Xie Zhen

Giải Trân

NAME
Chinese Name解珍, 解珍, Xiè Zhēn
Nickname34 - Heavenly Violent Star - 天暴星 (Tiānbào Xīng) - Thiên Bạo Tinh; Two-Headed Snake (兩頭蛇, Liǎngtóushé, Lưỡng Đầu Xà)
Other nameGiải Trân
INFORMATION
Birth PlaceDongjing (东京; Đông Kinh)
Death ReasonFell into a pit trap and was killed by arrows and spears at Muzhou (睦州, Mùzhōu, Mục Châu) during the Fang La (方腊, Fāng Là, Phương Lạp) campaign
FAMILY
Relatives
CAREER
AllegianceLiangshan Marsh
BattlesDefense of Dengzhou, Campaign against the Liao Dynasty, Campaign against Tian Hu, Campaign against Wang Qing, Campaign against Fang La

Biography of Xie Zhen

Xie Zhen, also celebrated by his moniker “Two-Headed Snake,” stands as a pivotal martial figure in the classic Chinese epic Water Margin. Originating from Dengzhou during the tumultuous Northern Song Dynasty, he honed formidable wilderness survival skills and unmatched prowess using a steel hunting fork. Together with his younger brother Xie Bao, he roamed the mountains as a professional hunter before unjust circumstances forced them into a life of rebellion.

Their fortune took a dark turn when local squire Mao conspired to claim credit for a ferocious tiger the brothers had successfully hunted. Framed and thrown into prison, the brothers faced imminent execution until an audacious rescue orchestrated by Sun Xin and Gu Dasao liberated them. Fleeing corrupt authorities, they found refuge among the outlaws of Mount Liang. Within the grand Liangshan order, he achieved the rank of 34th leader, designated as the Heavenly Precious Star and serving as a fearless infantry commander.

Xie Zhen: Literary Journey & Timeline

Chapter 49

The Tiger Trap and Treachery

After killing a predatory tiger in Dengzhou, the Xie brothers fall victim to Squire Mao’s political machinations and suffer wrongful imprisonment.

Chapter 50

The Liangshan Allegiance

Liberated by their allies in a daring raid, Xie Zhen and his companions eliminate their persecutors and pledge allegiance to Song Jiang at Liangshan Marsh.

Chapter 114

Tragedy at Phoenix Pavilion

During the decisive campaign against southern rebel Fang La, the brave scout scales treacherous cliffs but plunges to his death when enemy sentries sever his climbing ropes.

Key Relationships and Allies

  • Xie Bao: His devoted younger brother and lifelong partner in arms throughout their mountain hunts and military campaigns.
  • Song Jiang: The supreme Liangshan chieftain whom he served with unwavering loyalty across diverse battlefield campaigns.
  • Gu Dasao & Sun Xin: Vital kinsfolk who engineered the Dengzhou jailbreak that preserved his life.

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