Of the Shadow (的卢 dí lú) was Liu Bei’s famous steed, renowned for its incredible speed and loyalty. The horse famously leaped across the Tan River (檀溪) at Xiangyang, saving Liu Bei from assassination. Despite its reputation as an unlucky horse (it had killed three previous owners), it served Liu Bei faithfully for many years.
Historical context
Horses were crucial military assets during the Three Kingdoms period. Famous steeds became legendary alongside their riders, and the bond between warrior and horse was celebrated in literature and art. Armor and clothing also carried symbolic significance, distinguishing rank and role.
References
- Chen Shou, Records of the Three Kingdoms (三国志)
- Luo Guanzhong, Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义)