Fire-Tipped Spear

火尖枪 (Huojianqiang)

Type: Polearm
Meaning: Martial authority

The Fire-Tipped Spear (火尖枪) is Nezha’s primary weapon in Fengshen Yanyi (Investiture of the Gods). Bestowed upon him by his master, Taiyi Zhenren, it is most often depicted alongside the Wind Fire Wheels (风火轮), forming the core of Nezha’s martial iconography and serving as his principal weapon in battle.

The spear is described as being one zhang and eight chi (approximately six meters) in length, with a blade capable of emitting flames. During the campaign against the Shang dynasty, Nezha wielded the Fire-Tipped Spear in countless battles, defeating numerous enemy generals. In some depictions, he assumes his supernatural form of Three Heads and Six Arms (三头六臂), wielding multiple weapons simultaneously, including twin Fire-Tipped Spears.

The Fire-Tipped Spear also appears in Journey to the West, where it is associated with Red Boy (红孩儿). Although the weapon retains its characteristic length, it is generally not described as possessing the same flame-emitting properties found in Fengshen Yanyi.

In religious art, opera, illustration, and modern popular culture, the Fire-Tipped Spear is almost invariably portrayed in Nezha’s hand, making it one of the most enduring and recognizable symbols of the deity.