When it comes to Li Bai, what comes to mind about him? It is an assassin type hero in Honor of Kings with displacement, control, and output. He was still known as the “Poet Immortal” and a great romantic poet of the Tang Dynasty. Today, let’s talk about his other side – swordsman.
For Li Bai’s swordsman identity, perhaps we think more of it in games. But according to historical records, Li Bai was not only an assassin, but also ranked second in the Tang Dynasty. But Xiaotian also found that there are different opinions online. Today, let’s talk about whether Li Bai, a legendary figure, can use a sword. For this issue, Xiaotian can simply divide it into two perspectives:
Supporters:
According to historical records, Li Bai’s master in swordsmanship was Pei Min. This Pei Min is really amazing. He was the first swordsman of the Tang Dynasty, known as the “Sword Saint”. This is recorded in the book “Du Yi Zhi”. Pei Min “threw his sword into the clouds, several tens of zhang high, and if the electric light shone down, it would attract his hands to hold the scabbard, and the sword would enter through the air. There were thousands of spectators, all of whom were shocked.” Do you think, how could a student taught by such a powerful master be inferior? Otherwise, are you hitting yourself in the face?
Secondly, in Li Bai’s friend Wei Hao’s “Preface to the Collection of Li Hanlin”, there is a line that goes, “As a young hero, he wielded several swords.” His friend described him as killing several people with one sword and being able to kill even in frontal combat. If he is not a master of swordsmanship, then it is really hard to justify.
And there are corresponding fragments in his poems as well. Like ‘Kill one person in ten steps, leave no trace for a thousand miles’ -‘ The Journey of the Condor Heroes’
The essay ‘Gifted to Wu Seventeen’ was written by Li Bai to his disciple, yes, it was his disciple. And in the poem, it is also mentioned that someone ranked 17th, which indicates that Li Bai may have opened a school at that time. This shows that Li Bai’s swordsmanship was superb, and people came to learn from him!
On the opposing side:
In ancient books, it is said that Li Bai wielded several swords, but according to the laws of the Tang Dynasty, killing someone would require at least 3000 miles of exile, let alone showing off. The poem ‘The Journey of the Condor Heroes’ actually reflects Li Bai’s admiration for the wandering knights. Li Bai was influenced by the prevailing trend of chivalry at that time, and then exaggerated some of his own things.
Li Bai’s swordsmanship is only at the level of sword dancing, and he does not really engage in combat. At that time, the use of swords by literati was probably just a formality and trend, only used for a few dances at literary gatherings. This can be seen from the paintings of literati at that time.
Secondly, all we know about Li Bai’s swordsmanship comes from his poems and the evaluations of his friends, which makes it difficult to demonstrate his exceptional swordsmanship. If he really knows swordsmanship and has a high level of swordsmanship, someone should praise him and write a eulogy for him, but in reality, no one writes it.
Li Bai’s poetry has a romantic color, one of which is to grasp a certain characteristic of things and boldly imagine and exaggerate them on the basis of real life. Perhaps a little exaggeration was added when describing oneself. With Li Bai’s love for swordsmanship, he may have achieved some success in swordsmanship, but he is definitely not a master. But compared to other literati, he is a master.
So there is a lot of debate about whether Li Bai knows swordsmanship. Even Xiao Tian cannot be certain! So, Xiaotian can only quote one sentence: ‘Everyone has their own opinions, and the wise have their own views.’ For this historical issue, it is necessary to constantly raise and deny it; The results obtained from further discussion and verification of negation. Whether Li Bai is a swordsman or not, his contribution to literature is evident to all!
