Dong Tuna

Biography & Historical Record

Dong Tuna (董荼那, Đổng Trà Na) is a character who exists solely in the realm of historical fiction, specifically within the 14th-century classic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms written by Luo Guanzhong (罗贯中, La Quán Trung). In the official historical record of the era, the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) compiled by Chen Shou (陈寿, Trần Thọ), there is no mention of a Nanman chieftain or marshal by the name of Dong Tuna. His character was created to enrich the narrative of Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng)’s famous Southern Campaign and to highlight the moral themes of benevolence, loyalty, and psychological warfare.

In the context of the novel’s historical background, the Nanman rebellion of 225 AD posed a significant threat to the southern borders of the newly established Shu Han state. Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) personally led an expedition to pacify the region, adopting a strategy of psychological conquest suggested by his advisor Ma Su (马谡, Mã Tốc), who noted that “attacking the heart is best; attacking cities is secondary.” Dong Tuna’s narrative arc serves as a primary example of this strategy in action, demonstrating how Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng)’s mercy could turn the hearts of his enemies against their own leader, Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch).

Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms

Dong Tuna (董荼那, Đổng Trà Na) is introduced in Chapter 87 of the novel as the Marshal of the Second Ravine (or Second Cave), serving under the Nanman King Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch). Alongside fellow marshals Jinhuan Sanjie (金环三结, Kim Hoàn Tam Kiết) and Ahui Nan (阿会喃, A Hội Nẫm), he is summoned to lead a massive force of fifty thousand tribal warriors to repel the invading Shu Han army.

During the opening skirmishes, the Nanman forces are completely outmaneuvered by the seasoned Shu generals. While Jinhuan Sanjie (金环三结, Kim Hoàn Tam Kiết) is slain in his camp by Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân), Dong Tuna attempts to flee but is ambushed and captured alive by Wei Yan (魏延, Ngụy Diên). Expecting execution, Dong Tuna is instead brought before Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng). To his astonishment, the Shu Prime Minister orders his bonds to be untied, treats him to a feast of food and wine, and releases him with kind, reassuring words. This profound display of benevolence deeply moves Dong Tuna, sowing the seeds of inner conflict and gratitude.

“We received the Prime Minister’s great mercy and preserved our lives. How can we bear to turn our weapons against him? It is better to capture Meng Huo and present him to the Prime Minister to bring peace to our people.”

In Chapter 88, Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) demands that Dong Tuna lead another army to defend the Lu River crossing. Confronted by the Shu general Ma Dai (马岱, Mã Đái), Dong Tuna is publicly reproached for his ingratitude. Ashamed and unwilling to fight his benefactor’s forces, Dong Tuna orders a retreat without engaging in battle. This act of perceived cowardice enrages Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch), who sentences Dong Tuna to death. Although other tribal chiefs successfully plead for his life, Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) has Dong Tuna severely flogged with one hundred lashes.

Nursing his wounds and deeply resentful of Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch)’s tyranny, Dong Tuna conspires with his fellow marshal Ahui Nan (阿会喃, A Hội Nẫm). Recognizing that Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch)’s stubbornness will only bring ruin to their people, they wait until the king is heavily intoxicated, bind him, and deliver him to Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng). However, Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) adheres to his strategy of complete submission and releases Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) once more. Upon returning to his base, a vengeful Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) lures Dong Tuna and Ahui Nan (阿会喃, A Hội Nẫm) to his camp under the guise of military planning. Both marshals are summarily executed, and their bodies are cast into the river, ending Dong Tuna’s tragic struggle for peace.

Dong Tuna — Historical & Literary Timeline

For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Dong Tuna on Wikipedia.

Key Relationships

Family

• No information

Friends

• Ahui Nan (阿会喃, A Hội Nẫm): A fellow Nanman marshal and close ally during the Southern Campaign in 225 AD. Sharing a deep gratitude toward Zhuge Liang after being captured and released, they conspired together to kidnap the stubborn Meng Huo and deliver him to the Shu forces to end the conflict. This alliance led to their shared tragic fate when Meng Huo later lured and executed them both.
• Jinhuan Sanjie (金环三结, Kim Hoàn Tam Kiết): A fellow Nanman marshal who served alongside Dong Tuna in the initial three-pronged defense against the invading Shu Han army in 225 AD.

Enemies

• Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch): Originally Dong Tuna’s lord, their relationship deteriorated during the Southern Campaign in 225 AD. After Dong Tuna retreated from the Lu River, Meng Huo had him severely flogged with 100 lashes. In retaliation, Dong Tuna captured a drunken Meng Huo and handed him over to Shu. Upon his release, a vengeful Meng Huo lured Dong Tuna to his camp, executed him, and threw his body into the river.
• Wei Yan (魏延, Ngụy Diên): The Shu Han general who successfully ambushed and captured Dong Tuna during the opening battle of the Southern Campaign in 225 AD.
• Ma Dai (马岱, Mã Đái): The Shu Han general who confronted Dong Tuna at the Lu River crossing in 225 AD. Ma Dai’s public denunciation of Dong Tuna’s ingratitude toward Zhuge Liang shamed Dong Tuna into retreating without a fight, which triggered Meng Huo’s wrath.

Other

• Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng): The Prime Minister of Shu Han and commander of the Southern Campaign in 225 AD. Zhuge Liang acted as Dong Tuna’s ultimate benefactor by releasing him with kindness after his capture. This act of benevolence won Dong Tuna’s loyalty, prompting him to refuse to fight Shu and ultimately attempt to end the war by capturing Meng Huo.