Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Xie Bao is a fictional character in the classical Chinese novel Water Margin. Known by his nickname ‘Double-Tailed Scorpion’ (Song Wei Xie), he is the thirty-fifth of the 108 Stars of Destiny. Along with his elder brother Xie Zhen (解珍, Giải Trân), he was a skilled hunter from Dengzhou (登州). The brothers are renowned for their incredible bravery, proficiency with pitchforks, and ability to traverse rugged mountain terrain. Their entry into the Liangshan brotherhood was prompted by a treacherous plot by the corrupt official Mao Zhongyi (毛仲義, Mao Trọng Nghĩa), who attempted to steal a tiger the brothers had caught to claim the reward for himself, leading the brothers to storm the prison and eventually join the outlaw ranks.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
While Xie Bao does not appear in the historical Records of the Three Kingdoms, he represents the archetype of the ‘brave warrior’ often found in the folk legends of the Song Dynasty. His martial character reflects the values of loyalty and brotherhood that mirror the virtues celebrated in traditional Chinese epic literature.
Xie Bao — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 49
The Hunt and the Injustice
Xie Bao and his brother kill a tiger that rolls down to the garden of Mao Zhongyi. They are framed for theft and imprisoned, leading to their dramatic escape and alliance with Gu Dasao (顧大嫂, Cố Đại Tẩu).
Chapter 114
Death at Wulong Pass
During the final campaign against the rebel Fang La (方臘, Phương Lạp), Xie Bao attempts to climb the Wulong Pass. He is discovered, slips, and falls to his death, followed by a volley of arrows from the defenders.
Key Relationships
- Xie Zhen (解珍, Giải Trân)
- The elder brother of Xie Bao; they act as a duo in every major engagement, sharing a deep bond of loyalty and shared fate.
- Gu Dasao (顧大嫂, Cố Đại Tẩu)
- Their cousin who plays a pivotal role in organizing the jailbreak that leads them to Liangshan.
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang)
- The leader of Liangshan who earns the absolute loyalty of the Xie brothers through his charismatic leadership and promise of justice.
