Xiang Yu’s Last Stand at Gaixia | Generated by AI
I’d be happy to help you with an English introduction to 《垓下之围》 (The Siege of Gaixia)!
《垓下之围》 is a famous historical account from Sima Qian’s Records of the Grand Historian (史记, Shiji). It describes the final, tragic downfall of Xiang Yu, the mighty Hegemon-King of Western Chu, at the Battle of Gaixia in 202 BCE.
This passage is one of the most dramatic and poignant pieces in classical Chinese literature. It depicts Xiang Yu surrounded by the forces of Liu Bang (who would become the founding emperor of the Han Dynasty) at Gaixia. The narrative includes several iconic moments:
- The “Chu songs” - Xiang Yu hears his enemies singing songs from his homeland of Chu on all sides, leading him to believe his kingdom has already fallen
- The farewell to Lady Yu - A heartbreaking scene where Xiang Yu composes the famous “Song of Gaixia” and says goodbye to his beloved concubine and his loyal horse
- The final stand - Xiang Yu’s heroic but doomed last battle, where he refuses to escape across the Wu River, ultimately taking his own life rather than face capture
The piece is renowned for its emotional intensity, vivid characterization, and its portrayal of tragic heroism. It’s frequently studied in Chinese literature courses and has inspired countless adaptations in poetry, opera, and other art forms.
Would you like me to discuss any particular aspect of this text in more detail?