Guan Yu (Guan Gong): The Embodiment of Loyalty and Righteousness in "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" and the Loss of Jingzhou

Brief Introduction

Guan Yu, courtesy name Yunchang, was a renowned general at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty and one of the founders of the Shu Han regime. In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, he is portrayed as the ultimate representative of "loyalty and righteousness," later honored as "Guan Gong" or the "War God." However, the fate of this legendary hero ended in tragedy. Due to arrogance and underestimating the enemy while guarding Jingzhou, he was surprised by Eastern Wu at his rear, leading to defeat, capture, and execution. This event became a critical turning point for the Shu Han state.

Core Knowledge Points

* Identity Positioning: Head of the Five Tiger Generals of Shu Han, sworn brother of Liu Bei, ranked as General of the Front, and titled Marquis of Hanshou Pavilion.
* Classic Battles: Slaying Hua Xiong with Warm Wine, Passing Five Passes and Slaying Six Generals, Meeting with a Single Blade, Flooding the Seven Armies.
* Circumstances of Death: In the 24th year of Jian'an (219 AD), Guan Yu launched a northern expedition to Xiangfan, stunning the world. Lu Meng of Eastern Wu launched the "Crossing the River in White Robes" operation to seize Jingzhou. Facing enemies from both front and rear, Guan Yu retreated to Maicheng and was ultimately captured and killed by Eastern Wu forces at Linju.
* Cultural Symbolism: Evolved from a historical military general into a deity of folk belief, symbolizing loyalty, bravery, and integrity, with profound influence.

Connection to "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" Content

In Chapters 77 to 78 of Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu's death is depicted with intense tragedy. Prior to this, the novel heavily emphasized Guan Yu's bravery, such as "Flooding the Seven Armies" to capture Yu Jin and behead Pang De, pushing his reputation to its peak. However, the author Luo Guanzhong planted foreshadowing here: Guan Yu's arrogance led him to underestimate Eastern Wu, insult Sun Quan's envoy, and withdraw troops from Jingzhou to support the front line.

Lu Meng of Eastern Wu adopted Lu Xun's advice, feigning illness to withdraw, while secretly making deployments. When Lu Meng crossed the river in white robes, the soldiers of Jingzhou defected, and Guan Yu's rear base collapsed instantly. The book describes Guan Yu's wretched state while fleeing to Maicheng, forming a sharp contrast with his earlier majesty. Ultimately, Guan Yu and his son were captured by Ma Zhong at Linju. Facing Sun Quan's offer of surrender, he glared fiercely and was finally beheaded.

This plot not only ended Guan Yu's personal legend but also directly triggered Liu Bei to launch the "Battle of Yiling" to avenge his brother, resulting in the loss of Shu Han's elite forces and altering the tripartite balance of power. Upon hearing the news, Liu Bei "fainted to the ground," weeping bitterly, demonstrating deep brotherly affection. Guan Yu's death was both a personal character tragedy and a marker of the strategic collapse of Shu Han.

Conclusion

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Guan Yu is not only a military general but also a moral symbol. His death at the hands of Wu profoundly reveals the truth that "an arrogant army is destined to fail," making his image more three-dimensional through tragedy. Through Guan Yu's death, the novel completes the highest tribute to heroism, while also hinting at the limitations of individual power in chaotic times, becoming an indispensable spiritual totem in Chinese culture.