The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. Volume 1

One of the most enduring and popular folk legends of China has been the story of Lord Bao and his seven heroes and five gallants, whose exploits were sung of in ballads, opera and song for over a thousand years.

The tales have now been translated into English for the first time. The central hero is Lord Bao, who rises from humble beginnings to high office at the imperial court, gathering around him a group of Robin Hood-type men to fight crime and corruption.

The seven heroes of the imperial court form a musketeer-like relationship - all for one and for all - with the five gallants, and roam around rescuing maidens in distress, succoring the old and weak, using their exceptional fighting talents to kill evil-doers. Corrupt officials are brought before Lord Bao who deals out justice without fear or favour.

The thread running through all the adventures is the problems of ordinary people incurred by the corruption of those in power.

The Seven Heroes and Five Gallants reveals why a social system defined by strict Confucian rules was able to exert such a strong influence, found in attitudes and life in China even to this day.

The adventures of the seven heroes and five gallants provide much insight into traditions that have formed the Chinese character through the ages.