: The sky tilted toward the northwest, which is used to explain why the sun, moon, and stars appear to move in that direction.
The legend usually begins with a fierce struggle for power between Gonggong and another high deity, often cited as , one of the legendary Five Emperors, or sometimes Zhurong , the god of fire. Gonggong, driven by pride and ambition, sought to seize control of the celestial hierarchy. Despite his immense strength and command over the waters, he was ultimately defeated by his rival. The Shattering of Mount Buzhou Fury Gong
Gonggong remains a complex figure in folklore, personifying the raw, untamed, and often destructive power of water that can both sustain and annihilate life. : The sky tilted toward the northwest, which
Overcome by a fit of uncontrollable rage and humiliation after his loss, Gonggong committed a desperate act of defiance. He hurled his massive body against , a sacred peak that served as one of the eight celestial pillars supporting the sky. The impact was so great that the mountain shattered, causing the pillar to collapse. Cosmic Consequences Despite his immense strength and command over the