Li Kui (novel character)
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Li Kui (李逵) was a character in the Chinese folklore novel Water Margin.
Alongside Lu Zhishen, Li Kui was one of the strongest amongst the 108 Liangshan heroes and also one of the 36 Heavenly Chieftains. Nicknamed "The Black Whirlwind" (黑旋风) or "Iron Ox" (铁牛), Li Kui ( 181 cm/ 5'11,5 ) seldom took a steed to the battlefield. He would instead brandish his famous twin axes and hack his way through his foes. Despite his aggressiveness and impetuosness, Li Kui was a fiercely loyal and filial man, respected for his unwavering beliefs. From tearing up the amnesty to foiling the Li Shishi, Li Kui's controversies were usually preceded by a heavy drinking session. Li Kui is also sometimes associated with Zhang Fei from the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.
[edit] Main story of Li Kui in Water Margin
Li Kui was born with a dark complexion, fiery eyes, a muscular body and strength equivalent to an ox, hence his nickname. He had a bad temper and an addiction to wine, so many people were afraid of him. He was excellent in using a pair of axes and also tough in melee fighting as well often raging ahead in the forefront of a battlefied entirely naked.
He was originally from Baizhang Village, and fled from home after killing someone. He came to Jiangzhou and served as a jailer under Dai Zong. Li Kui got to know Song Jiang and they became fast friends. He was extremely loyal to Song Jiang and when Song Jiang had a craving for fish, Li Kui went to the river and had a fight with Zhang Shun and the fishermen just to get fish for Song Jiang. However, the fight was stopped by Song Jiang and Dai Zong.
When Song Jiang and Dai Zong were arrested and scheduled to be executed, Li Kui and the Liangshan heroes stormed the execution ground and rescued them. They escaped to Bailong temple near the river and were surrounded by government troops. Li Kui and the heroes dashed out and fought fiercely, eventually cutting a path out to meet Zhang Shun with his boats. The whole group went to Liangshan after that.
Although Li Kui was fiery-tempered, he was a filial son. He went home to fetch his mother to Liangshan and met Li Gui who pretended to be him, robbing passerbys. Li Kui defeated Li Gui after a brawl and wanted to kill him for impersonating himself and committing crimes in his name. Li Gui lied that he had a 90 year old mother to feed and had no choice but to rob. Li Kui was moved and let him off. Later, Li Kui found out that Li Gui had lied to him and was plotting to capture him. Li was furious and he killed Li Gui but Li Gui's wife escaped.
Li Kui reached home and carried his blind mother all the way on his back, hoping to share wealth and woe with his mother on Liangshan. His mother complained that she was thirsty and Li Kui immediately went to find water for her. When Li Kui returned, he was horrified to find that his mother had been attacked and killed by tigers. Fuming, he stormed into the tigers' lair and killed all four of them. Squire Cao pretended to complement Li Kui on his brave act, while plotting with Li Gui's wife on the sly to capture Li Kui and hand him over to the government for a reward. Li Kui was drugged. Li Yun, a constable was assigned to escort Li Kui all the way but Zhu Gui and Zhu Fu drugged Li Yun and the guards with food and wine. Li Kui got free and he killed all the guards. Li Yun was persuaded to join the Liangshan band.
Li Kui became one of the leaders of the Liangshan infantry. He often charged fiercely into battle and no one could stop him. He followed the heroes on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels. He was one of the few lucky survivors after the campaigns. He was offered an official post in Runzhou, Zhejiang, but showed little interest in his career. When Song Jiang was poisoned by evil and corrupt officials, he was worried that Li Kui might stir up trouble after his death by avenging him. Thus, he invited Li Kui to Chuzhou, where both of them committed suicide by drinking poisoned wine. Li Kui's last words were that he wanted to be buried together with Song Jiang after his death.
Li Kui is one of the most memorable characters in the "Water Margin", often ridiculed and used for comedic effect, Li Kui represented both a light and dark side of the bandits. Li Kui's exploits with Luo Zhenren, and his journeys with Yan Qing represented the most humorous side of the "Water Margin" classic. He is perhaps the most controversial character in the story, often depicted as reckless and violent. He killed a 4 year-old child to force Zhu Tong to join the bandits and also several innocents in his rage.
[edit] Jade Empire
In the video game Jade Empire by Bioware, a character who resembles Li Kui and also goes by his nickname The Black Whirlwind joins your party during the game. He features many of the same personality characteristics as the literary character and the same fighting weapons of choice (twin axes).
