Qu Yuan

AncientPoliticianChina-340 — -278

Chu poet-minister who drowned himself, commemorated by Dragon Boat Festival.

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Quick Facts

Born

340 BCE

Died

278 BCE

Country

China

Era

Ancient

Occupation

Politician

Score Overview

Military (10%)42

Political (20%)26

Influence (20%)75

Legacy (20%)90

Leadership (15%)42

Strategy (15%)60

Total Score61.6

Qu Yuan — Complete Timeline

299 BC

Exiled from Chu courtPolitical Action◆ Major

Qu Yuan was banished from the Chu court by King Huai of Chu due to slander from rival officials. This exile removed him from political influence and led to his wandering in the southern regions of Chu.

ExileChuPolitical Fall

Impact: nationaltragic

295 BC

Composed the Li SaoCultural◆ Major

During his exile, Qu Yuan wrote the Li Sao, a long autobiographical poem expressing his sorrow and loyalty to Chu. This work became a foundational text of Chinese literature and the Chu Ci anthology.

PoetryChinese LiteratureChu Ci

Impact: globalconstructive

278 BC

Drowned himself in the Miluo RiverOther◆ Major

Upon hearing that the Qin army had captured the Chu capital Ying, Qu Yuan drowned himself in the Miluo River. This act of protest against political corruption is commemorated annually by the Dragon Boat Festival.

SuicideDragon Boat FestivalProtest

Impact: nationaltragic