Contents
Biography & Historical Record
Zou Run is a fictional character featured in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin (Shui Hu Zhuan). Known by the nickname ‘One-Horned Dragon’ (Dú Jiǎo Lóng), he is recognized for his immense physical strength and a distinct physical deformity—a large, horn-like growth on his head, which he uses as a weapon in combat. Alongside his uncle Zou Yuan (邹渊, Trâu Uyên), he originally operated as a bandit in the mountains near Dengzhou. His primary role is that of a frontline warrior who utilizes brute force and his unique ‘horn’ to ram and disorient enemies during chaotic melee combat.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Note: Zou Run does not appear in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, as he is a character from the Song Dynasty setting of Water Margin. His exploits are strictly tied to the Liangshan rebels.
Zou Run — Historical & Literary Timeline
Chapter 71
The Grand Assembly
Zou Run is appointed as one of the 72 Earthly Fiends, taking the rank of the Earth Horn Star (Địa Giác Tinh).
Chapter 119
Survival after Fang La
Unlike many of his brothers-in-arms who perished, Zou Run survives the disastrous campaign against the rebel Fang La (方腊, Phương Lạp). He chooses to decline an official post in the Song government and returns to his homeland in Dengzhou to live as a commoner.
Key Relationships
- Liangshan Marsh Leaders
- Song Jiang (宋江, Tống Giang): His ultimate commander and leader of the 108 Stars of Destiny.
- Zou Yuan (邹渊, Trâu Uyên): His uncle and fellow bandit, with whom he shared his career on Mount Dengyun.
- Comrades
- Sun Xin (孙新, Tôn Tân) and Gu Dasao (顾大嫂, Cố Đại Tẩu): His key allies during the rescue mission in Dengzhou that solidified his loyalty to the Liangshan cause.
