King Helü (simplified Chinese: 阖闾; traditional Chinese: 闔閭) of the state of Wu (simplified Chinese: 吴; traditional Chinese: 吳) (r. 514–496 BC)[1], a state in ancient China, was initially known as Prince Guang (Chinese: 光). He reigned towards the end of the Spring and Autumn Period.
As Prince Guang wanted to kill King Liao of Wu and take the throne himself, Zhuan Zhu was recommended to Prince Guang by Wu Zixu. After Zhuan Zhu accomplished his mission in 515 BC the prince ascended the throne of Wu and became King Helü. The king assigned Wu Zixu to lead the design and building of the "great city," which evolved into the Suzhou of today.
In 506 BC Helü with the help of Wu Zixu and Sun Tzu, the author of The Art of War, launched major offensives against the state of Chu. They prevailed in five battles, one of which was the Battle of Boju, and conquered the capital Ying (Chinese: 郢). However, Chu managed to ask the Qin for help, and after being defeated by Qin, the vanguard general of Wu troops, Fugai, a younger brother of Helü, led a rebellion. After beating Fugai, Helü was forced to leave Chu. Fugai later retired to Chu and settled there.
His son, King Fuchai of Wu, succeeded him in 495 BC. Helü had two other sons named Bo and Shan. Bo was initially his heir, but died before him. The novel The Records of States of Eastern Zhou Dynasty referred to Fuchai as son of Bo.
| Regnal titles | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by King Liao of Wu |
King of Wu 515 BC – 496 BC |
Succeeded by King Fuchai of Wu |