Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Chen Da (陈达, Trần Đạt), known by his nickname ‘White-Spotted Snake’, is a fictional character in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin. He is one of the 108 Stars of Destiny, ranking as the 72nd Earthly Star. Originally a bandit leader based at Mount Shaohua alongside Zhu Wu (朱武, Chu Vũ) and Yang Chun (杨春, Dương Xuân), he serves as a minor commander in the Liangshan forces. Chen Da is depicted as a reckless but brave warrior who fights with a steel spear. While his tactical wisdom is often overshadowed by his peers, his loyalty to the Liangshan brotherhood remains consistent throughout his service.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Chen Da does not appear in the Three Kingdoms era, his archetype in Water Margin mirrors the roaming bandit-lords of the late Eastern Han, possessing a localized military base and eventually integrating into a larger, more powerful faction.
Chen Da — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 2
The Siege of Mount Shaohua
Chen Da, alongside Zhu Wu and Yang Chun, leads an attack against the nearby Huayin County. Despite the warnings of Zhu Wu, he recklessly attacks, leading to his eventual involvement with Shi Jin (史进, Sử Tiến).
Chapter 58
Joining Liangshan
Following various skirmishes and diplomatic efforts, Chen Da and his comrades formally join the Liangshan Marsh bandit group, contributing their forces to the growing rebellion against the Song Dynasty.
Chapter 119
The Death of a Warrior
During the final campaign against the rebel leader Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Chen Da is killed in action during the assault on Yuling Pass.
Key Relationships
- The Shaohua Trio
- Zhu Wu (朱武, Chu Vũ): The strategic leader of their group who often tempered Chen Da’s impulsive nature.
- Yang Chun (杨春, Dương Xuân): His sworn brother and fellow bandit leader at Mount Shaohua.
- Liangshan Peers
- Shi Jin (史进, Sử Tiến): Initially an adversary, later a close ally who helped bring the trio into the fold of the Liangshan heroes.
