What ring-shaped weapon does Nezha use?

What ring-shaped weapon does Nezha use? Nezha uses the Qiankun Quan, or Universe Ring. In the best-known account from Fengshen Yanyi, the ring is one of Nezha’s signature magical weapons and is powerful enough to kill the Yaksha Li Gen during Nezha’s confrontation with the Dragon King of the East Sea.

The Qiankun Quan is usually shown alongside Nezha’s other famous treasures: the Huntian Ling, a red armillary sash; the Fenghuolun, or Wind-and-Fire Wheels; and the Huojianqiang, or Fire-tipped Spear. The Chinese name Qiankun refers to the cosmic pair of Heaven and Earth, giving the weapon an expansive, universe-related meaning.

A common mix-up is to choose Huntian Ling because it is also associated with Nezha and is sometimes translated with words such as “armillary” or “cosmic.” It is not a ring, however. The Ruyi Jingu Bang belongs primarily to Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, while “Jingu Bang” is simply another shortened form of that name.

Nezha’s equipment varies between classical works. The Fengshen Yanyi tradition gives him the Universe Ring, whereas the original Journey to the West presents a different set of weapons and imagery for the character.