Wu Gang (mythical figure)

Wu Gang is a figure from Chinese mythology, often depicted as a woodcutter who is eternally tasked with chopping down the mystical osmanthus tree on the moon. This tree is said to grow back instantly, symbolizing the futility of his labor. Wu Gang’s story reflects themes of perseverance and the quest for immortality, as he embodies the struggle between ambition and the inevitability of nature's cycles. His myth is also tied to Chinese lunar festivals, where legends of the moon and its inhabitants are celebrated, enriching cultural traditions surrounding the moon's significance.