Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Lei Heng (雷横, Lôi Hoành) is a prominent fictional character in the classical Chinese novel Water Margin. Originally a blacksmith who later became a constable in Yuncheng County, he is renowned for his immense strength and his ability to jump over walls as if they were nothing, earning him the nickname ‘Winged Tiger’. Despite his role as a law enforcement officer, he maintains a strong sense of justice and brotherhood, often shielding outlaws like Chao Gai (晁盖, Tiều Cái) and Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang). His journey to Liangshan is marked by personal tragedy and conflict with the local corrupt magistrate, eventually forcing him to flee into the mountains to join the rebel cause.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Lei Heng belongs to the Water Margin universe rather than the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, his archetypal character represents the shift from corrupt civil service to the righteous outlaw-hero dynamic often explored in Chinese historical epics. His martial prowess, characterized by his leaping agility and brute force, makes him one of the vital ‘Eight Tiger Cub Vanguard Generals’ of the Liangshan cavalry.
Lei Heng — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 13
The Constable of Yuncheng
Lei Heng is introduced as a lead constable in Yuncheng County. He encounters Yang Zhi (杨志, Dương Chí) in a trial of skill with weapons.
Chapter 51
Flight to Liangshan
After a tragic altercation involving his mother and the performer Bai Xiuying (白秀英, Bạch Tú Anh), Lei Heng kills her and is forced to flee, ultimately joining the bandits of Liangshan Marsh.
Chapter 119
Final Campaign
Lei Heng fights valiantly in the campaign against Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp). He is killed in battle by the enemy general Si Xingfang (司行方, Tư Hành Phương).
Key Relationships
- The 108 Heroes
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): Lei Heng respects Song Jiang as his leader and a moral compass within the rebellion.
- Zhu Tong (朱仝, Chu Đồng): A fellow constable of Yuncheng who shared a close friendship with Lei Heng; Zhu Tong famously allowed Lei Heng to escape when he was being transported for his crimes.
