Seven princesses lived in the Heavenly Court of the Jade Emperor. Everyone had their chosen place at court, but the youngest princess had a special skill.
She could uproot the clouds from the sky and spin them into the softest clothes. His work was so precise, even the most expert eye couldn't find a seam.
But her talent was the same from day to day, and she longed for new inspiration. Eventually, the Queen Mother allows Weaver to return to Earth.
Other princesses accompany her sister to protect her from earthly dangers.
Dressed in special clothing that allowed them to fly between heaven and earth, the sisters soared down from the sky.
Bunker was afraid of the rolling hills and rivers, and the sisters decided to swim in one of the sparkling rivers. As the weaver floated, he dreamed of living forever.
Meanwhile, a lone shepherd reached the bank of the river. He often came here to sweep the graves of his parents and to talk with his only companion - a foolish bull who listened patiently to the sufferings of the shepherds.
But seeing the beauty of Bunker, the cowherd forgot his routine. When he wanted to introduce himself, his solitary lifestyle made him timid.
Thankfully, Bell saw his friend's plight and offered some advice.
He told the shepherd about the swimmer's heavenly origin and his dream to live on earth. But also that she can only live if she loses her ticket back to heaven.
As the shepherd approached, the princesses left their dreaming sister behind in fear. Concealing his magical robes, the shepherd offered his robe as a substitute.
And after gaining her trust, the couple began exploring the countryside. She was inspired by his caring nature, and learned to see the wonder of the world through his own eyes.
Before long the two had fallen deeply in love. The weaver and the shepherd lived a prosperous life. Their farm flourished, and Bunker taught his skills to local villagers.
As time went on, the couple was blessed with two healthy children, but their bull was getting old. Before dying, Bel asked the family to keep her secret and use her magic when needed. While the husband grieved for his friend, Bunker's mind turned to his other family.
Dusting off his magical robes, he decided to take a tour of the skies.
But when Bunker entered his old home, no one was surprised to see him. With initiation, he realized that barely any time had passed—a mere day in heaven for a year on earth.
When his family came to know about his new life, they were furious. How dare she waste her love on a human being. The Bunker tried to run back to Earth, but the Queen Mother pulled the golden hairpin from her head and tore it into the sky.
A great gulf opened between heaven and earth, creating a river of stars. Down below, the shepherd was trembling, but he also remembered the bull's last words.
Hastily putting each child into a basket, she draped the bull's back over its back and hurtled upwards. Above the clouds, each lover tried to pass through the twinkling stars. But no matter how hard they struggled, the gulf between them only widened.
Day after day, the Queen Mother watched relentlessly.
Years passed, and the weaver and the shepherd had no one but the passing wizards to cheer them up.
Eventually, their love won the Queen Mother's heart. While she could not completely forgive her granddaughter, the Queen Mother allowed Bunker to visit her earthly family once a year.
And so, at the end of summer, the magpies build a bridge across the Milky Way, reuniting the weaver and the shepherd.
At this time of year, millions of people in East and Southeast Asian countries celebrate their annual reunion, telling similar stories of star-crossed lovers.
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