“Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey” is a story in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms”, one of the Four Great Classic Novels of Chinese ancient literature. It is also one of the most common plays in shadow puppetry.
Behind the shadow puppet curtain (1985/1988) by Wang WenkunWang's Shadow Museum
The story is about how the protagonist Guan Yu in Xiapi lost contact with his superior and blood brother, Liu Bei. Guan was retained by Cao Cao—one of Liu’s main rivals—while Liu sought refuge with Yuan Shao. When Guan found out about Liu’s situation, he broke away from Cao and escorted Liu’s wives on a thousand-mile journey to reunite with Liu, in the process killing several of Cao's generals. The story ended with Guan successfully escorting Liu's wives to reunite with Liu in Runan.
Guan Yu shadow puppet (2005) by Wang Biao and Wang FangWang's Shadow Museum
Guan Yu (161–219 AD) is a renowned warrior-general in the Kingdom of Shu during the Three Kingdoms Period. He was worshiped by Chinese people after his death. After being posthumously commended by various dynasties, he was ultimately deified. He was even given the title “Warrior Saint”, a status similar to the “Scholar Saint” Confucius.
Guan Yu (2010) by Wang Biao and Wang FangWang's Shadow Museum
Guan was described in “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” as “possessing a towering presence. He wore a long beard, which complemented his tanned skin and fine facial features.” He was the image of the ultimate hero.
Stills of “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey” (1985/1988) by Wang WenkunWang's Shadow Museum
In the fifth year of Jian’an Period of Han Dynasty (A.D. 200), Cao Cao commanded an army of 200,000 in a bid to capture Liu Bei. Liu was defeated in the ensuing battle but managed to escape and sought refuge with Yuan Shao. Guan stayed behind to protect Liu’s wives and household. He then set out on a thousand-mile journey to find Liu. During the journey he fought his way past five key passes (Dongling Pass, Luoyang, Sishui Pass, Xingyang and Yellow River ferry) and single-handedly killed six of Cao’s generals (Kong Xiu, Meng Tan, Han Fu, Bian Xi, Wang Zhi and Qin Qi).
Stills of “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey” (1985/1988) by Wang WenkunWang's Shadow Museum
The region on the other side of the Yellow River was Yuan’s territory, where Guan met Sun Qian after crossing it. Sun then told Guan that Liu had gone to another place (Runan) and asked Guan and Liu’s two wives to find Liu there. Guan had to cross the Yellow River again towards Runan, where he was confronted by another of Cao’s general, Cai Yang, who came to avenge the death of the general’s nephew, Qin Qi.
Cai Yang was a renowned warrior and said to be skillful in martial arts and have immense physical strength.
Stills of “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey” (1985/1988) by Wang WenkunWang's Shadow Museum
The parties met and as was customary in ancient combat, the generals fought each other to the death.
Stills of “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey” (1985/1988) by Wang WenkunWang's Shadow Museum
In a display of combat skills, Guan pretended to lose the fight at first and tricked Cai Yang into pursuing him.
Segments of “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey.” by Wang BiaoWang's Shadow Museum
Behind the scene of “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey” (1985/1988) by Wang WenkunWang's Shadow Museum
Using nimble control of the shadow puppets, the puppeteer is able to tell the immortal story in a gripping and realistic manner. Guan’s deadly defeat of the opposing general with agility and ease was a striking example of his warring prowess.The accompanying troupe of gongs and drums let the audience feel as if they were present on the battlefield, following every move of the protagonists intensely.
Five Tiger Generals (2005) by Wang Biao and Wang FangWang's Shadow Museum
After a long and arduous journey, Guan was finally reunited with his senior Liu and they cried on each other’s shoulder.
Guan’s loyalty has been lauded by subsequent generations. Despite Liu’s defeat, only Guan was there to protect his household. The odds were against Guan but he chose to face the challenges head on, never wavering nor fearing death. It is impossible for anyone to say that Guan was less than loyal to Liu.
In “Warrior on a Thousand-Mile Journey”, the qualities of loyalty, righteousness, faithfulness and courage so beloved in traditional Chinese culture and showcased by Guan is on full display. This is also the main reason why Guan was considered by subsequent generations as a semi-deity.
