Huang Gai
Template:Infobox Three Kingdoms biography Template:Chinese name Huang Gai was a military general who served the warlord Sun family of Eastern Wu for three generations during the late Han Dynasty and Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Chen Shou's Records of Three Kingdoms described him as a decent looking man with a more serious appearance.
Biography
Huang Gai was born in Quanling County, Lingling Precinct (present-day Yongzhou, Hunan), and first allied himself with Sun Jian during the Yellow Turban Rebellion in the 180s.
At the Battle of Red Cliffs in 208, Huang Gai suggested to Zhou Yu that a fire attack would be the best strategy to use in order to defeat Cao Cao's gigantic fleet and overwhelming numbers. Zhou Yu approved of this method, and Huang Gai sent word to Cao Cao claiming that he wished to defect. Huang Gai had earlier loaded his boats with wax and straw, and when his ships were within proximity of Cao Cao's fleet, he set them ablaze and steered them on a collision course with Cao Cao's lines. This, coupled with the fact that Cao Cao had chained his ships together to prevent their soldiers from being seasick, caused the fire to spread throughout the fleet, causing massive damage and casualties to Cao Cao's army and forcing him into retreat. This plot resulted in a critical victory for both Sun Quan and Liu Bei, who would now be granted more than enough time to rally their armies and further bolster their positions within their respective territories. During the battle, Huang Gai was hit by an arrow and fell from his boat, but was rescued by Han Dang. He is said to have been highly praised and deeply trusted amongst his colleagues, particularly his third lord, Sun Quan. Huang Gai received various titles throughout the years, including: Auxiliary Corps Commander, Acting Colonel of the Firm Attack, Chief Commandant of Danyang, General of the Gentlemen of the Household, and Governor of Wuling.
Appointments and titles held
- Filial and Incorrupt (孝廉) - nominated candidate to be a Gentleman Cadet (郎)
- Senior Major (別部司馬)
- Chief of Chungu (春谷長)
- Prefect of Xunyang (尋陽令)
- Commandant of Danyang (丹楊都尉)
- General of the Household of Martial Edge (武鋒中郎將)
- Lieutenant General (偏將軍)
Modern references
Huang Gai appears as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi video game series.
See also
References
- Chen Shou. Records of Three Kingdoms, Volume 55, Biography of Huang Gai.