Qu Yuan

Qu Yuan served as a high-ranking official in the court of King Huai of Chu, advocating for an alliance against the rising power of Qin. His political rivals, jealous of his influence, slandered him, leading to his exile twice. During his exile, he wrote many poems expressing his sorrow and loyalty. In 278 BCE, upon learning of the fall of his capital Ying to Qin forces, he drowned himself in the Miluo River, an act that has become a symbol of unwavering integrity.

Qu Yuan is credited with the authorship of several works in the Chu Ci anthology, most notably the Li Sao (Encountering Sorrow), a long autobiographical poem that blends political allegory with shamanistic imagery. His style, characterized by free verse and rich symbolism, broke from the four-character lines of the Book of Songs. He also wrote Nine Songs and Heavenly Questions, which reflect Chu's religious practices and cosmological inquiries. His works influenced later poets like Li Bai and Su Shi.

Qu Yuan's death is commemorated annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month as the Dragon Boat Festival. Traditional activities include dragon boat races and eating zongzi (sticky rice dumplings), which are said to have originated from attempts to feed his spirit or distract fish from his body. His legacy also extends to modern Chinese nationalism, where he is celebrated as a symbol of patriotism and moral rectitude. The festival was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2009.

Beyond his poetry, Qu Yuan is often associated with the legend of the Miluo River and the origin of the Dragon Boat Festival, but lesser-known details include his possible role as a shaman or priest in Chu's religious ceremonies, as suggested by his poems' ritualistic content. Some scholars debate whether he was a historical figure or a composite legend, though most accept his existence. His surname was actually 'Mi' (芈), with 'Qu' being his clan name. Additionally, his works were compiled by Liu Xiang in the Han dynasty, and his influence reached Japan and Korea, where his poetry was studied and adapted.

Chu Ci

An anthology of Chinese poetry from the southern state of Chu, characterized by its romantic and shamanistic style.

Li Sao

Qu Yuan's masterpiece, a long poem of political allegory and personal lament.

Miluo River

A river in Hunan Province, China, where Qu Yuan drowned himself.

Dragon Boat Festival

A traditional Chinese festival held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, commemorating Qu Yuan.