Bailong Ma, White Jade Lion

The White Jade Lion: The Divine Steed of Zhao Yun

The Radiant White Stallion of Changshan

In Chinese literature, folklore, and centuries of military storytelling, no warrior embodies chivalry, poise, and invincible valor quite like Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân / title: Zilong, 子龙, Tử Long). Just as Guan Yu (关羽, Quan Vũ) rode the crimson Red Hare (赤兔马, Ngựa Xích Thố) and Zhang Fei (张飞, Trương Phi) rode the coal-black Wuyun Taxue (乌云踏雪, Ngựa Ô Vân Đạp Tuyết), Zhao Yun commanded a legendary snow-white warhorse known by two iconic names: Bailong Ma (白龙马, Báilóng Mǎ, Ngựa Bạch Long) and Yezhao Yushizi (夜照玉狮子, Yèzhào Yùshīzi, Ngựa Dạ Chiếu Ngọc Sư Tử).

This majestic white stallion was not merely a mount, but a loyal partner that bore Zhao Yun through the deadliest battlefields of the Three Kingdoms era, earning its place among the greatest divine steeds in Asian folklore.

1. Names and Their Cultural Symbolism

The warhorse carried two prominent titles in classic literature and popular folklore:

Bailong Ma (白龙马, Ngựa Bạch Long)

• Literal Translation: “White Dragon Horse” or “White Dragon Steed.”

• Literary Meaning: In Luo Guanzhong’s (罗贯中, La Quán Trung) Romance of the Three Kingdoms (三国演义, Sān Guó Yǎn Yì, Tam Quốc Diễn Nghĩa), this term is used as a poetic metaphor. The stallion’s flawless, snow-white coat and towering posture gave it the appearance of a white dragon soaring across the battlefield.

Yezhao Yushizi (夜照玉狮子, Ngựa Dạ Chiếu Ngọc Sư Tử)

• Literal Translation: “The Night-Shining White Jade Lion.”

• The Legend of the Mane: According to folk tales and northern Chinese legends, when the colt was born, the fur around its neck grew thick and erect, giving it the imposing mane of a lion (Yù Shīzi / 玉狮子).

• The Night-Glow Effect: Legend tells that its white coat was so pure and pristine that at night, it absorbed and reflected the moonlight, casting a soft, radiant silver glow (Yè Zhào / 夜照) around its rider.

Zhao Yun – 赵云 – Triệu Vân

2. Legendary Feats: Saving Its Master

Beyond its breathtaking appearance, the White Jade Lion was celebrated for its extraordinary stamina, supernatural agility, and loyalty to Zhao Yun in dire situations.

The Escape at Changban Slope (208 AD)

During the Battle of Changban (长坂坡之战, Trường Bản Pha Chi Chiến), Zhao Yun strapped the infant A’Dou (阿斗, A Đẩu / Liu Shan, 刘禅, Lưu Thiền) securely inside his breastplate armor and charged into Cao Cao’s (曹操, Tào Tháo) pursuing army of 5,000 elite iron cavalry:

• Endurance Under Siege: Bailong Ma galloped without rest through seven major encirclements (Qī jìn qī chū, Bảy lần vào bảy lần ra), helping Zhao Yun cut down over 50 enemy officers.

• Agility in Close Quarters: The horse’s swift footing allowed Zhao Yun to wield his Gentian Spear (崖角枪, Nhai Đảm Thương) and the captured Qinggang Sword (青釭剑, Thanh Cang Kiếm) seamlessly, evading spears and arrows at point-blank range.

Zhao Yun Rescues A’Dou at Dangyang

The Miraculous Leap Out of the Pit Trap

A famous folk episode relates that during an intense engagement, Zhao Yun and his horse fell into a deep pit trap (Tráp / 陷阱) dug by enemy forces. Trapped and surrounded by archers above, death seemed certain.

Spurred by Zhao Yun’s voice and straining with every ounce of its strength, the Night-Shining White Jade Lion unleashed a miraculous leap, springing straight out of the deep ravine to land safely on solid ground—saving Zhao Yun’s life in a moment of extreme peril.

3. The Aesthetics of the Silver Warrior

The pairing of Zhao Yun and his white stallion forms the most aesthetic visual harmony in Three Kingdoms lore:

• The Silver-and-White Palette: While Zhang Fei presented a dark, thunderous aesthetic on his black steed, Zhao Yun represented pristine elegance and righteous courage.

• The Icon of Chivalry: Wearing polished silver armor, holding his silver-tipped spear, and riding the luminescent White Jade Lion, Zhao Yun riding into battle became the ultimate East Asian archetype of the noble, heroic warrior (Bái Mǎ Yīng Xióng / 白马英雄 – The Hero on the White Horse).

Summary of Profile Details

Cultural Legacy

• In Classical Literature: Luo Guanzhong used the white horse motif to highlight Zhao Yun’s clean, selfless record—one of the few generals in the novel who served with absolute integrity from youth to old age.

• In Performing Arts and Modern Media: From traditional Peking Opera (Jīngjù / 京剧) to modern historical dramas, films, and video games, Zhao Yun is universally depicted atop a glowing, white-maned stallion, preserving the legend of the Night-Shining White Jade Lion for generations to come.

For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Bailong Ma, White Jade Lion on Wikipedia.