Ten Brothers

"Ten Brothers" (Chinese: 十兄弟) is a Chinese legend known to be written around the time of the construction of the Great Wall of China, most likely during the Ming Dynasty (1368 to 1644). It has been told and spun off in various adaptations, and remains popular since it is one of the oldest Chinese legend to feature characters in a superhero fashion.

tory

The more modern version of the story has the couple swallow ten pearls and give birth to ten brothers. Each one of the brothers then possesses super natural powers, though he develops his power as the story progresses. At the end the brothers battle some form of an antagonist, and they only win when working in unity.However, if the ten brothers come in touch with limestone, their power disappears and they become helpless.

Characters

Depending on the adaptations, different characters maybe found in the story. The only consistent characters among all the versions are the brothers themselves.

* "1st and Oldest Brother" - Capable of seeing miles away with his binocular eyes.
* "2nd Brother" - Capable of hearing miles away.
* "3rd Brother" - Has herculean strength.
* "4th Brother" - Has ability to stretch and is invincible.
* "5th Brother" - Capable of flying.
* "6th Brother" - Has a solid impenetrable head and the smartest.
* "7th Brother" - Can grow in height.
* "8th Brother" - Capable of tunneling underground.
* "9th Brother" - Has a huge mouth that can blow wind and shout loudly.
* "10th and Youngest Brother" - Can cry a river, heal any sicknesses if he cries on people.

Adaptation

The story has been adapted countless times in Asian movies and TV series most notably in China and Hong Kong.

* Ten Brothers 1959 film
* Ten Brothers vs the Sea Monster (十兄弟怒海除魔) 1960 film
* Ten Brothers TV series in the early 1980s
* Ten Brothers 1995 film
* Ten Brothers TV series in 2005
* Ten Brothers TV series in 2007

See also

*Chinese mythology

External links

* [http://library.thinkquest.org/28491/html/ten.htm Ten Brothers at Library thinkquest]