The Daily Think

How many of us were playing Dynasty Warriors 2 on the PlayStation 2 at GameStop on their in-store Demo Mode and go, “I would like one PS2 and this game please.” Dynasty Warriors has been around since the 80’s but it was one of the wildest games once the system’s caught up to the concept. The Concept, the Romance of the 3 Kingdoms, the system, the PS2. And when you played, there was one warrior we all went to…GUAN YU.

WHO IS YU?
Guan Yu, often referred to as Guan Gong or Guan Di, is a legendary figure in Chinese history and mythology. He is best known as a powerful warrior and military general who lived during the late Eastern Han Dynasty and the early Three Kingdoms period, around the second and third centuries CE. Guan Yu’s enduring influence in Chinese culture is significant, and he is still revered today for his qualities of loyalty, righteousness, and martial prowess.

Guan Yu was born in the late second century CE in what is now Shanxi Province, China. He initially served as a military officer under the warlord Liu Bei during the tumultuous Romance of the Three Kingdoms period. Guan Yu became known for his unwavering loyalty to Liu Bei, even in the face of personal danger.

THE OATH OF THE PEACH GARDEN

Guan Yu, along with his blood brothers Liu Bei and Zhang Fei, is famous for taking the “Oath of the Peach Garden.” In this oath, the three swore to be as close as brothers and to help each other in times of need.

RED FACE RED HARE
Guan Yu is often depicted riding a magnificent horse called Red Hare, which was said to be incredibly fast and powerful. And on top of that Guan Yu is often depicted with fiery red hair himself!

ROMANCE OF THE THREE KINGDOMS
Guan Yu is revered for his strong sense of honor, loyalty, and righteousness. He is considered a paragon of Confucian virtues and a symbol of integrity and fidelity. Guan Yu’s legend has been immortalized in the classic Chinese historical novel “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” by Luo Guanzhong. In the novel, Guan Yu’s character is elevated to near-superhero status, and he is depicted as a giant with a long beard, wielding the famous Green Dragon Crescent Blade. And if you played Dynasty Warriors 2, grab that halberd and swing away like you were swatting flies known as the Yellow Turban Rebellion. Ride Red Hare and swing at many an enemy and fell them with one swoop! Amazing fun!

DEIFICATION AND WORSHIP
After his death in 220 CE, Guan Yu was deified and worshipped as a god. He is considered the Taoist god of war, often depicted with a red face and a long beard. His temples are found throughout China and in various Chinese communities around the world. Guan Yu is particularly popular among martial artists, police officers, and those seeking protection and strength in their endeavors. His image is often displayed in homes, businesses, and temples.

INFLUENCE IN POPULAR CULTURE:
Guan Yu’s legend has had a lasting impact on Chinese popular culture. He is a recurring character in video games, films, and television series, often portrayed as a formidable and heroic figure.

DIPLOMACY AND PEACEMAKING
Guan Yu’s influence extends beyond his martial reputation. He is sometimes invoked as a symbol of diplomacy and peacemaking, encouraging discussions and negotiations to resolve conflicts.

LEGACY
Guan Yu’s legacy endures as a symbol of valor, loyalty, and righteousness in Chinese culture. His story continues to inspire and resonate with people today, and he is a beloved figure who embodies the highest ideals of honor and nobility in both history and mythology.