The legend of the wandering koi
The ancient legend of the wandering koi recounts how a humble carp lived in the sea and aspired to know a different life, a vaster world, and more diverse experiences. The koi met many different creatures, who each helped it along its quest. Even animals and demons who tried to eat or hinder it actually helped the koi develop skills, confidence, and resolve.
Every year carp swim up rivers to spawn and this legend takes place in China’s Yellow River.
Many thousands of carp attempt the journey, but they must prevail over and through countless cascades and rapids. This requires abundant strength, talent, courage, and perseverance. Naturally, fewer and fewer koi make it further and further upriver.
According to our legend, far upriver there was a very high, extremely steep waterfall called “Dragon Gate.” Its waters thundered with torrential force from a fissure between two lofty mountain peaks.
The numerous carp that had made it upstream gathered at the pool below the waterfall. Only three resolved to ascend the waterfall to the top.
Their efforts spanned years as they tried and failed and tried again, overcoming many formidable obstacles. Finally, only one yellow carp could ascend the falls and then leap over its top.
When this carp finally succeeded, the mythical Jade Emperor rewarded its heroic efforts by transforming it into a dragon with golden scales. Thunder boomed, lightning flashed in the sky, rain fell, and the golden dragon flew off into the sky.
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