thiên tiên
Definition
- Noun:
- Celestial fairy / Heavenly immortal: A supernatural being or spirit that resides in heaven, often depicted in mythology and folklore as possessing great beauty, longevity, and magical powers. This term specifically contrasts with earthly immortals ("địa tiên").
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- Truyền thuyết kể về những vị thiên tiên sống trên các tầng mây. (Legends tell of celestial fairies living on layers of clouds.)
- Bức tranh vẽ một thiên tiên đang tấu nhạc. (The painting depicts a heavenly immortal playing music.)
Advanced Usage
- The concept is central to East Asian, particularly Vietnamese, Taoist-inspired mythology and folk religion. "Thiên tiên" often implies a higher spiritual rank or purer origin than immortals associated with the earthly realm.
Variants and Related Words
- Địa tiên (n): Earthly immortal; a spirit or enlightened being associated with the terrestrial world.
- Tiên (n): A general term for fairy, immortal, or celestial being.
- Tiên nữ (n): Fairy maiden; often used specifically for female celestial beings.
Synonyms
- Celestial being
- Heavenly spirit
- Divine immortal
Related Concepts
- Thiên đình: The heavenly court, where such beings might reside.
- Tu tiên: The practice of cultivating oneself to become an immortal.
- In stories, "thiên tiên" may sometimes descend to the human world, interact with mortals, or be punished by being exiled to earth.