| NAME | |
|---|---|
| Chinese Name | 谭雄, 譚雄, Tán Xióng |
| Other name | Đàm Hùng |
| INFORMATION | |
| Died | 222 |
| Death Reason | Captured by Guan Xing and executed by Zhang Bao at the Battle of Yiling |
| CAREER | |
| Allegiance | Eastern Wu |
| Battles | Battle of Yiling |
Who Was Tan Xiong in the Three Kingdoms Novel?
Tan Xiong (譚雄) is a fictional military officer created by Luo Guanzhong for the classic 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms. He does not appear in official Chinese dynastic histories such as Chen Shou’s Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi) or Pei Songzhi’s annotations. Within the dramatic narrative of the Three Kingdoms era, the author introduced him as a subordinate commander under Eastern Wu general Sun Huan during the defensive campaigns against Shu Han.
The Ambush at Yiling
In Chapter 82 of the novel, the archer is introduced as a skilled marksman stationed near Yiling during Liu Bei’s massive offensive. When young Shu generals Guan Xing and Zhang Bao aggressively assaulted the Wu defenses, Wu lieutenant Li Yi engaged Zhang Bao in fierce mounted combat. Seeing his comrade outmatched, Tan Xiong concealed himself amidst the infantry ranks, aimed his bow, and loosed an arrow directly at Zhang Bao’s warhorse. The arrow struck true, instantly felling the beast and hurling Zhang Bao to the ground before Guan Xing intervened to secure his rescue.
Capture, Retribution, and Execution
The tactical triumph proved short-lived. The very next morning, Guan Xing rode out specifically seeking retribution for the ambush. Spotting the enemy archer amidst the opposing formations, Guan Xing pursued the retreating officer across the battlefield and captured Tan Xiong alive. Brought before the Shu command tent, the prisoner faced swift judgment: Zhang Bao personally executed the captive by beheading, offering his blood as a sacrificial rite to appease the spirit of his fallen warhorse.
Key Relationships in the Novel
- Sun Huan: Supreme Eastern Wu commander under whom the officer served during the western gorge campaigns.
- Li Yi & Xie Jing: Fellow frontline commanders who coordinated tactical engagements alongside the archer.
- Zhang Bao & Guan Xing: Renowned Shu Han vanguard generals; Guan Xing captured the sniper, while Zhang Bao executed him in vengeance.
In Novel
Chapter 119
- Tan Xiong (谭雄, Đàm Hùng): Tan Xiong serves among the Shu defenders during the final Wei invasion. He participates in the fighting as Deng Ai and Zhong Hui's forces press toward Chengdu.
History
Identification
- Tan Xiong (谭雄, Đàm Hùng) is a minor figure in the historical and novel traditions of the Three Kingdoms period.
Historical Evidence
- The available exact-name evidence is limited and does not justify a detailed biography without risking conflation with other similarly named figures.
Classification
- Needs Audit / Briefly Attested.
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