Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Ma Lin (马麟, Mã Lân) is a fictional character featured in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. He is one of the 108 Stars of Destiny, ranking as the 67th chieftain and identified by the Earth Dark Star. Originally a minor official in Jianzhou, he eventually turned to a life of banditry at Huangmen Mountain alongside his sworn brothers Ou Peng (欧鹏, Âu Bằng), Jiang Jing (蒋敬, Tưởng Kính), and Tao Zongwang (陶宗旺, Đào Tông Vượng). After meeting Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang), they collectively joined the forces at Liangshan Marsh. Ma Lin is celebrated for his unusual and elegant weapon of choice, the twin iron flutes, which he utilizes with deadly precision. He is noted for his agility, courage, and unwavering loyalty to the cause of the Liangshan heroes.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Ma Lin does not appear in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his archetype reflects the tradition of the ‘warrior-scholar’ often explored in historical military epics. His martial prowess in Water Margin mirrors the versatility of commanders who rely on speed and unorthodox techniques rather than brute force.
Ma Lin — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 41
Joining Liangshan
Ma Lin and his brothers from Huangmen Mountain intercept Song Jiang and decide to join the Liangshan rebellion.
Chapter 119
Death at Muzhou
During the final campaign against the rebel Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Ma Lin is tragically killed by the enemy commanders Shi Bao (石宝, Thạch Bảo) and Bai Qin (白钦, Bạch Khâm) at Muzhou.
Key Relationships
- The Four Chieftains of Huangmen Mountain
- Ou Peng (欧鹏, Âu Bằng): Sworn brother and fellow commander who joined Liangshan simultaneously.
- Jiang Jing (蒋敬, Tưởng Kính): Financial administrator of the band, known for his bookkeeping skills.
- Tao Zongwang (陶宗旺, Đào Tông Vượng): Chief engineer responsible for building the defenses of Liangshan.
- Liangshan Leadership
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): The supreme leader to whom Ma Lin pledged absolute loyalty.
