Wu Gang Cutting the Osmanthus Tree
In Chinese mythology, Wu Gang was a man who aspired to learn the ways of immortality but committed transgressions. As punishment, the Heavenly Emperor sentenced him to cut down an osmanthus tree in the Moon Palace. The tree, however, would heal itself as soon as it was cut, and thus Wu Gang was forced to continue his endless task. This story is recorded in *Yuyang Zazu* (Miscellaneous Morsels from Youyang) by Duan Chengshi of the Tang Dynasty.
Additionally, according to the *Classic of Mountains and Seas*, Wu Gang, also known as Wu Quan, was from Xihedao. His grandson, Bo Ling, son of the Flame Emperor (Yan Di), took advantage of Wu Gang's absence during his three-year quest for immortality and had an affair with Wu Gang’s wife, resulting in the birth of three sons. Enraged, Wu Gang killed Bo Ling, which angered the sun god Flame Emperor. In retaliation, the Flame Emperor banished Wu Gang to the moon, ordering him to chop down the immortal osmanthus tree. Standing 500 chang tall, the tree would immediately regenerate after being cut. Thus, the Flame Emperor used this never-ending labor as a form of eternal punishment for Wu Gang.