| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 刘唐, 劉唐, Liú Táng |
| Nickname | 21 - Heavenly Unique Star - 天异星 (Tiānyì Xīng) - Thiên Dị Tinh; Red-Haired Devil (赤髮鬼, Chìfàguǐ, Xích Phát Quỷ) |
| Other name | Lưu Đường |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Yanling, Yunzhou (郓州燕陵; Yến Lăng, Vận Châu) |
| Death Reason | Killed in battle after being crushed by a falling portcullis at the gate of Hangzhou (杭州, Hángzhōu, Hàng Châu) during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Liangshan Marsh |
| Battles | Robbery of the Birthday Gift, Defense of Liangshan, Campaign against Liao, Campaign against Fang La |
Liu Tang, famously known by his moniker the ‘Red-Haired Devil’ (Chifa Gui), stands as one of the most passionate and fearless figures among the 108 Stars of Destiny in the classic Chinese literary masterpiece Water Margin. Marked by a distinct reddish birthmark across his temple, this rugged wanderer and expert of the heavy broadsword embodies the archetypal righteous outlaw roaming the troubled realm of the Northern Song Dynasty.
Liu Tang and the Birthday Gift Plot
Before ascending Mount Liang, this daring warrior uncovered crucial intelligence regarding an exorbitant convoy of treasures. He traveled directly to Dongxi Village to inform Chao Gai and strategist Wu Yong, proposing a bold plan to intercept the ill-gotten birthday convoy intended for the corrupt Grand Secretary Liang. This high-stakes robbery served as the catalyst for the early brotherhood, forcing the conspirators to flee government authorities and seize control of the Liangshan stronghold.
Ranked prominently among the Heavenly Spirits as the Star of Heavenly Strange, this chieftain served as a frontline infantry commander. Known for his fiery temperament, unyielding bravery, and martial vigor, he repeatedly led infantry charges against oppressive imperial battalions, earning deep respect across the marshlands for his straightforward honesty and absolute devotion to his companions.
Historical & Literary Timeline
Conspiracy at Dongxi Village
The red-haired outlaw brings news of the corrupt convoy to Chao Gai, initiating the famous plot at Yellow Mud Ridge.
Tragic Death at Hangzhou
During the brutal assault against the rebel forces of Fang La, Liu Tang surges alone into the enemy gate, meeting a tragic end beneath a falling portcullis.
Key Relationships
- Chao Gai: The revered village headman and early chieftain whom this martial artist served with unshakeable devotion and loyalty.
- Wu Yong & Gongsun Sheng: Fellow masterminds who executed the legendary Yellow Mud Ridge heist.
- Song Jiang: The grand Liangshan leader under whom Liu Tang campaigned dutifully across the empire until his final sacrifice.
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