10806

2023

Books

Sun Erniang, also known as the "Female Yaksha," is a notable character in the classic Chinese novel Water Margin (also known as Outlaws of the Marsh). She is a skilled martial artist and runs a roadside inn at the Cross-Road Ridge.

Sun Erniang is depicted as a ruthless and cunning woman who, along with her husband Zhang Qing, the "Vegetable Garden Zhang," lures unsuspecting travelers to their inn, robs them, and often murders them for their valuables. Their establishment is infamous for serving human flesh in its dishes.

Despite her brutal methods, Sun Erniang is a loyal and courageous woman. She eventually joins the Liangshan outlaws, becoming one of the 108 Stars of Destiny. Her skills in combat and her knowledge of poisons make her a valuable asset to the rebel group.

Though morally ambiguous, Sun Erniang is a complex and fascinating character, embodying both savagery and loyalty. She represents the marginalized figures who, due to circumstances, operate outside the boundaries of societal norms.