In the court of the Jade Emperor, a young princess had a special skill: she could pluck clouds from the sky and spin them into the softest robes. But her craft was the same day after day, and she longed for new inspiration. So the Queen Mother granted her permission to visit Earth. The weaver soon fell in love with the land— and a cowherd. Shannon Zhao details the myth of the star-crossed lovers. [Directed by brume, narrated by Bethany Cutmore-Scott, music by Alexis Dehimi, Mars Octobre Music].

Shannon Zhao: The myth of the original star-crossed lovers

The myth of the original star-crossed lovers

Forbidden love creates a celestial rift, turning the weaver and cowherd into stars, allowed to meet once a year across the Milky Way.

In East and Southeast Asia, millions annually celebrate the weaver and cowherd's reunion, a symbol of enduring love and hope.

A celestial weaver's earthly romance sparks divine fury, leading to a starry river separation allowed to mend once yearly.