Shamoke

Historical Record

As for Shamoke, the official histories contain no clear record. In biographical material such as the Records of the Three Kingdoms, no mention is made of this barbarian chieftain's life and deeds, physical appearance, or specific conduct in the Battle of Xiaoting. Therefore, from a historical perspective, Shamoke is a figure lacking the support of historical sources.

In the Novel

In the literary narrative of Luo Guanzhong's Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Shamoke is fashioned into a barbarian king of striking exotic flavor, his image vivid and forceful. He first appears in Chapter 83, depicted as one whose "face was like spurted blood, his green eyes bulging, who wielded an iron-spiked mace and bore two bows at his waist"^[1]; this description endows him with fierce and distinctive barbarian traits. As an ally of Shu Han, Shamoke led barbarian troops in aid during Liu Bei's campaign against Wu. His appearance adds the color of the frontier peoples to the novel and reinforces the diversity of the Shu Han camp.

Shamoke's principal exploit in the novel is his encounter battle with the Eastern Wu general Gan Ning. When Gan Ning, going out to battle while ill, ran into the barbarian troops led by Shamoke, "because their force was great, he dared not engage and turned his horse to flee"^[1]. Shamoke seized the chance to shoot an arrow that struck Gan Ning in the head, ultimately causing Gan Ning to die of his wound; this episode greatly raised Shamoke's martial value and his impact on the battlefield. However, this barbarian king's end was also quite tragic. After the defeat at Xiaoting, Shamoke fled on a single horse, but unfortunately ran into the fierce Eastern Wu general Zhou Tai. The two fought "more than twenty bouts, and he was killed by Zhou Tai"^[2]. Shamoke's death marked the utter rout of Shu Han in the Battle of Xiaoting and brought this savage battle to a close. The novel's characterization of Shamoke, though lacking historical basis, successfully fashions a brave yet tragically tinged barbarian hero, enriching the novel's plot and gallery of figures.

Key Relationships

* Shu Han (serves): In the novel, Shamoke is an ally of Shu Han, leading barbarian troops to aid Liu Bei's campaign against Wu and jointly opposing the forces of Eastern Wu. (Novel only)
* Gan Ning (fights_in): Shamoke clashed on the battlefield with the Eastern Wu general Gan Ning, and finally shot Gan Ning dead, causing his death^[1]. (Novel only)
* Zhou Tai (dies_in): In the later stage of the Battle of Xiaoting, Shamoke, fleeing on a single horse, ran into Zhou Tai and was finally killed by him^[2]. (Novel only)

Signature Scenes

* Shooting Gan Ning Dead: One of Shamoke's most memorable scenes is when, leading barbarian troops, he shot an arrow into the head of Gan Ning—who had gone out to battle while ill—finally causing the death of this renowned Eastern Wu general. This episode displays Shamoke's valor and skill with the bow, and directly affected the local situation in the Battle of Xiaoting^[1]. (Novel only)
* Dying at Zhou Tai's Hand: After Shu Han's great defeat, Shamoke ran into the Eastern Wu general Zhou Tai during the retreat. After a fierce fight, Shamoke was finally killed by Zhou Tai, ending his brief and legendary life. This scene is not only Shamoke's end but also a symbol of Shu Han's utter defeat in the Battle of Xiaoting^[2]. (Novel only)