수호지 인물열전 – 잔인함의 화신 흑선풍 이규

이 규 Li Ku

Li Kui: The Most Ruthless Character in Water Margin

Water Margin, one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, is filled with various heroes, warriors, and rebels who fight against corruption and injustice. However, among these figures, Li Kui stands out for his sheer brutality. While other characters in the novel may exhibit violence in the name of justice, Li Kui’s actions often cross the line into pure bloodthirstiness. His ruthless nature makes him one of the most controversial characters in the novel, leading many readers to feel discomfort or even disgust.

The Ruthlessness of Li Kui

Li Kui is known for his unparalleled ferocity. Unlike other characters in Water Margin who kill for honor, vengeance, or justice, Li Kui often kills simply because he can. His actions are impulsive, merciless, and often unnecessary. He is not bound by moral constraints, and his tendency to resort to violence without hesitation makes him a terrifying presence.

One of the most disturbing aspects of Li Kui’s character is that he does not discriminate between his victims. While many heroes in the novel fight against corrupt officials and oppressors, Li Kui slaughters indiscriminately. In one of the most shocking moments of the novel, he brutally murders a child with an axe simply because the child poses an obstacle to his plans. This act of pure savagery is one of the most difficult moments for readers to process and makes Li Kui stand out as a character who is impossible to justify.

Li Kui’s Role in Water Margin

Despite his terrifying nature, Li Kui plays an important role in Water Margin. His reckless brutality serves as a contrast to the more strategic and morally grounded characters, such as Song Jiang. While some of the 108 Liangshan heroes operate within a moral framework, Li Kui represents the raw, uncontrollable power of rebellion. He is a reminder that not all who fight against injustice are noble or righteous—some are simply forces of chaos.

Additionally, Li Kui’s character challenges the romanticized notion of heroism. Water Margin, at its core, is a story about outlaws, and while many of them possess admirable qualities, Li Kui reminds readers that not all revolutionaries are virtuous. His presence in the story forces us to question whether violence can ever truly be justified and whether individuals like him belong in a movement that seeks justice.

Why Li Kui Makes Readers Uncomfortable

Many readers find themselves deeply disturbed by Li Kui’s actions. While Water Margin is filled with violence, most of it is directed at corrupt officials, oppressive landlords, or treacherous enemies. Li Kui, however, kills without distinction, making it difficult for readers to categorize him as a hero. His cruelty is not driven by necessity but by an innate thirst for blood.

Moreover, his impulsiveness makes him unpredictable. Unlike other warriors who plan their battles carefully, Li Kui acts on instinct, often endangering his allies as much as his enemies. His actions frequently undermine the efforts of his comrades, creating unnecessary chaos and destruction.

Conclusion

Li Kui is one of the most unsettling characters in Water Margin. His unrestrained violence and lack of moral compass make him a figure of pure chaos. While other characters in the novel struggle with moral dilemmas, Li Kui operates on a different level—one that does not consider right or wrong, only action and consequence. His presence in the story challenges the reader’s perception of justice and heroism, making Water Margin a more complex and thought-provoking narrative.

Ultimately, Li Kui serves as a reminder that not all who fight against corruption do so for noble reasons. Some, like him, are simply drawn to violence for its own sake. And in a story filled with heroes and villains, he stands in a category of his own—one that is neither fully heroic nor entirely villainous, but terrifyingly unpredictable.