Li Kui

Li Kui 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" or "Iron Ox", 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 impetuousness, 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.

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 battlefield 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.

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.