Meet Ne Zha, the Child Deity Behind the Global Animation Blockbuster

From the depths of ancient Chinese mythology to the global box office, the story of Ne Zha has captured the imaginations of millions around the world. With its latest installment, Ne Zha 2, grossing a staggering 15.9 billion yuan (NZ$3.7 billion, US$2.2 billion), the film has now claimed the title of the highest-grossing animated movie of all time, the highest-grossing non-English language film ever, and the fifth-highest-grossing film overall.

The film, which has already been released globally, is now making its way back to New Zealand with an English-language version set to debut later this month. The film features Academy Award-winner Michelle Yeoh as Lady Yin, Ne Zha's mother, adding yet another layer of international appeal to the already beloved story.

Origins of Ne Zha

Ne Zha's origins trace back to an ancient Indian mythological figure known as Nalakūbara, who appears in Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Tantric Buddhist texts. As Buddhism spread throughout China, the character evolved, and by the eighth century, he was known as Ne Zha. According to Israeli sinologist Meir Shahar, Ne Zha's portrayal as a child may have been influenced by the Hindu deity Krishna, who also exhibits divine powers and a youthful, rebellious nature.

Interestingly, both Ne Zha and Krishna share similar legendary feats, including the slaying of a dragon and the use of a magical bow that no one else could bend. This connection suggests a rich cultural exchange that shaped the myth over centuries.

The Story of Ne Zha in Chinese Lore

One of the most well-known stories of Ne Zha in Chinese culture comes from the 16th-17th century novel Investiture of the Gods (Feng Shen Yan Yi). The novel, which blends history, mythology, and religion, is set in the Shang Dynasty and follows the rise of the Zhou Dynasty. In this tale, Ne Zha is the mischievous third son of General Li Jing and Lady Yin, born in a miraculous way—emerging from a ball of flesh after Lady Yin's 3.5-year pregnancy.

His story is filled with dramatic moments, including his clash with the Dragon King's son, Ao Bing, and his eventual rebirth using lotus leaves. His master, Taiyi Zhenren, plays a crucial role in his resurrection, showcasing the deep spiritual and mythological roots of the character.

Ne Zha's Powers and Symbolism

Ne Zha is known for his extraordinary powers, enhanced by his signature weapons: the fire-tipped spear, wind fire wheels, and the universe ring. He is also capable of transforming into a powerful three-headed, eight-armed form, a depiction that has varied slightly in different Chinese texts. While some sources, like Journey to the West, describe him as having only six arms, his mythic power and complexity remain unchanged.

In Daoist tradition, Ne Zha is also known as the