Tuesday, January 13, 2009

New Ancient- Sun Tzu/Chang Quin

So, I have decided to make the third ancient Sun Tzu, the chinese military leader who wrote "the art of war" As per usual, here's the actual story (according to http://www.woopidoo.com/biography/sun-tzu/index.htm), although I'm not sure how accurate it actually is becuase apparently, not much information is know about him. Sun Tzu originally named Sun Wu and also called Chang Qing (what the other ancients call him), authored The Art of War in the sixth century BC. This military strategy book became one of the most influential books of war and Sun Tzu became well known as not only a military strategist but also a realist in international relations theory. There are no exact records of Sun Tzu's birth or death (he erased them). The only known records of his life were from a biography written in the 2nd century BC by a historian named Sima Qian (he tried to erase that also, but Sima managed to escape while Chang Quin was still a new vampire and weak. By the time Chang Qing found him and killed him the book was already to popular to erase). Sun Tzu is believed to have been born in 544 BC under the name Sun Wu, possibly in the state of Qi in ancient China. His family were members of the shi, an ancient class of landless aristocrats who lost their land during the Spring and Autumn Period of territorial consolidation (actually vampires attacked them, that's when he got turned into a vampire) . During Sun Tzu's time, most shi travelled as academic scholars, but Sun Tzu decided to work as a mercenary (he liked the blood). After working throughout the country, the ruling king, King Helu of Wu, hired Sun Tzu as a general in 512 BC (he used a bit of mind control on him, even though he really didn't need to). Sun Tzu consequently authored The Art of War (in all of the original copies, between all the regular lines, there are more words that can only be seen by vampires, commenting and adding more and better details on everything), which, at the time was named Sun Tzu based on the custom to name a work after its author. Sun Tzu's military strategy soon became legendary and he even proved his knowledge by training battalions of previously untrained female soldiers (a large number of whom were actually vampires). Sun Tzu gave control of each battalion to King Helu's concubines. After they disobeyed orders and laughed at him, Sun Tzu executed two of the concubines, per military law, and finished his training with a powerful team with exceptional leadership skills. At the time of Sun Tzu's generalship, the kingdom of Wu was considered a semi-barbaric state and incapable of military regulation or cultural power . After Sun Tzu took control, however, the military in Wu went on to conquer the state of Chu, the most powerful state in the Spring and Autumn Period in Chinese history (once again, vampires). After the defeat of Chu, Sun Tzu disappeared, wanting a quiet, peaceful life as opposed to one of constant conflict (yeah, with the whole drinking blood in private and everything). His teachings, however, went on to influence not only military strategies, but also martial arts in both armed and unarmed combat (do I even need to say it?). In fact, his teaching known as Bing Fa became the basis for most Asian martial arts. Historians argue that Sun Tzu's work did not advocate war but, instead, told of strategies to employ should conflict arise. In fact, according to historians, Sun Tzu's philosophies were more about how to avoid war while still maintaining control over an enemy in tight situations rather than war itself (they're wrong. It's all about fighting, and fighting vampires). Although there are no confirmations that the two met, Sun Tzu lived during the time of Confucius and may have been influenced by the man's work (or may have influenced him). It's estimated that Sun Tzu died in 496 BC in the state of Wu. (or not...) actually, he just dissapeared. And eventually joined the ancients.

1 comment:

  1. Interesting and ambitious choice for the third ancient. I am glad to see that you are working on your epic work again!

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