CIVILIZATION DOSSIER
Ma Yan马延
A general under Yuan Shang, later surrendered to Cao Cao, was driven back by Zhao Yun, and was slain by Gan Ning.
- DIRECT FIGURES
- 3
- RELATION RECORDS
- 4
- SOURCE WORKS
- 2
RELATIONSHIP COMPASS
Ma Yan, 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
2 figures · 3 records＋
Allegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
Ma Yan→Cao Caosurrender
Yuan ShangisMa Yan’s ruler
02CONFLICTConflict
Battles, captures and defeat
1 figure · 1 record＋
Conflict
Battles, captures and defeat
Gan Ning→Ma Yanslay
3 key relationships are shown here. The complete record remains below.
In history · Records of the Three Kingdoms
A general of Yuan Shang, surrendered at the battle; a general of Yuan Shang, surrendered to Cao Cao at the battle.
In fiction · Romance of the Three Kingdoms
Ma Yan was originally a general under Yuan Shang, later surrendered to Cao Cao. In the Battle of Changban Slope, he and Zhang Yi intercepted Zhao Yun but were driven back. After the Battle of Red Cliffs, when Cao Cao retreated, Ma Yan cleared the way for Cao Cao and was slain by Gan Ning.
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 / legend3 profile notes
Romance of the Three Kingdoms
3 relations3 verified quotations- Cao Cao→ reward →Ma Yan
- Gan Ning→ slay →Ma Yan
- Yuan Shang→ ruler-subject →Ma Yan
Verified original text · 3
操亦封为列侯
reward · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 32
早被甘宁一刀斩于马下
slay · Romance of the Three Kingdoms, ch. 50
1 more verified quotation in the relationship records below.
- Official history2 profile notes
Records of the Three Kingdoms
1 relations2 verified quotations- Ma Yan→ surrender →Cao Cao
Verified original text · 2
其将马延、张𫖮等临阵降
surrender · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·武帝纪
其将马延等临阵降
surrender · Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·董二袁刘传
History vs. fiction
Fictional cause of death
In official history, Ma Yan was originally a subordinate of Yuan Shang. When Cao Cao attacked Ye city, 'his generals Ma Yan and Zhang Yi surrendered on the battlefield, and the masses were utterly defeated' (Records of the Three Kingdoms, Book of Wei, Annals of Emperor Wu). After surrendering to Cao Cao, there is no record of his death at the Battle of Red Cliffs. However, in Romance of the Three Kingdoms, Chapter 50, it is fictionalized that during Cao Cao's retreat after the Battle of Red Cliffs, Ma Yan was responsible for escort, and encountered an ambush by Wu forces, where 'Ma Yan was about to engage, but was immediately cut down by Gan Ning's blade.'
Relationship network
- surrenderMa Yan → Cao CaohistRecords of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·武帝纪Records of the Three Kingdoms, 魏书·董二袁刘传
Original text (2)
其将马延、张𫖮等临阵降
其将马延等临阵降
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
早被甘宁一刀斩于马下
Original text (1)
使马延、张𫖮二将为先锋