| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 孟获, 孟獲, Mèng Huò |
| Nickname | King of Nanman |
| Other name | Mạnh Hoạch |
| INFORMATION | |
| Birth Place | Nanzhong (南中; Nam Trung) |
| FAMILY | |
| Spouse | |
| Children | |
| Relatives | |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Nanman tribes |
| Battles | Southern Campaign |
Biography & Historical Record
Meng Huo is a semi-legendary figure of the Three Kingdoms period, traditionally identified as a chieftain or king of the Southern Nanman (Southern Barbarian) tribes. In the historical record, particularly the Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi), there are brief mentions of local rebellions in the Nanzhong region after the death of Liu Bei, which were eventually quelled by the Shu Han chancellor Zhuge Liang. Meng Huo is often associated with these tribal leaders who resisted Shu’s authority. His character has been heavily romanticized and expanded upon in the novel *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, where he serves as a major antagonist during Zhuge Liang’s Southern Campaign, characterized by his immense strength, fierce pride, and his eventual submission to Zhuge Liang’s wisdom.
Role in Romance of the Three Kingdoms
In Luo Guanzhong’s epic novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Meng Huo is the central antagonist of the Southern Campaign. He is captured and released seven times by Zhuge Liang, an iconic series of events known as ‘The Seven Captures of Meng Huo’ (七擒七縱). This narrative sequence emphasizes Zhuge Liang’s strategy of ‘winning over the heart’ (攻心為上) rather than just defeating an enemy through military force. Meng Huo’s journey from a stubborn rebel to a loyal subject symbolizes the unification of the southern regions under the Shu Han administration.
Notable Quotes & Famous Sayings
- “The southern lands are mine by right of strength; I will never bow to the weaklings of the north!” — Meng Huo’s initial defiance.
- “Truly, you are the instrument of Heaven; I am humbled and yield at last.” — Meng Huo’s final submission to Zhuge Liang.
Meng Huo (孟獲) — Historical & Literary Timeline
225 AD
Southern Campaign Begins
Zhuge Liang leads a campaign into the south to quell tribal unrest; Meng Huo is captured and released for the first time.
225 AD
The Seventh Capture
After being captured for the seventh time, Meng Huo recognizes Zhuge Liang’s benevolence and submits completely, pledging loyalty to Shu Han.
For detailed historical records, archives, and official chronicles, explore Meng Huo on Wikipedia.
Key Relationships
Family
- Zhurong (祝融, Chúc Dung) — His wife, a formidable warrior who fought alongside him during the Southern Campaign.
- Huaman (花鬘, Hoa Man) — His daughter, who participated in the defense of the southern regions against the Shu Han forces.
- Meng You (孟优, Mạnh Ưu) — His younger brother, who assisted him in his resistance against the Shu Han invasion.
Friends
- King Dailai (带来洞主, Đái Lai Động Chủ) — A tribal leader and ally who supported Meng Huo during the Southern Campaign.
- King Mulu (木鹿大王, Mộc Lộc Đại Vương) — A powerful tribal ally known for his ability to command wild beasts to fight for the Nanman forces.
- King Wutugu (兀突骨, Ngột Đột Cốt) — The king of Wuge who provided the rattan-armored troops to assist Meng Huo in his conflict against Zhuge Liang.
Enemies
- Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) — The Shu Han chancellor who led the Southern Campaign in 225 AD; he captured and released Meng Huo seven times, eventually securing his loyalty.
- Wei Yan (魏延, Ngụy Diên) — A Shu Han general who fought against Meng Huo’s forces throughout the Southern Campaign.
- Zhao Yun (赵云, Triệu Vân) — A prominent Shu Han general who participated in the military operations to quell the southern rebellions.
Other
- No information
In Novel
Chapter 87
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch): King of the Southern Tribes who led a massive uprising against Shu Han in Nanzhong; captured for the first time by Zhuge Liang (Gia Cát Lượng, Gia Cát Lượng) through tactical encirclement, treated with great hospitality, but refused to submit.
Chapter 88
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch): Captured and released for the second time along the Lu River, and captured a third time after Zhuge Liang saw through Meng You's (Mạnh Ưu, Mạnh Ưu) feigned tribute plot.
Chapter 89
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch): Retreated to the Taoxi Ravine, allied with King Duosi (Đóa Tư Đại Vương, Đóa Tư Đại Vương) and utilized the four poisonous springs, only to be captured and released for the fourth and fifth times.
Chapter 90
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch): Allied with King Mulu's (Mộc Lộc Đại Vương, Mộc Lộc Đại Vương) beast armies and King Wutugu's (Ngột Đột Cốt, Ngột Đột Cốt) rattan-armored warriors in Hutao Valley; upon being captured for the seventh time and granted unconditional freedom, Meng Huo wept bitterly, knelt before Zhuge Liang (Gia Cát Lượng, Gia Cát Lượng), and swore eternal fealty, declaring that 'the south will never rebel again'.
In History
Summary
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) is a historical figure associated with the Nanzhong region and the resistance against Shu Han after the death of Liu Bei (刘备, Lưu Bị).
Year: 225 AD
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) was captured by Zhuge Liang (诸葛亮, Gia Cát Lượng) during the southern campaign. The historical record states that Zhuge Liang captured and released him repeatedly, but does not provide the elaborate details of seven individual defeats found in the novel.
Historical Record
- Meng Huo (孟获, Mạnh Hoạch) has a historical basis, although later traditions heavily transformed his identity and story. The novel's detailed seven-captures narrative and many Nanman characters are literary expansions.
Gallery
COMMENTS (0)