| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 丁得孙, 丁得孫, Dīng Désūn |
| Nickname | 79 - Earthly Speed Star - 地速星 (Dìsù Xīng) - Địa Tốc Tinh; Arrow-Hit Tiger (中箭虎, Zhòngjiànhǔ, Trúng Tiễn Hổ) |
| Other name | Đinh Đắc Tôn |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Huazhou (华州; Hoa Châu) |
| Death Reason | Killed in battle at Deqing (德清, Déqīng, Đức Thanh) after being bitten by a poisonous snake during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Defense of Gaotang Prefecture, Campaign against Fang La |
The Life and Martial Profile of Ding Desun
Ding Desun is a memorable fictional warrior featured in the classic Chinese masterpiece novel Water Margin. As one of the celebrated 108 Stars of Destiny, he holds the 79th rank overall and embodies the Earth Speed Star (Di Su Xing). Originally serving as an imperial garrison officer in Dongchang Prefecture, he fought loyally alongside his close brother-in-arms Gong Wang under commander Zhang Qing. Marked by physical battle scars and an intimidating presence, he earned the moniker “Middle-Arrow Tiger” due to his deadly accuracy with projectile weapons, particularly his specialized throwing forks and venom-tipped darts.
During the dramatic clashes against Liangshan forces, his defensive skirmishers held the line with tactical resilience. However, after falling victim to a strategic trap, he pledged loyalty to Song Jiang’s outlaw collective. Within the chaotic era of the Northern Song Dynasty, he transitioned from an imperial defender to an agile vanguard skirmisher. His primary duties involved scouting difficult terrain, setting perimeter ambushes, and supporting assault infantries led by prominent leaders like Lu Junyi.
Tactical Role and Literary Timeline
In traditional Chinese military folklore, secondary officers like Ding Desun highlight the chaotic perils faced by auxiliary soldiers during large-scale feudal wars. Rather than dominating main duels, he provided vital tactical versatility across diverse battlefields.
The Defense of Dongchang
Stationed under Zhang Qing, the deputy officer engages the Liangshan vanguard in fierce combat before being captured during a coordinated night raid orchestrated by the marsh chieftains.
The Expedition Against Fang La
While navigating rugged terrain during the southern campaign, Ding Desun suffers a fatal venomous snakebite in deep brush, meeting an abrupt and tragic end before reaching the final citadel.
Key Relationships
- Gong Wang & Zhang Qing: His closest military associates who formed the impenetrable three-man vanguard unit at Dongchang Prefecture.
- Song Jiang & Lu Junyi: The paramount commanders who welcomed him into Liangshan Marsh and deployed his skirmish units across national pacification expeditions.
COMMENTS (0)