Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Li Gun (李衮, Lý Cổn) is a fictional character in the classical Chinese novel Water Margin. He is one of the 108 Stars of Destiny and is ranked as the 65th member of the Liangshan heroes. Before joining the outlaw band, he was a brigand residing at Mangdang Mountain alongside Fan Rui (樊瑞, Phàn Thụy) and Xiang Chong (项充, Hạng Sung). He is well-known for his specialized combat style involving a round shield, which he used to defend himself while throwing deadly javelins to disable opponents.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Li Gun is not a character in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms as he belongs to the Water Margin literary universe. However, within the context of the 108 heroes, he is defined by his loyalty to the Liangshan cause and his coordination with his ‘brothers’ in combat.
Li Gun — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 59
The Siege of Mangdang Mountain
Li Gun, along with Fan Rui and Xiang Chong, opposes the Liangshan heroes but is eventually defeated by Gongsun Sheng (公孙胜, Công Tôn Thắng) using Taoist magic, leading to their surrender and enlistment into the ranks of Liangshan.
Chapter 118
Death at Yuling Pass
During the final campaign against the rebel Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp), Li Gun is killed at Yuling Pass. While pursuing enemy forces, he falls into a hidden pit and is promptly killed by the rebel soldiers’ arrows and spears.
Key Relationships
- Allies and Brothers
- Fan Rui (樊瑞, Phàn Thụy): His leader at Mangdang Mountain and a close confidant throughout their tenure at Liangshan.
- Xiang Chong (项充, Hạng Sung): His partner in the ‘flying’ combat formation; the two are almost inseparable in battle, often fighting as a synchronized unit.
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): The primary leader of the Liangshan cause, to whom Li Gun pledged his absolute loyalty after his submission.
