The heavenly Jade Emperor wanted to divide the time into cycles of 12 years and an earthly animal will be guarding each cycle, according to one of the many legends. He said the fastest animals to reach the Heavenly Gate would be chosen. They will be ranked accordingly and will have a year in the cycle that will be named after them in the cycle. Because of this opportunity, the animals raced against each other to win the favor of the emperor.
The legend said that the rat set-off first, but when he arrived at the fast-flowing river, he waited for other animals to catch up. The tender-hearted ox arrived and took advantage by asking to help him cross the river, so the kind ox carried him over on his hear. They were able to cross the river, but the dim ox charged off.
The ox is approaching the palace in the first place, however, the rat suddenly jumped from his ear and rushed to the Jade Emperor's feet. Thus, he secured victory and got the first place, making the ox to rank to the second place.
Then, the tiger came next, which was followed by the rabbit who jumped from stone to stone just to cross the fast-flowing river. The flying dragon came in the fifth place, so the Jade Emperor asked him why he didn't fly to get the first place, he answered that he went and stopped by at a village to help some desperate farmers by bringing rain.
Meanwhile, the horse rushed in and very confident in securing the sixth spot. However, the snake slithered off his front hoof beating him by the nose. So, the snake took the sixth place, while the horse got the seventh place.
The sheep, monkey, and the rooster arrived and they were able to cross the fast-slowing river by building a raft together, taking eighth, ninth, and 10th places respectively. The dog enjoyed a bath in the river, which caused his delay and got the 11th place. Lastly, the pig, who stopped and took a nap, got the 12th and final place.
This legend is just one of the many versions, but they all believed the rat made sure the cat will not finish the race by likely tricking him to sleep or pushing him into the river, the South China Morning Post reported. The cat failed to be recognized as part of the zodiac because of the rat's deceptive action and nature. Chinese legend said this is the reason why the two were natural enemies, and also the reason why cats never forgave rats.
