They were instantly captivated by the sweet music, but only one was courageous enough to approach the musician.  The Dragon King’s seventh daughter changed herself into an eel and swam close to Han Hsiang Tzu, twisting and turning as if dancing to the music he played.

Bailey Donnally

The hermit Chang Kuo is depicted in a contemporary figurine (left) and traditional woodcut (right).

Han Hsiang Tzu knew of the Dragon Girls and their renowned beauty.  He said to the eel: “I have heard of the Dragon King’s seventh daughter and her great beauty.  Would you send her my greetings?” But the eel did not seem to respond.

Han played on, and the eel continued to dance and twirl, moving closer and closer.  Then, to Han’s amazement, it began to change into the most beautiful woman he had ever seen.  Her glistening black hair and lovely face shone as she swayed to Han’s music.

Han was afraid that if he stopped playing the beautiful woman might change back into the eel.  So he played and played, his desire flowing through his music.  But he closed his eyes for just a moment, and when he opened them the beautiful woman was gone.  He played throughout the night, but she did not return.

Exhausted, he fell asleep on the beach.  When he awoke, he began playing again.  He played on through the day, and just as the sun began to set, the eel returned.  All the events of the previous day repeated themselves.  The woman never said a word and silently disappeared during the night.

Han could think of nothing but the woman all through the next day, and as he began to play at sunset on the third day, the eel reappeared.

But on the fourth day, the eel failed to return.  He played and played, but not even his sweetest songs could bring her back.  Han smashed his flute against the rocks on the shore in despair, fell to his knees, and wept.  As he sat there, an old woman came over to him and spoke. “Listen to what I have to say, but do not ask any questions.  The beautiful woman is the seventh daughter of the Dragon King.  She cannot come to hear your music anymore, as her father has forbidden it.  But the daughter has sent me to thank you for your wonderful music and give you this flute.” She handed him a simple bamboo flute.