Lü Bu, one of the most formidable warriors in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, exemplifies a tragic figure whose extraordinary martial prowess was consistently undermined by his moral flaws and poor judgment. His life—marked by betrayals, shifting allegiances, and eventual downfall—offers a compelling narrative on how character determines fate.
Character traits: Valor without wisdom
Lü Bu’s personality is succinctly captured by Li Su, a fellow clansman and official under Dong Zhuo:
“I am from the same hometown as Lü Bu and know him to be brave but lacking in strategy, and willing to abandon principle for profit.”
— Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 3
This assessment proves astute. Lü Bu’s unparalleled strength in combat—such as his legendary performance against multiple heroes at Hulao Gate—made him a coveted asset. Yet, his impulsiveness, shortsightedness, and lack of loyalty rendered him unreliable and ultimately doomed his ambitions.
Career choices: A path of betrayal and opportunism
Lü Bu’s career was defined by repeated betrayals:
Killing Ding Yuan for Dong Zhuo:
Lü Bu’s first major treachery was murdering his adoptive father, Ding Yuan, to join Dong Zhuo—a move driven by greed for power and the gift of the legendary Red Hare steed.
Killing Dong Zhuo for Diaochan:
He later assassinated Dong Zhuo, his next patron, partly due to his infatuation with the beauty Diaochan, revealing how easily his loyalties could be swayed by personal desire.
Failed alliances with Yuan Shu and Yuan Shao:
His reputation for treachery preceded him. Yuan Shu rejected his alliance outright, while Yuan Shao, after briefly harboring him, expelled him fearing instability.
Betraying Liu Bei in Xuzhou:
Seeking refuge under Liu Bei, Lü Bu repaid this kindness by seizing control of Xuzhou, exposing his utter disregard for reciprocity and trust.
Merits and Faults: A Legacy of Chaos
Lü Bu’s contributions were minimal compared to the chaos he sowed. His brief removal of the tyrant Dong Zhuo was overshadowed by his self-serving motives. His repeated betrayals destabilized regional powers and eroded the very concept of allegiance, making him a destructive force in an already fractured landscape.
Final Fate: The inevitable end at White Gate Tower
Trapped by Cao Cao’s forces at Xiapi, Lü Bu’s downfall was hastened by his own men’s mutiny. Captured and brought before Cao Cao, he pleaded for mercy, offering his services. But Liu Bei’s reminder—“Remember what happened to Ding Yuan and Dong Zhuo?”—sealed his fate. Cao Cao, recognizing the pattern of betrayal, ordered his execution.
Conclusion
Lü Bu’s life serves as a cautionary tale: raw power, devoid of integrity and strategic acumen, leads only to ruin. His inability to transcend his nature—valor without virtue, ambition without wisdom—ensured that despite his greatness in battle, he would never achieve greatness in legacy.
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