| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 陈达, 陳達, Chén Dá |
| Nickname | 72 - Earthly Complete Star - 地周星 (Dìzhōu Xīng) - Địa Chu Tinh; White Flower Snake (白花蛇, Báihuāshé, Bạch Hoa Xà) |
| Other name | Trần Đạt |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Qingzhou (青州; Thanh Châu) |
| Death Reason | Killed in battle at Shaoxing (绍兴, Shàoxīng, Thiệu Hưng) during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Defense of Mount Shaohua, Battle of Huazhou, Campaign against the Liao, Campaign against Fang La |
Biography & Historical Record
Chen Da (陈达), known by his nickname ‘White-Spotted Snake’, is a fictional warrior featured in the classic Chinese epic Water Margin. Within the mythical pantheon of the 108 Stars of Destiny, he ranks as the 72nd Earthly Star (the Earthly Fiery Star). Originally an outlaw chieftain entrenched at Mount Shaohua alongside strategists Zhu Wu and Yang Chun, he commands respect through sheer martial courage and proficiency with a steel spear.
Operating during the tumultuous reign of the Northern Song Dynasty, he embodies the archetype of reckless provincial outlaws who fought against corrupt imperial governance. Though prone to impulsive tactical maneuvers, his unyielding bravery and steadfast loyalty to the Liangshan brotherhood earned him high esteem among his fellow vanguard cavalry officers.
Literary Analysis & Comparative Lore
While not an official historical figure, the character reflects the decentralized armed insurrections common throughout medieval Chinese history. His early resistance against regional magistrates demonstrates the struggle between central imperial authority and independent mountain outlaws prior to their eventual imperial amnesty.
Chen Da — Historical & Literary Timeline
The Siege of Mount Shaohua
Chen Da leads an aggressive raid against Huayin County despite strategic warnings. His defeat and capture by village protector Shi Jin ultimately forge an enduring bond of brotherhood among the outlaws.
Joining Liangshan Marsh
Following various skirmishes with corrupt prefects, the Mount Shaohua chieftains formally merge their forces with the grand Liangshan stronghold, bolstering the insurgent ranks.
The Death of a Warrior
During the grueling military expedition against rebel leader Fang La, Chen Da falls heroically in battle during an ambush at Yuling Pass.
Key Relationships
- The Shaohua Trio
- Zhu Wu: The brilliant strategist who tempered the headstrong vanguard officer.
- Yang Chun: His sworn brother and steadfast companion at Mount Shaohua.
- Liangshan Allies
- Shi Jin: A martial arts master who initially opposed the bandit band before joining their cause.
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