Qu Yuan (屈原) (approximately 340 BC – 278 BC) was a prominent figure in ancient China, born in Dan Yang, Zigui, Chu State, which is present-day Yichang City in Hubei Province. He was a poet and statesman during the Warring States period in the Kingdom of Chu, descending from the lineage of Qu Xia, the son of Chu King Xiong Tong.
His upbringing was marked by excellent education, instilling in him broad knowledge and ambitious aspirations. Qu Yuan earned the trust of King Huai of Chu early on and served as Left Minister and Senior Grand Secretary, responsible for both domestic governance and foreign affairs. He advocated for good governance, promoting the appointment of capable individuals, the clarification of laws, and forming alliances with the state of Qi to counter the growing threat of Qin.
However, due to intrigue and slander from rival nobles, he faced exile, first to the northern regions of Han and then to the basin of the Yuan and Xiang rivers. In 278 BC, following the fall of the Chu capital, Ying, to the Qin forces, Qu Yuan chose to end his life by plunging into the Miluo River as an act of sacrifice for his beloved Chu Kingdom.
Qu Yuan remains a revered patriot and a foundational figure in Chinese literature, credited as a pioneering poet of Chinese romanticism and the founder of the “Chu Ci” (Songs of Chu) poetic tradition. He introduced themes such as “fragrant grass and beautiful women,” earning him the title of the “ancestor of Chu Ci.” Notably, renowned poets of Chu, such as Song Yu, Tang Le, and Jing Cha, were influenced by Qu Yuan’s literary legacy.
His emergence marked a significant shift in Chinese poetry, transitioning from the formalities of the past to a more romantic and individualistic era. His major works include “Li Sao” (The Lament), “Jiu Ge” (Nine Songs), “Jiu Zhang” (Nine Chapters), and “Tian Wen” (Heaven’s Questions). The collection of poems primarily attributed to Qu Yuan, known as “Chu Ci,” stands as one of the foundational texts of Chinese romanticism, deeply influencing subsequent generations of poets.
Qu Yuan’s literary contributions are regarded as luminous gems in the history of Chinese literature. His famous line, “The road ahead is long; I am going to search high and low,” epitomizes his spirit of relentless pursuit, becoming a noble aspiration for future scholars and idealists. His quest for truth and righteousness became a revered and sought-after noble spirit among later generations.
