CIVILIZATION DOSSIER
Li Dian李典
A general of Cao Wei during the Three Kingdoms period, who accompanied the army on many campaigns and once shot and killed Song Qian.
- DIRECT FIGURES
- 6
- RELATION RECORDS
- 8
- SOURCE WORKS
- 2
RELATIONSHIP COMPASS
Li Dian, and the people around them.
Open one chapter at a time. Each chapter gives the relationship first, then the source text behind it.
01ALLEGIANCEAllegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
3 figures · 5 records＋
Allegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
Cao Cao→Li Dianshelter
Zhang Liao—Li Diancolleague
Cao Ren—Li Diansubordinate general
02CONFLICTConflict
Battles, captures and defeat
2 figures · 2 records＋
Conflict
Battles, captures and defeat
Li Dian→Liu Beisee through
Zhao Yun—Li Dianbattle
03THE UNSEENMythic acts
Transformation, aid and divine punishment
1 figure · 1 record＋
Mythic acts
Transformation, aid and divine punishment
Li Dian→Xiahou Dunrescue
6 key relationships are shown here. The complete record remains below.
In history · Records of the Three Kingdoms
A general of Wei, who together with Zhang Liao and Yue Jin defended Hefei. A subordinate of Cao Cao, known for his strategy and elegance, participated in the battles of Guandu and Hefei. A subordinate of Cao Cao, participated in campaigns against Gao Gan and Guan Cheng.
In fiction · Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Li Dian initially served as a clerk before Cao Cao's tent, later promoted to a general of Cao Wei. During the Battle of Xingyang, he followed Cao Cao into battle, and later with Cao Hong stationed by the river to ambush Liu Bei. As a subordinate of Cao Ren, he advised him to hold his troops and protected him while crossing the river. When accompanying Xiahou Dun on a campaign, he warned of fire attacks. He was on bad terms with Zhang Liao, but later fought in coordination, once shooting and killing Song Qian, and engaging in battle with Xu Sheng.
Across source works
How this figure changes across texts
Works are shown side by side, not as a chronology. No influence between texts is inferred.
- Literature / legend22 profile notes
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
4 relations6 verified quotations- Cao Cao→ shelter →Li Dian
- Zhao Yun→ battle →Li Dian
- Zhang Liao→ colleague →Li Dian
- Cao Ren→ subordinate general →Li Dian
Verified original text · 6
操皆留为帐前吏
shelter · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 5
遂自引兵万馀，领夏侯惇，夏侯渊，曹仁，曹洪，李典，乐进
lord-minister · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 6
4 more verified quotations in the relationship records below.
- Official history5 profile notes
Records of the Three Kingdoms
4 relations4 verified quotations- Li Dian→ subordinate →Cao Cao
- Li Dian→ see through →Liu Bei
- Li Dian→ colleague →Zhang Liao
- Li Dian→ rescue →Xiahou Dun
Verified original text · 4
太祖善之
subordinate · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·李臧文吕许典二庞阎传
贼无故退，疑必有伏
see through · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·李臧文吕许典二庞阎传
2 more verified quotations in the relationship records below.
History vs. fiction
Li Dian's military achievements and focus of deeds
In Chapter 24 of the Romance of the Three Kingdoms, the scene of Li Dian participating in a large-scale siege is depicted: 'Zhang Liao in the east, Xu Chu in the west, Yu Jin in the south, Li Dian in the north, Xu Huang in the southeast, Yue Jin in the southwest, Xiahou Dun in the northeast, Xiahou Yuan in the northwest, eight groups of troops attacked.' The Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei, Annals of Emperor Wu records his pacification deeds: 'Sent Yue Jin and Li Dian to attack him, and Gan returned to defend Huguan city.'
Relationship network
- shelter← Cao Cao → Li DianlitRomance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 5Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 6Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 32
Original text (3)
操皆留为帐前吏
遂自引兵万馀，领夏侯惇，夏侯渊，曹仁，曹洪，李典，乐进
Original relation: lord-minister · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 6
遣乐进、李典引兵于半路接著
Original relation: ruler-subject · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 32
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
赵云出马唤彼将答话。曹仁命李典出阵，与赵云交锋
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
典往救，备望见救至，乃散退