ZHANG XIAN

[Chinese] "Chang the Immortal". In popular Chinese belief, Zhang Xian bestows male offspring. As a rule, he is accompanied by his son who carries in his arm the boy-child whom Zhang Xian bestows on those who believe in him. Sometimes Song-zi niang-niang can be found in his company too. The Hound of Heaven (Tian-gou), against whom he protects children, is frequently shown by his side. He is usually depicted as an old man aiming a drawn bow at Heaven.