Three Kingdoms History: Zhou Yu

Skilled war commander of Wu. Commanded Wu forces at the Battle of Chibi.

Officer Details

Wade-Giles: Chou Yü (Kung-chin)
Simplified Chinese: 周瑜 (公瑾)
Pronunciation: Zhou¹ Yu² (Gong¹jin³)  
Cantonese (Yale): Jau Yu (Gung-gan)
Cantonese (Jyutpin): Zau Jyu (Gung-gan)
Min-Nan: Ciu Ji (Kong-kin)

Birthplace: Shu County, Lu Jiang Commandery
(Presently Shu Cheng, An Hui Province)

Rank and Titles

Magistrate of Ju Jiao; Jian Wei Jiang Jun; Magistrate of Chun Gu; Zhong Fu Jun; Grand Administrator of Jiang Xia; Pian Jiang Jun; Grand Administrator of Nan

Family and Relationships

Zhou Jing, Zhou Zhong (Ancestors); Zhou Yi (Father); Zhou Shang (Uncle); Sun Ce, Qiao Gong, Sun Deng (In-Laws); Zhou Xun, Zhou Yin (Sons)

Fact vs. Fiction

Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction

• Zhou Yu did not attempt to have Zhuge Liang assassinated. The rivalry between Zhou Yu and Zhuge Liang was added to add to the allure of Zhuge Liang.
• Was not visited by Jiang Gan during the battle of Chibi.
• Zhuge Liang did not attend Zhou Yu’s funeral, though his death was mourned by Pang Tong.
• Zhou Yu’s death in the novel comes a little bit after his historical death.

Literary Appearances

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 15, 29, 38, 39, 44-56, 57, 60, 75, 77, 82-84

Popular Quotation

Romance of the Three Kingdoms: Chapter 29
Touching his head to the floor, Zhou Yu said, “I would strew the very ground with my liver and brains to requite my dear friend’s love.”

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