CIVILIZATION DOSSIER
Lu Bu吕布
Adopted son of Ding Yuan, later killed Ding Yuan and defected to Dong Zhuo, becoming his adopted son.
- DIRECT FIGURES
- 39
- RELATION RECORDS
- 91
- SOURCE WORKS
- 3
RELATIONSHIP COMPASS
Lu Bu, and the people around them.
Open one chapter at a time. Each chapter gives the relationship first, then the source text behind it.
01KINSHIPKinship
Blood, marriage and sworn bonds
3 figures · 6 records＋
Kinship
Blood, marriage and sworn bonds
Dong Zhuo—Lu Buadoptive father-son
Lu Bu—Liu Beibrothers
Lu Bu—Yuan Shumarriage alliance
02ALLEGIANCEAllegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
7 figures · 10 records＋
Allegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
Lu Bu→Liu Beiflee to
Lu Bu→Yuan Shaoflee to
Lu Bu→Yuan Shuflee to
03CONFLICTConflict
Battles, captures and defeat
14 figures · 20 records＋
Conflict
Battles, captures and defeat
Cao Cao→Lu Budefeat
Lu Bu—Liu Beibattle
Lu Bu→Dong Zhuoslay
04THE UNSEENMythic acts
Transformation, aid and divine punishment
3 figures · 4 records＋
Mythic acts
Transformation, aid and divine punishment
Lu Bu→Liu Beireturn family
Yuan Shu→Lu Bupromise supplies
Dong Zhuo→Lu Bugrant horse
12 key relationships are shown here. The complete record remains below.
In history · Records of the Three Kingdoms
A warlord, destroyed by Cao Cao.
In fiction · Romance of the Three Kingdoms · Book of the Later Han
Adopted son of Ding Yuan, later killed Ding Yuan and defected to Dong Zhuo, becoming his adopted son.; Adopted son of Dong Zhuo, guarding him.; Adopted son of Dong Zhuo, unmatched in bravery.
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.
- Official history12 profile notes
Book of the Later Han
16 relations23 verified quotations- Cao Cao→ defeat →Lu Bu
- Lu Bu→ battle →Cao Cao
- Lu Bu→ battle →Liu Bei
- Lu Bu→ flee to →Liu Bei
Verified original text · 23
布及宫、顺皆缢杀之，传首许市。
strangle · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
曹操击吕布于徐州，斩之
slay · Book of the Later Han, 孝献帝纪
21 more verified quotations in the relationship records below.
- Literature / legend18 profile notes
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
23 relations45 verified quotations- Cao Cao→ defeat →Lu Bu
- Lu Bu→ battle →Cao Cao
- Cao Cao→ confer title →Lu Bu
- Lu Bu→ battle →Liu Bei
Verified original text · 45
操指吕布而言曰：“吾与汝自来无仇，何得夺吾州郡？”
battle · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11
曹操正慌走间，正南上一彪军到，乃夏侯惇引军来救援，截住吕布大战。
battle · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 12
43 more verified quotations in the relationship records below.
- Official history23 profile notes
Records of the Three Kingdoms
27 relations36 verified quotations- Cao Cao→ defeat →Lu Bu
- Lu Bu→ battle →Cao Cao
- Lu Bu→ battle →Liu Bei
- Lu Bu→ brothers →Liu Bei
Verified original text · 36
生禽布
captured · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·先主传
与布战于濮阳
battle · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传
34 more verified quotations in the relationship records below.
History vs. fiction
In official history, he is a mercenary and reckless warrior, but in the novel he is hailed as the greatest warrior of the Three Kingdoms.
The Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei, Biography of Lü Bu records that Lü Bu set up a halberd at the camp gate and shot an arrow through the small branch of the halberd, successfully dissuading Ji Ling from attacking Liu Bei. (Original text: “布令门候于营门中举一只戟，布言：“诸君观布射戟小支，一发中者诸君当解去，不中可留决斗。”布举弓射戟，正中小支。诸将皆惊，言“将军天威也”！”——Source: data/raw/sanguozhi/魏书·吕布臧洪传.txt)
The Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei, Biography of Lü Bu records that Lü Bu had an affair with Dong Zhuo's maidservant and, incited by Wang Yun, assassinated Dong Zhuo; but the character Diao Chan is a fictional invention of the novel. (Original text: 「布便弓马，膂力过人，号为飞将。稍迁至中郎将，封都亭侯。卓自以遇人无礼，恐人谋己，行止常以布自卫。然卓性刚而褊，忿不思难，尝小失意，拔手戟掷布。布拳捷避之，〈诗曰：“无拳无勇，职为乱阶。”注：“拳，力也。”〉为卓顾谢，卓意亦解。由是阴怨卓。卓常使布守中阁，布与卓侍婢私通，恐事发觉，心不自安。」——Source: data/raw/sanguozhi/魏书·吕布臧洪传.txt)
Relationship network
To keep this page fast, the 40 most important records are shown here.View all 91 relationships in the atlas →
- defeat← Cao Cao → Lu Buhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·先主传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·武帝纪Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·程郭董刘蒋刘传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 12Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 13Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传Book of the Later Han, 孝献帝纪Book of the Later Han, 郑孔荀列传
Original text (8)
布及宫、顺皆缢杀之，传首许市。
Original relation: strangle · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
曹操击吕布于徐州，斩之
Original relation: slay · Book of the Later Han, 孝献帝纪
三年，遂擒吕布，定徐州
Original relation: capture and kill · Book of the Later Han, 郑孔荀列传
操指吕布而言曰：“吾与汝自来无仇，何得夺吾州郡？”
Original relation: battle · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11
曹操正慌走间，正南上一彪军到，乃夏侯惇引军来救援，截住吕布大战。
Original relation: battle · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 12
吕布从后拍马赶来，将戟于操盔上一击
Original relation: pursued · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 12
曹操大破吕布于定陶
操令牵下楼缢之。
Original relation: strangle · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19
- battleLu Bu → Cao Caohist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·先主传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·武帝纪Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 12Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (8)
曹操闻而引军击布，累战，相持百馀日。
布见操曰：“今日已往，天下定矣。”
Original relation: surrender · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
吕布已袭破兖州，进据濮阳
Original relation: attack Yanzhou · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11
吕布骤马提戟赶来，大叫：“操贼休走！”
Original relation: pursue and kill · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11
吕布从后拍马赶来，将戟于操盔上一击
Original relation: pursue · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 12
生禽布
Original relation: captured · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·先主传
与布战于濮阳
与布战于濮阳
- confer title← Cao Cao → Lu BulitRomance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 17
Original text (3)
封布为平东将军
封为左将军
Original relation: appoint official · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 17
与吕布结为兄弟
Original relation: ally · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 17
- battleLu Bu → Liu Beihist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·先主传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·许糜孙简伊秦传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·武帝纪Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 15Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 18Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (8)
布得书大悦，即勒兵袭下邳，获备妻子。
Original relation: raid · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
吕布袭了徐州
Original relation: capture Xuzhou · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 15
吕布分军四面围定
Original relation: besiege city · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
令高顺、张辽取沛城，攻玄德
Original relation: attack · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 18
布与张辽、高顺分兵三路，夹攻玄德
Original relation: pincer · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 18
吕布赶来，玄德急唤城上军士放下吊桥。
吕布恶之，自出兵攻先主
吕布乘先主之出拒袁术，袭下邳
Original relation: inherit · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·许糜孙简伊秦传
- brothersLu Bu → Liu Beihist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19
Original text (3)
布曰：“吾与玄德旧交，岂忍害他妻子？”
Original relation: old acquaintance · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19
名备为弟
名备为弟
- flee toLu Bu → Liu Beihist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 13Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (3)
乃具车马迎备，以为豫州刺史，遣屯小沛。
Original relation: shelter · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
布从其言，竟投徐州来
布东奔刘备
- return familyLu Bu → Liu Beihist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 15Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (3)
布恐玄德疑惑，先令人送还家眷。
辕门射戟解和
Original relation: relieve siege · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
驰往赴备
Original relation: rescue · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传
- battle← Liu Bei → Lu BuhistRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 蜀书·先主传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
Original text (3)
吕布恶之，自出兵攻先主
布袭取下邳
Original relation: attacked · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
明公不见布之事丁建阳及董太师乎
Original relation: advise kill · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
- shelter← Liu Bei → Lu BulitRomance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 13Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (2)
玄德领众出城三十里，接著吕布
可修书告急于吕布
Original relation: ask for help · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (2)
布东奔刘备
备求救于布
Original relation: ask for help · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
Original text (1)
吕布以兵败投之，备使居于小沛
- flee toLu Bu → Yuan Shaohist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (4)
布得走投袁绍
投袁绍，绍纳之
绍与布击张燕于常山
Original relation: cooperate · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传
北诣袁绍
Original text (1)
布疑其图己，乃使人鼓筝于帐中，潜自遁出
Original text (1)
复见斫刺，滨于死亡。
Original text (1)
遣壮士送布而阴使杀之
- slayLu Bu → Dong Zhuohist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·武帝纪Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 8Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 9Book of the Later Han, 五行一貌不恭淫雨服妖鸡祸青眚屋自坏讹言旱谣狼食人Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传Book of the Later Han, 天文下桓三十八灵二十献九陨石Book of the Later Han, 董卓列传Book of the Later Han, 陈王列传
Original text (8)
使中郎将吕布杀太师董卓
乃于门刺杀卓
Original relation: assassinate · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
将军诛卓，为术报耻，功一也。
Original relation: kill · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
司徒王允与将军吕布诛卓
Original relation: kill · Book of the Later Han, 天文下桓三十八灵二十献九陨石
布应声持矛刺卓
Original relation: assassinate · Book of the Later Han, 董卓列传
吕布因刺杀之
Original relation: assassinate · Book of the Later Han, 陈王列传
吕布怒恨而归
Original relation: resent · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 8
一戟直刺咽喉
- adoptive father-son← Dong Zhuo → Lu BulitRomance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 5Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 6Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 8Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 9Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (5)
誓为父子
Original relation: adopt as son · Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
温侯吕布挺身出曰
卓大喜曰：“非汝言，吾实不悟。”遂引吕布星夜回洛阳
董卓有一义儿，姓吕，名布
布与我有父子之分
- father-sonLu Bu → Dong Zhuohist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 3
Original text (3)
布请拜为义父
Original relation: adoptive father-son · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 3
誓为父子
誓为父子
- dispatch← Dong Zhuo → Lu Buhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·董二袁刘传Book of the Later Han, 礼仪下大丧诸侯王列侯始封贵人公主薨Book of the Later Han, 董卓列传
Original text (3)
卓使吕布发诸帝陵
卓又使吕布杀执金吾丁原而并其众
Original relation: instigate · Book of the Later Han, 董卓列传
卓又使吕布杀执金吾丁原
Original relation: subordinate general · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·董二袁刘传
Original text (1)
赤兔马亦董公所赠也
- divorceLu Bu → Yuan Shuhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (5)
乃追还绝婚，执胤送许，曹操杀之。
反贼焉敢如此！
遂杀来使
Original relation: kill envoy · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
今袁术在淮南，声势大振。将军旧曾与彼约婚，今何不仍求之？
Original relation: request aid · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19
诏书购捕公孙瓒、袁术、韩暹、杨奉等
Original relation: jointly hunted · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
- marriage allianceLu Bu → Yuan Shuhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (4)
求亲于布
乃为子索布女，布许之
追还绝婚
Original relation: divorce · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
夜自送女出与术
- flee toLu Bu → Yuan Shuhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 11
Original text (3)
去投袁术；术怪吕布反复不定，拒而不纳
欲诣袁术
布遣人求救于术
Original relation: request aid · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
- suppress← Yuan Shu → Lu Buhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·董二袁刘传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 17
Original text (3)
分七路征徐州
遣大将张勋攻布
Original relation: attack · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
术亦不能救
Original relation: not rescue · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
- marriage alliance← Yuan Shu → Lu Buhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16Book of the Later Han, 刘焉袁术吕布列传
Original text (3)
并为子娉布女
欲求令嫒为儿妇
Original relation: propose marriage · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
乃为子索布女
Original relation: propose · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
- promise supplies← Yuan Shu → Lu Buhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 15
Original text (2)
许以粮五万斛，马五百匹
术欲结布为援
Original relation: ally · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
Original text (1)
将军有三大功在术，术虽不敏，奉以死生
Original text (1)
- defeatLu Bu → Zhang Feihist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 14Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (3)
吕布赚开城门，杀将进来了
布挺戟出马来战张飞
Original relation: battle · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
大破益德兵
- provoke← Zhang Fei → Lu BulitRomance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 13Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (2)
张飞跃马横枪而来，大叫：“吕布！我和你并三百合！”
是我夺了你好马
Original relation: 夺马 · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 16
Original text (1)
三年，遂擒吕布，定徐州
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
坚追击之，轸、布败走
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
诏书购捕公孙瓒、袁术、韩暹、杨奉等
- hostileLu Bu → Chen DenghistRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布张邈臧洪传Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
Original text (3)
掎角吕布有功
宜早图之
Original relation: 被图 · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
布乃质执登三弟
Original relation: 质弟 · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
- betray← Chen Deng → Lu Buhist × litRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 19
Original text (2)
登在城上指布骂曰：“吾乃汉臣，安肯事汝反贼耶！”
登率郡兵为军先驱
Original relation: hostile · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·吕布臧洪传
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
霸畏布钞暴，果登城拒守