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Xiahou Dun
Wei general who served Cao Cao from his first campaigns, lost an eye fighting Lu Bu, and was made grand general by Cao Pi shortly before his death
At dusk on a hilltop, a large tent stands open with a table holding a map marked with small stones inside, a saddled horse tethered outside, and fire stands burning; campfires dot the river plain below, and one tiny sentry stands on the slope.
Also known as Zi Yuanrang
- Roles
- Commanders
Xiahou Dun, courtesy name Yuanrang, came from Qiao in the Pei kingdom. At fourteen he killed a man who had insulted his teacher and was known for his temper thereafter. He served as Cao Cao's lieutenant from the start; in 194, holding Puyang, he was seized as a hostage by Lu Bu's men and freed only when his officer Han Hao ordered an attack on the kidnappers. Fighting Lu Bu later, he lost his left eye to a stray arrow, and the Weilue says the army called him Blind Xiahou. As governor of Chenliu and Jiyin during drought and locusts he dammed the Taishou river and carried earth himself so his soldiers could grow rice. He later commanded twenty-six armies at Juchao, and when Cao Pi became King of Wei in 220 he was made grand general, dying months later as Marquis Zhong. In 233 Emperor Ming had offerings made to him, with Cao Ren and Cheng Yu, in Cao Cao's temple.
Life and times
Dates Birth unknown–220 CE