Heroes of the Marshes (《水浒传》, Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn, Water Margin, The Marshes of Mount Liang) by Shi Naian (施耐庵, Shī Naìān, 1296-1370) is one of the Four Great Classical Novels (Romance of the Three Kingdoms , Journey to the West and Dream of the Red Chamber) of Chinese literature. The novel details the lives of 108 outlaws during the mid Song Dynasty. The novel began as a series of folktales told from the Song to Ming dynasties and was officially compiled and published during the 16th century.
The novel depicts 108 outlaw, each with a strong spirit and a unique character. They come from different backgrounds and all eventually come to occupy Mount Liang on the marsh in the Huai River region, led by Song Jiang. Their story goes on with the conflicts with the Song Dynasty, while Song Jiang keeps showing his loyalty to the emperor. After winning battles against the imperial forces, the outlaws are invited by the emperor to become an official army, which Song Jiang willingly accepts. Gao Qiu, their main rival, is not happy with them and sends them out to fight against the enemies of the dynasty, and finally comes the tragic ending.
The novel depicts 108 outlaw, each with a strong spirit and a unique character. They come from different backgrounds and all eventually come to occupy Mount Liang on the marsh in the Huai River region, led by Song Jiang. Their story goes on with the conflicts with the Song Dynasty, while Song Jiang keeps showing his loyalty to the emperor. After winning battles against the imperial forces, the outlaws are invited by the emperor to become an official army, which Song Jiang willingly accepts. Gao Qiu, their main rival, is not happy with them and sends them out to fight against the enemies of the dynasty, and finally comes the tragic ending.