Jīng Kē (荆轲)

**Jing Ke: The Assassin Who Shook an Empire** **Early Life and Background** Jing Ke (荆轲) was a legendary assassin and warrior during China’s Warring States period (475–221 BCE). Born in the state of Wei, he was known for his swordsmanship, courage, and loyalty. Though details of his early life are sparse, historical records describe him as a wandering scholar-warrior who befriended nobles and outcasts alike, earning respect for his principles. **Major Achievements and Contributions** Jing Ke’s most famous act was his failed assassination attempt on Qin Shi Huang, the ruthless king of Qin who sought to conquer all of China. In 227 BCE, he volunteered for a suicide mission orchestrated by Prince Dan of Yan, who feared Qin’s expansion. Armed with a dagger hidden in a map scroll and accompanied by the teenage assassin Qin Wuyang, Jing Ke famously presented the king with the severed head of a traitor and a map of Yan—only for his strike to miss its mark. **Historical Significance** Though unsuccessful, Jing Ke’s bravery became a symbol of resistance against tyranny. His act delayed Qin’s conquest of Yan and inspired later rebellions. The story, immortalized in *Records of the Grand Historian* by Sima Qian, underscores the tension between individual heroism and the unstoppable tide of unification under Qin. **Interesting Facts and Anecdotes** - Before his mission, Jing Ke reportedly sang a haunting farewell song: *"The wind howls, the Yi River grows cold; the brave man leaves, never to return!"* - His ally Qin Wuyang panicked at the critical moment, leaving Jing Ke to act alone. - The dagger used was coated with poison, ensuring even a scratch would kill—yet Qin Shi Huang survived. **Legacy and Influence** Jing Ke’s story has been retold in poetry, opera, and film, epitomizing sacrifice and defiance. He remains a folk hero, celebrated for his loyalty and audacity in the face of impossible odds. His tale continues to resonate in discussions of morality, resistance, and the cost of opposing power.