The Eight Immortals depicted on a lacquered wood tray from the Ming dynasty.

The majority of Taoist popular tales concern the quest for immortality. Attaining this goal has varied consequences. Heavenly immortals are those who live among the gods and celestial beings. Earthly immortals remain on earth to pursue good deeds, heal the sick, and protect the poor.

Learning to fly and achieving dissolution of the body into an ephemeral form, almost the equivalent of a spirit or soul, are significant steps frequently taken en route to immortality. To attain that sort of floating body was to become hsien (immortal, or in some cases a patron saint, fairy, even angel). The word, a composite of the characters for man and mountain, reflects a long tradition of reclusive and ascetic life practices.

The Eight Immortals of China, the Pa Hsien, are legendary figures about whom stories have long circulated. The stories originate from Taoist lore and became part of the written tradition during the Tang dynasty (618-907). They were compiled during the Sung and Yuan dynasties (960-1279 and 1279-1368).