Qu Yuan

ancient China · poetry · history · loyalty

Brilliant poet and minister. Qu Yuan lived during China's Warring States period in the State of Chu, where he served as an official and wrote beautiful, emotional poetry that was unlike anything written before him.

Lost power and got exiled. After being pushed out of his government position by rivals, Qu Yuan spent years wandering and writing poems expressing his heartbreak and loyalty to his homeland.

Jumped into the river. According to legend, when his beloved State of Chu was defeated, the heartbroken Qu Yuan walked into the Miluo River, choosing to die with his country rather than live without it.

His death created a festival. People were so moved by Qu Yuan's devotion that they began the Dragon Boat Festival to honor him, and this festival is still celebrated today in China and by Chinese people around the world.

Still read after 2,400 years. Qu Yuan's poems, especially his masterpiece "The Lament of Dispirited Exile," are considered some of the greatest works of ancient Chinese literature and are still studied and loved today.