| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 李衮, 李衮, Lǐ Gǔn |
| Nickname | 65 - Earthly Running Star - 地走星 (Dìzǒu Xīng) - Địa Tẩu Tinh; Flying Great Sage (飛天大聖, Fēitiāndàshèng, Phi Thiên Đại Thánh) |
| Other name | Lý Cổn |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Luzhou (潞州; Lộ Châu) |
| Death Reason | Killed in battle at Muzhou (睦州, Mùzhōu, Mục Châu) by Pang Wanchun (庞万春, Páng Wànchūn, Bàng Vạn Xuân)'s archers during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Defense of Liangshan, Campaign against Liao, Campaign against Tian Hu, Campaign against Wang Qing, Campaign against Fang La |
The Legend and Role of Li Gun
Li Gun (李衮), nicknamed the “Flying Soaring God” (飞天大圣), is a notable warrior featured in the classical Chinese epic Water Margin. Positioned as the 65th of the 108 Liangshan heroes and ranking 29th among the 72 Earthly Fiends, he represents the Earthly Leader Star. Set against the historical backdrop of the Northern Song Dynasty, his narrative exemplifies the martial prowess and fierce loyalty celebrated throughout ancient Chinese literature.
Renowned for his specialized combat technique, this daring fighter engaged hostile lines carrying a rounded brass shield engraved with a savage beast visage. While deflecting incoming arrows and blades, he hurled fatal javelins from behind cover, effectively disrupting enemy cavalry and foot soldiers alike.
Historical and Literary Timeline
The Siege of Mangdang Mountain
Before joining Liangshan, he led an independent mountain stronghold alongside Fan Rui and Xiang Chong. When their band clashed with Song Jiang’s vanguard, Taoist strategist Gongsun Sheng outmaneuvered their magical formations, convincing the three leaders to surrender and enlist in the grand marshland brotherhood.
Tragic Fate at Yuling Pass
During the imperial expedition against the southern rebel Fang La, Li Gun fought valiantly on treacherous fronts. At Yuling Pass, while pursuing retreating enemy forces across difficult terrain, he fell into a hidden pit trap and perished under a concentrated barrage of rebel arrows and spears.
Key Comrades and Vanguard Synergy
Throughout major campaigns, Li Gun operated in close synergy with Xiang Chong. Operating as a synchronized frontline unit under Fan Rui’s tactical command, the dual-shield skirmishers formed a dynamic vanguard that repeatedly broke opposing battle arrays across the empire.
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