CIVILIZATION DOSSIER
King Helü of Wu吴王阖闾
King of Wu, died from wounds sustained while attacking Yue.
- DIRECT FIGURES
- 5
- RELATION RECORDS
- 6
- SOURCE WORKS
- 2
RELATIONSHIP COMPASS
King Helü of Wu, 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
1 figure · 1 record＋
Kinship
Blood, marriage and sworn bonds
King Helü of Wu—Fuchaigrandparent-grandchild
02ALLEGIANCEAllegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
2 figures · 3 records＋
Allegiance
Rulers, appointments and allegiance
King Helü of WuisWu Zixu’s ruler
Bo Pi—King Helü of Wusubordinate
03CONFLICTConflict
Battles, captures and defeat
2 figures · 2 records＋
Conflict
Battles, captures and defeat
King Helü of Wu→King Zhao of Chuattack
Source record
Marquis Zhao of Cai→King Helü of Wually to attack Chu
5 key relationships are shown here. The complete record remains below.
In history · Records of the Grand Historian
King of Wu, invaded Chu and entered Ying.; King of Wu, invaded Chu.; King of Wu, invaded Chu.
In fiction · Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms
King of Wu, died from wounds sustained while attacking Yue.
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 / legend1 profile notes
Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms
3 relations3 verified quotations- King Helü of Wu→ ruler-subject →Wu Zixu
- King Helü of Wu→ grandparent-grandchild →Fuchai
- Bo Pi→ subordinate →King Helü of Wu
Verified original text · 3
相国子胥进曰
ruler-subject · Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms, ch. 79
有嫡孙夫差在
grandparent-grandchild · Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms, ch. 79
1 more verified quotation in the relationship records below.
- Official history5 profile notes
Records of the Grand Historian
3 relations2 verified quotations- Wu Zixu→ assist →King Helü of Wu
- King Helü of Wu→ attack →King Zhao of Chu
- Marquis Zhao of Cai→ ally to attack Chu →King Helü of Wu
Verified original text · 2
吴王阖闾与伍子胥伐楚
assist · Records of the Grand Historian, 秦本纪
蔡昭侯使其子为质于吴，以共伐楚。
ally to attack Chu · Records of the Grand Historian, 管蔡世家
History vs. fiction
The cause of King Helü of Wu's injury and the person who inflicted it differ.
In the Records of the Grand Historian, chapter on the House of Chu, it is recorded that King Goujian of Yue shot and wounded the King of Wu, i.e., 'King Goujian of Yue shot and wounded the King of Wu'; in the Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms, chapter 79, it is recorded that Ling Gufu used a knife to chop the King of Wu's right foot, i.e., 'Ling Gufu raised his knife and chopped. Helü dodged backward, the knife hit his right foot, injuring his big toe.'
Relationship network
Original text (1)
吴王阖闾与伍子胥伐楚
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
Original text (1)
蔡昭侯使其子为质于吴，以共伐楚。