vast, and he was only one man, but he believed that he could move the mountains through sheer determination and hard work. So, he gathered his family and explained his plan to them.

    His family listened carefully and, seeing the determination in Yugong's eyes, agreed to help him in his quest. Together, they set off to the foot of the mountain, armed with shovels, picks, and wheelbarrows.

    They began digging and moving the earth, one shovelful at a time. Day after day, they moved dirt from the base of the mountain to a nearby river, where the water would carry it away. The work was hard, and the mountain seemed endless, but Yugong always remained determined.

    As they worked, word of Yugong's quest spread throughout the village. Many villagers were inspired by his determination and came to help. With each new helper, the work became a little bit easier and the mountain grew a little bit smaller.

    One day, a wise old man named Zhisou came across the determined workers. He watched them for a while and then decided to speak with Yugong. "Why do you want to move this mountain?", he asked.

    Yugong explained that the mountain blocked the path to the rest of the world and that if they could move it, their village would flourish and their children and future generations would prosper. Zhisou considered Yugong's words but was not convinced.

    "You are an old man, Yugong," Zhisou said. "Even if you work for the rest of your life, you will never be able to move these mountains. It is impossible!" But Yugong smiled and shook his head.

    "I may be old, but I am strong, and I am determined," Yugong replied. "I may not be able to move the mountains in my lifetime, but my children will carry on my work, and their children after them. The mountains may be vast, but they are not eternal. They will be moved."

    Zhisou was impressed by Yugong's unwavering faith and decided to share the story of Yugong's determination with others. As word spread, even more villagers came to help Yugong and his family move the mountain.

    Months turned into years, and years into decades. Generations of families worked together, each contributing what they could to the monumental task. Slowly but surely, the mountain began to shrink.

    As time went on, Yugong became older and weaker. Eventually, he knew he would not live to see the day when the mountains were completely removed. But he continued to work alongside his family and friends, knowing that their efforts would not be in vain.

    And then one day, when Yugong was close to the end of his life, a miracle happened. The gods had been watching Yugong's efforts from the heavens above and were moved by his determination and the dedication of his family and fellow villagers.

    The gods decided to reward Yugong and sent down divine beings to help with the task. They moved the mountains with ease, and within a day's time, the mountains were gone, and the path to the rest of the world was open.

    The villagers were amazed and overjoyed at the sight of the now-open landscape. They knew it was all thanks to the unwavering determination of Yugong and the generations of families who had joined him in his quest.

    In the years that followed, the village did indeed flourish, and the people prospered. They would always remember the wise old man named Yugong who had dared to dream of moving a mountain and had inspired them all to work together.

    The story of Yugong and the mountain became a well-known legend throughout China. It served as a reminder to people everywhere that no task was too large if a person was filled with determination and if they were willing to work together to achieve their goals.

    Yugong's tale also became a classic Chinese idiom, called "Yugong moving the mountains," which is still used today as a symbol of unwavering determination and perseverance, no matter the odds.

    And so, the story of Yugong and his never-ending determination to move the mountains continues to inspire people of all ages. It reminds us to never give up on our dreams and to always have faith in our own abilities, even when the task at hand seems impossible.

    More importantly, it teaches us that we can achieve great things when we work together with others towards a common goal and that we should never underestimate the power of determination and hard work. Just like Yugong, we too can move mountains if we believe in ourselves and never give up.

    So, whenever you come across a seemingly insurmountable task, remember the story of Yugong and his incredible determination to move the mountains. Embrace his spirit of perseverance and keep pushing forward, knowing that, in the end, you too can move mountains.

    The Tale of Yu Gong Moving Mountains