Zou Yuan is a fictional character in Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels in Chinese literature. Nicknamed “Forest Emerging Dragon”, he ranks 90th among the 108 Stars of Destiny and 54th among the 72 Earthly Fiends. Wikipedia
Notable aliases: “Forest Emerging Dragon”, 出林龍
Rank: 90th, Short Star (地短星) of the 72 Earthly Fiends
Simplified Chinese: 邹渊
Traditional Chinese: 鄒淵
Zou Yuan, also known as “White Stripe in the Waves,” is a fictional character in the classic Chinese novel “Water Margin,” also known as “Outlaws of the Marsh.” He is one of the 108 heroes who band together to form a rebellion against a corrupt government during the Song Dynasty.
Zou Yuan is a skilled swimmer and fighter who hails from Yuzhou. He is known for his speed and agility in the water, as well as his bravery and loyalty. Zou’s backstory in the novel is not well developed, but it is mentioned that he had a wife and child who were killed by government officials, which may have been the impetus for him to join the rebellion.
Zou Yuan first appears in Chapter 20 of the novel, when he is recruited by the rebel leader, Song Jiang, to join the group. Song Jiang recognizes Zou’s swimming and fighting abilities and believes that he would be a valuable asset to the group. Zou quickly proves his worth by participating in several battles against government forces and demonstrating his skill as a fighter.
One of Zou Yuan’s most notable achievements in the novel is his role in the rebellion’s defeat of the notorious pirate leader, Zhang Bao. Zhang Bao had been terrorizing the waterways of the region for years, and the government had been unable to capture him. However, Zou Yuan and several other heroes were able to track down Zhang Bao and engage him in battle. Zou used his swimming abilities to get close to Zhang Bao’s ship and launch a surprise attack. He was able to kill several of Zhang Bao’s men and force Zhang Bao to surrender.
Zou Yuan also plays a significant role in the rebellion’s final battle against the government forces. He is one of the few heroes who is able to hold his own against the government’s most skilled fighters, and he participates in several key battles. In one particularly dramatic scene, Zou jumps into the water and fights off a group of enemy soldiers who are attempting to cross a river. He is able to single-handedly defeat several of the soldiers and prevent them from advancing.
Throughout the novel, Zou Yuan is portrayed as a brave and resourceful warrior who is willing to risk his life for the cause of justice. He is not a particularly complex character, but he embodies many of the ideals of the “heroic outlaw” archetype that is central to the novel’s themes. Zou’s swimming abilities and fighting skills make him a valuable asset to the rebel group, and he plays a significant role in many of the novel’s key events.
In conclusion, Zou Yuan, also known as “White Stripe in the Waves,” is a memorable character in the novel “Water Margin.” His swimming and fighting abilities, combined with his bravery and loyalty, make him a valuable asset to the rebel group. Zou’s role in the defeat of Zhang Bao and the government forces demonstrates his importance to the rebellion, and his character embodies many of the novel’s key themes of justice, loyalty, and bravery in the face of adversity.
