Romance of the three kingdoms

[Oraenor]

Who has read this book? It is said that Gwan Yu(sp?) was the creator of the Gwan do which he wielded with ease and weighed somthing like 200lbs.It is also said from history that he is the father of some kung fu form as well(possibly Xing Yi), if so, this is atleast 500yrs before the coming of the indian monk to shaolin which makes that theory to be false and that kung fu is much older than it is said.

[BoarSpear]

There are a number of styles that pre-date Shaolin Temple, they act like no martial arts existed before the mighty Shaolin . Keep in mind Buddidarma didnt arrive at Shaolin until sometime in the early 500 AD's, yet arts like Shuai jaio had been required military study since the Chou dynasty (1020 B.C.) ....

[gong fu]

the roots of gung fu and chinese martial arts, tai chi, daoist arts shaolin, animal forms there all pretty much shrouded in myth legend theory philosophy that its near impossible to determin the origins of these arts we can speculate about the roots of the mains tyles but its still a mystery to everyone and always will be i think.

[jubaji]

Who has read this book? .

An excellent book. Historical fiction is fun.

[cellout]

If you haven't read it before, there's a free online version here :

http://www.threekingdoms.com/

If you don't mind reading off of a monitor.

[konghan]

Chinese kung fu existed before the birth of Shaolin kung fu many of those who engage in kung fu fighting were warriors and soldiers. The era of the Three Kingdom mark the birth of great heroes and fighters each fighters specialising in their respective weaponry Such weapons as the snake spear, trident, hook spear, double short spear, double tiger hook, double battle axe, double mace, kwan dao and many more. Those weapons would soon become part of shaolin weaponry shaolin became the library the cultural centre of martial art kung fu. The coming of shaolin provided kung fu a positive image where many retired soldiers and fighters seek sunctuary and spiritual enlightenment bringing with them their martial art skill and knowledge.

Gen. Guan Yu was the most famous hero of the Three Kingdom era, respected by his enemies and followers. Guan Yu was the epitomy of loyalty, honour, humility, bravery, courage but most of all defender of the weak.

[Sagacious Lu]

I started it about a year ago and got about 100 pages in before I got distracted. I'll def. be getting back to it because I think it provides a lot of insight into Chinese culture and because the history is fascinating to me, even if it isn't exactly a page turner. I've been reading "Outlaws of the Marsh" lately- hence my screen name. It's a lot of fun, and very hard to put down. So much so that I forget that it's a piece of classic literature whenever I pick it up

[kuk sool won]

Im proud to say i have read it twice

The second read to me was much more enjoyable, you seem to be able to piece together characters relations, places, time periods etc.

I would argue with you that Guan Yu wasn't the most famous from the era, you need to remember the likes of Tsao Tsao (cao Cao) Zhuge Liang and of course his two sworn brothers Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.

[Oraenor]

The second read to me was much more enjoyable, you seem to be able to piece together characters relations, places, time periods etc.

I would argue with you that Guan Yu wasn't the most famous from the era, you need to remember the likes of Tsao Tsao (cao Cao) Zhuge Liang and of course his two sworn brothers Liu Bei and Zhang Fei.

I think the the most famous part of romance of the three kingdoms is the brotherhood and unity of the 3 brothers; Lui Bei, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei. They were not the best nor the smartest but showed the best quality any human may have, courage, loyalty and strength.

[konghan]

Gen. Guan Yu is no doubt the most famous character in fact I think he is portrayed as a true hero the good guy. Lui Bei, Zang Fei & Guan Yu are to be the three musketeers. Cao Cao was portray as the ambitious conqueror.

Many martial weapons were made famous during that period as well as martial fighters.

[kuk sool won]

Your still forgeting Zhuge Liang, he is portayed as a master of strategy and almost a good in China!

[Oraenor]

Your still forgeting Zhuge Liang, he is portayed as a master of strategy and almost a good in China!

Zhuge liang indeed was very intelligent, as is Pan Tong who unfortunately died. Sima Yi was also an intelligent tactician as well.I think Zhuge Liang was not a very good diplomat though as he did angered afew allies.

[kuk sool won]

There were many men in the novel that were highly intelligent and Zhuge Liang was undoubtably leading his field, everything Zhuge Liang did was for a reason, his diplomacy was done for the best benifits for Shu and thats why somethings it seemed he was angering some allies