The Cowherd and Weaving Maiden A Star-Crossed Love

The Cowherd and Weaving Maiden: A Star-Crossed Lovers' Tragedy

In the celestial realm, there lived a beautiful weaving maiden named Zhinü. She was known for her exceptional weaving skills and her unparalleled beauty. On the other side of the Milky Way, there was a handsome cowherd named Niulang who possessed great strength and kindness.

Their love story began when Zhinü descended to Earth in search of happiness. It was during this time that she met Niulang, who captured her heart with his genuine nature and gentle demeanor. The two fell deeply in love and decided to marry each other.

As their love continued to flourish on Earth, it caught the attention of the gods in heaven. They were displeased by their union because Zhinü was a celestial being while Niulang was just an ordinary mortal. In order to separate them, they created a river that flowed across the sky - later known as the Milky Way.

Despite being separated by such an immense distance, Zhinü and Niulang refused to give up on each other. Every day, they would use magpies as bridges over the river so they could meet secretly under its veil of darkness.

However, one day when they failed to return at nightfall due to exhaustion from their daily rendezvous activities, Magpie Bridge's permission was revoked by Chang'e (the Moon Goddess), who had grown tired of constantly granting favors for these star-crossed lovers.

Zhinü returned home without telling anyone about her husband or child but remained heartbroken until she eventually passed away out of grief for losing him forever once again. Her tears became stars which are now visible in our night sky as constellations representing "Zhinü's Tears" or "Crying Woman."

Niulang died soon after he lost his wife due to depression caused by separation from his beloved spouse; his spirit joined hers among those twinkling stars above us today called "Cowherd" or "Niulang." Their son Yangwang also ascended into heaven after failing numerous times attempting suicide out of sorrow for not having been able live with both parents together on earth anymore due largely in part because he wanted desperately want reunite with them all once more before leaving this world behind forevermore...

This touching tale is included within China's collection called 'Chinese Mythology 100 Stories English Version.' This book holds many stories like these involving divine beings living amongst mortals; exploring themes such as fate vs free will & everlasting love even death cannot conquer...