Fables & Lore · LT703

Historical Allusions

Historical anecdote narratives embodying character, courage, and integrity.

21works

4dynasties

5authors

Zhou

1046–256 BCE8 works
  1. The Fox Borrows the Tiger's MightLiu XiangBorrowed authority is hollow; people fear the power behind you, not you.
  2. Drawing Legs on a SnakeLiu XiangNeedless additions can throw away a victory already in hand.
  3. Heading North to Reach the SouthLiu XiangWith the wrong direction, every advantage only carries you farther from your goal.
  4. The Snipe and the ClamLiu XiangWhen two sides refuse to yield, a third party walks off with the prize.
  5. Mending the Pen After Losing a SheepLiu XiangFixing a mistake after it happens is still not too late.
  6. Three Men Make a TigerLiu XiangRepeated often enough by enough people, a falsehood comes to be believed.
  7. The Bird Startled by the BowstringLiu XiangThose who have been deeply hurt panic at the slightest disturbance.
  8. The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, the Oriole Waits BehindLiu XiangFixed on the prize ahead, you overlook the danger lurking behind you.

Han

202 BCE – 220 CE10 works
  1. The Bow's Reflection in the CupYing ShaoSuspicion breeds phantoms; once the truth is examined, the fear disappears.
  2. When the Birds Are Gone, the Bow Is Stored AwaySima QianKnowing when to withdraw after success protects you from a jealous ruler.
  3. An Arrow at the End of Its FlightSima QianEven great strength runs out; act while your force is at its peak.
  4. Poking Its Head Out Both Ways Like a RatSima QianSitting on the fence at a critical moment usually pleases neither side.
  5. Dead Ashes Flaring Up AgainSima QianDon't bully the fallen while you are on top; fortunes can reverse at any time.
  6. When the Hare Is Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima QianA ruler who shares only hardship often turns on his helpers once victory comes.
  7. As Precarious as Stacked EggsSima QianA situation without a stable base collapses at the slightest shock.
  8. Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance Aims at the Lord of PeiSima QianBeneath an innocent-looking act often lies a hidden aim.
  9. A Single Cry That Astonishes the WorldSima QianSilence is not weakness; gathered strength can burst forth to astonish all.
  10. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima QianA true leader need not excel at everything, but must know how to use others' talents.

Northern and Southern

420–5892 works
  1. Gazing at Plums to Quench ThirstLiu YiqingA vivid hope can lift people's spirits enough to get them through hardship.
  2. Seeing the Leopard Through a TubeLiu YiqingThough one sees only a spot, a discerning eye can infer the whole leopard.

Tang

618–9071 works
  1. Dotting the Dragon's EyesZhang YanyuanOne decisive touch in the right place can bring the whole work to life.