Guan Yu

Guan Yu (d. January or February 220), with the courtesy name Yunchang, was a Chinese military general who served under the warlord Liu Bei during the late Eastern Han dynasty. He, along with Zhang Fei, shared a close, brotherly bond with Liu Bei and took part in most of his early adventures. Guan Yu was important in the events that led to the end of the Han dynasty and the creation of Liu Bei's state of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period.

Known for his loyalty to Liu Bei, Guan Yu also showed bravery by repaying kindness from Cao Cao by defeating Yan Liang, a general under Cao Cao's rival Yuan Shao, during the Battle of Boma. After Liu Bei took control of Yi Province in 214, Guan Yu stayed in Jing Province to govern and protect it for about seven years. However, while fighting Cao Cao at the Battle of Fancheng in 219, Liu Bei's ally Sun Quan broke their agreement and took over Jing Province. When Guan Yu learned of this loss after his defeat, it was too late, and he was captured and executed by Sun Quan's forces at Linju, in present-day Nanzhang County, Xiangyang City, Hubei.

After his death, Guan Yu's life story was greatly honored, and he was treated like a god starting in the Sui dynasty. Over many generations, especially through the 14th-century novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his actions and good qualities were highlighted, making him one of East Asia's most respected examples of loyalty and righteousness. Today, he is remembered as a cultural hero and is still honored by many people of Chinese descent in China, Taiwan, and other countries. In religious practices, he is called "Emperor Guan" or "Lord Guan" and is worshipped in Chinese folk religion, Confucianism, Taoism, and Chinese Buddhism. Small shrines dedicated to him can be found in many traditional Chinese shops and restaurants.

Historical sources

The main historical source for learning about Guan Yu is the Records of the Three Kingdoms, written by Chen Shou in the third century. Later, during the fifth century, Pei Songzhi added notes to this book, using many other texts to give more details and share his own thoughts. Some of these other texts include Shu Ji, Wei Shu by Wang Chen, Xun Yi, and Ruan Ji, Jiang Biao Zhuan, Fu Zi by Fu Xuan, Dianlüe by Yu Huan, Wu Li, and Chronicles of Huayang by Chang Qu.

Physical appearance

No exact descriptions of Guan Yu's looks are found in old records. But one story says he had an amazing beard.

People often picture Guan Yu as a red-faced warrior with a big, beautiful beard. This idea might come from a famous old book called Romance of the Three Kingdoms. It describes him as very tall with a long beard, a red face, red lips, and special eyes.

In pictures from this book, Guan Yu usually wears a green robe over his armor. His weapon, called the Green Dragon Crescent Blade, looks like a long sword and is very heavy.

Early life and career

Guan Yu was from Yuncheng, Shanxi. He loved studying and knew many stories from an old history book called the Zuo zhuan.

During a big uprising called the Yellow Turban Rebellion, Guan Yu joined a group led by Liu Bei to help keep peace. He and his friend Zhang Fei became known for their strength and bravery as fighters.

Liu Bei treated Guan Yu and Zhang Fei like family. They shared a room, ate together, and always protected Liu Bei. They went with him on many adventures and were ready for any challenge. Guan Yu was kind to his soldiers and always stayed loyal to Liu Bei.

Short service under Cao Cao

Liu Bei and his followers joined Cao Cao after winning a battle against Lü Bu. Later, Liu Bei and his men left to take control of Xu Province, leaving Guan Yu in charge of the city of Xiapi.

In 200, Cao Cao attacked Liu Bei and took back Xu Province. Guan Yu was captured but treated well by Cao Cao, who even asked the emperor to give Guan Yu an important military position. Later, Guan Yu helped fight off an attack led by Yuan Shao's general Yan Liang. After this battle, Guan Yu decided to leave Cao Cao’s service to return to Liu Bei, honouring his promise to stay loyal to Liu Bei. Cao Cao respected Guan Yu’s decision and did not try to stop him.

Returning to Liu Bei

When Cao Cao and Yuan Shao fought at the Battle of Guandu in 200, Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei to meet Liu Pi, a leader of the Yellow Turban rebels in Runan, to help attack the capital while Cao Cao was away. During this time, Guan Yu met up with Liu Bei again. Unfortunately, Liu Bei and Liu Pi were defeated by Cao Cao's general Cao Ren. Liu Bei then went back to Yuan Shao but secretly planned to leave. He tried to convince Yuan Shao to team up with Liu Biao, the leader of Jing Province. Yuan Shao sent Liu Bei to talk to another rebel leader named Gong Du in Runan, where they gathered some soldiers. After winning at Guandu, Cao Cao attacked Runan. Liu Bei had to flee south and was given shelter by Liu Biao, who let him lead the town of Xinye near the border of Jing Province. Guan Yu went with Liu Bei to Xinye.

Battle of Red Cliffs and aftermath

See also: Battle of Red Cliffs and Battle of Jiangling (208)

When a leader named Liu Biao passed away in 208, his younger son, Liu Cong, decided to give up Jing Province to another leader, Cao Cao. Liu Bei had to move his group to a safer place called Xiakou. Along the way, Liu Bei split his group. One part, led by Guan Yu, sailed along the river to a place called Jiangling. The other part, led by Liu Bei himself, traveled over land.

Cao Cao sent soldiers to chase Liu Bei’s group. They caught up at a place called Changban, leading to a battle. Liu Bei and his group managed to escape and meet up with Guan Yu’s group at Han Ford. Together, they sailed to Xiakou.

Later in 208, Liu Bei teamed up with Sun Quan. Together, they won a big battle against Cao Cao at the Battle of Red Cliffs. After losing this battle, Cao Cao went back north and left one of his generals, Cao Ren, to protect Jing Province.

During another battle at Jiangling, Guan Yu was placed at the northern routes to stop Cao Ren’s supplies. Though some of Cao Cao’s soldiers tried to fight Guan Yu, they were not successful. Eventually, Liu Bei made Guan Yu the leader of Xiangyang and a general, and told him to stay near the Yangtze River.

Guarding Jing Province

Between 212 and 214, Liu Bei began a campaign to take control of Yi Province from the governor Liu Zhang. While most of Liu Bei’s followers joined this campaign, Guan Yu stayed behind to protect Liu Bei’s lands in Jing Province.

Sun-Liu territorial dispute

Main article: Sun–Liu territorial dispute

In the mid-210s, a disagreement happened between Liu Bei and Sun Quan over land in southern Jing Province. Liu Bei had used this area as a temporary base but was asked to return some parts after taking Yi Province. When Liu Bei refused, Sun Quan sent his general Lü Meng to reclaim the land. Guan Yu was ordered to stop Lü Meng’s forces. One of Lü Meng’s men, Gan Ning, prevented Guan Yu from crossing shallow waters near Yiyang, which later were called 'Guan Yu's Shallows'. Eventually, both sides agreed to share southern Jing Province along the Xiang River and withdrew their troops.

Battle of Fancheng

Main article: Battle of Fancheng

In 219, after Liu Bei won the Hanzhong Campaign against Cao Cao, he named himself "King of Hanzhong" and made Guan Yu the General of the Vanguard, giving him a special axe. That same year, Guan Yu led his soldiers to attack Cao Ren at Fancheng and surround the fortress. Cao Cao sent Yu Jin with extra troops to help, but heavy rains caused the Han River to flood, destroying Yu Jin's army. Guan Yu was ready for this and moved his navy during the flood. Yu Jin gave up to Guan Yu, but one of his men, Pang De, refused and was killed by Guan Yu. Some local leaders also joined Guan Yu because they were unhappy with Cao Cao's harsh rules.

Guan Yu’s fame grew across China. Before the battle, Guan Yu had dreamed of a boar biting his foot and told his son Guan Ping he might not return safely.

Losing Jing Province

Main article: Lü Meng's invasion of Jing Province

Guan Yu had won a battle and captured an enemy leader, but his army ran out of food. He took grain from a storage area controlled by another leader named Sun Quan. Unknown to Guan Yu, Sun Quan had secretly agreed to work with a powerful rival named Cao Cao. Sun Quan sent his general Lü Meng to attack Guan Yu's territory, hiding his soldiers in boats that looked like regular ships.

Guan Yu had left two of his officers, Mi Fang and Shi Ren, to protect important bases. Because Guan Yu had been unfair to them, they decided to let Sun Quan’s forces take over when Lü Meng arrived. Because of this, most of Guan Yu’s land in Jing Province was lost to Sun Quan.

Death

Guan Yu was captured along with his son Guan Ping by Sun Quan's forces after being surrounded. They were taken to Linju where they were later executed.

According to one account, Sun Quan considered keeping Guan Yu alive to use against other leaders but was advised against it. However, historians question this story, noting the distance involved and the likelihood of Guan Yu's quick execution after capture.

After Guan Yu's death, Sun Quan sent his head to Cao Cao, who gave him an honored funeral. Later, Liu Shan gave Guan Yu the posthumous title "Marquis Zhuangmou."

Anecdotes

Request to take Qin Yilu's wife

See also: Qin Yilu

During the Battle of Xiapi, Guan Yu asked Cao Cao for permission to marry Qin Yilu's wife, Lady Du, after their victory. Though Cao Cao agreed, he later changed his mind and took Lady Du for himself instead.

Advice to Liu Bei

Guan Yu once urged Liu Bei to seize Cao Cao during a hunting trip, but Liu Bei refused. Later, when Liu Bei faced difficulties, Guan Yu reminded him of this advice. Liu Bei believed that his choice was for the greater good and hoped things would work out for the best.

Asking Zhuge Liang about Ma Chao

When Ma Chao joined Liu Bei's forces in 214, Guan Yu wrote to Zhuge Liang asking who could compare to Ma Chao. Zhuge Liang praised Ma Chao's skills and strength, comparing him to other great warriors.

Arm injury

Guan Yu was once wounded in his left arm by an arrow. A doctor told him the arrow was poisoned and needed surgery to remove the poison. Guan Yu had the surgery done while eating and talking with his men, showing great bravery.

Family

Guan Yu had two known sons, Guan Ping and Guan Xing. Guan Xing took over his father's important title and served in the state of Shu during the Three Kingdoms period. Guan Yu also had a daughter. There were stories about her, calling her "Guan Yinping" or "Guan Feng," especially in folktales, Chinese opera, and the Dynasty Warriors video game.

Guan Xing's son, Guan Tong, married a princess, one of Liu Shan's daughters, and served an important role in the imperial guards. When Guan Tong died, he had no son, so his younger half-brother Guan Yi took over for him.

After the fall of Shu in 263, Pang Hui led a group that affected Guan Yu's family and descendants, seeking to honor his father's memory after the Battle of Fancheng in 219.

Many years later, in 1719, the Kangxi Emperor of the Qing dynasty gave an important academic title to Guan Yu's descendants living in Luoyang. This title allowed them to hold a special position in the Hanlin Academy.

Appraisal

Chen Shou, who wrote Guan Yu's story in the Sanguozhi, talked about him like this: Guan Yu and his friend Zhang Fei were known as very strong warriors who could fight against thousands of enemies. They were brave and powerful, like tigers among Liu Bei's followers. Guan Yu was known for being loyal, even when others were not kind to him, but he could also be very stubborn and proud. These traits sometimes caused him trouble.

Worship

Guan Yu has been honored as a holy figure since the Sui dynasty (581–618). Today, many people still respect him as a wise guide in Buddhist traditions and as a protector in Chinese folk beliefs and Taoism. He is also admired in Confucianism and some newer religious groups.

In Chinese folk beliefs, Guan Yu is called "Emperor Guan" and "Lord Guan." Many special temples and shrines dedicated to him can be found in places like mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan. Some of these temples are built like royal homes to show his important role. Examples include the Haizhou Guandi Temple in Shanxi and temples in Jinan and Luoyang.

Throughout history, Guan Yu has been given many important titles. Leaders from different dynasties honored him with special names. For example, during the Song dynasty, he was called "Duke Zhōnghùi." Later, during the Qing dynasty, he was called "Guan, the Loyal and Righteous God of War."

People have believed that Guan Yu helped in many important battles and events. His spirit was thought to guide and protect people, even in later times.

Today, Guan Yu is still respected by many. Shrines and small temples for him can be found in homes, businesses, and special groups. In Hong Kong, police stations often have a place to honor him. Some other groups also respect him, though in different ways.

Guan Yu is also seen as a protector of wealth and good business. Many shops and offices have small shrines for him at their entrances, hoping for good luck and success.

In Chinese religion

Many temples and shrines across China and other parts of the world are devoted to Guan Yu. These include places in South Korea, Vietnam, Taiwan, Macau, Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States, such as the Mendocino Joss House in California.

In Taoism

In Taoism, Guan Yu is called "Holy Ruler Deity Guan." Stories tell of him helping to solve problems and protecting important places. Each year, special events are held to honor him.

In Buddhism

In Chinese Buddhism, Guan Yu is seen as a protector of Buddhist teachings. Stories say he helped build temples and taught important lessons about kindness and wisdom.

Notable Guandi temples worldwide (outside mainland China)

• Dongmyo (東關王廟) in Seoul, South Korea (built in 1601)
• Miếu Quan Công in Hoi An, Quang Nam, Vietnam (built in 1653)
• State Temple of the Martial God (祀典武廟) in Tainan, Taiwan (built in 1663)
• Old Chinese Temple of Seven Prefectures (七府古廟) in Bien Hoa, Vietnam (built in 1684)
• Kuan Tai Temple (Sam Kai Vui Kun) in Macau (built in 1750)
• Gong Wu Shrine, in Bangkok, Thailand
• Kwan Sing Bio Temple (Klenteng Kwan Sing Bio) in Tuban, Indonesia (built in 1773)
• Chùa Ông Quan Đế Miếu in Bac Lieu, Vietnam (built in 1835)
• Temple of Kwan Tai in Mendocino, California, United States (built in 1854)
• See Yup temple in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia (built in 1866 on site of earlier 1856 temple)
• Guandi Temple in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia (built in 1887)
• Sam Sing Kung Temple in Sabah, Malaysia (built in 1887)
• Sze Yup Kwan Ti Temple in Glebe, New South Wales, Australia (built in 1898)
• Yiu Ming Temple in Alexandria, New South Wales, Australia (built in 1907)
• Yuqing Temple in Miaoli, Taiwan (built in 1906)
• Chinese Temple of Dili in East Timor (built in 1928)
• Xingtian Temple in Taipei, Taiwan (built in 1967)
• Kwan Kung Pavilion in Cheung Chau Island, Hong Kong (built in 1973)
• Setia Budi Temple at Jalan Irian Barat Medan, Indonesia (built in 1908)
• Santiago Chinese Temple in Santiago, Isabela, Philippines
• Kwan Ti Temple in Serian Sarawak Borneo (direct lineage from China)

In Romance of the Three Kingdoms

The famous Chinese novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms shows Guan Yu as a very brave and loyal hero. This book changed many parts of his story, which is why many people in China think of him this way.

You can read more about some made-up tales from the book that include Guan Yu by looking at these topics:

• Oath of the Peach Garden
• Battle of Hulao Pass
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Guan Yu's three conditions
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Guan Yu slays Yan Liang and Wen Chou
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Guan Yu crosses five passes and slays six generals
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Guan Yu slays Cai Yang at Gucheng
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Guan Yu releases Cao Cao at Huarong Trail
• Sun–Liu territorial dispute#In Romance of the Three Kingdoms
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Hua Tuo heals Guan Yu's arm
• Lü Meng#In Romance of the Three Kingdoms
• List of fictitious stories in Romance of the Three Kingdoms#Events after Guan Yu's death

In popular culture

Guan Yu has been a popular character in many stories, shows, and games. In Chinese opera, he is shown wearing a green uniform with special armor and a red face to show his bravery. He carries a famous sword called the Green Dragon Crescent Blade.

Many actors have played Guan Yu in movies and TV shows. He also appears in video games like the Dynasty Warriors series and Total War: Three Kingdoms. Some cards in the game Magic: The Gathering feature him too. In the game Hades, one of the special forms of a weapon is named after him. Coins from places like Niue also show Guan Yu as a famous warrior.

In modern politics

During discussions about changing prices in China, leader Deng Xiaoping used a famous story about Guan Yu. The story comes from an old book called Romance of the Three Kingdoms. Deng talked about how Guan Yu had to go through five hard places and defeat six strong enemies. He used this story to show that making big changes in China's prices would be very difficult and risky, but necessary.