Lù Yóu (陆游)

**Lu You: The Patriotic Poet of the Song Dynasty** **Early Life and Background** Lu You (1125–1210) was born during the tumultuous Southern Song Dynasty, a time when northern China was lost to the Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty. His family, though scholarly, faced hardship due to their anti-Jin stance. Lu You’s early education was steeped in Confucian ideals and a deep sense of patriotism, which would shape his life and work. **Major Achievements and Contributions** A prolific writer, Lu You is best known for his poetry, particularly *shi* (lyric poems) and *ci* (song lyrics). His nearly 10,000 surviving poems—the most by any Chinese poet—reflect themes of national loyalty, personal sorrow, and love for nature. His most famous work, *"Autumn Thoughts"*, laments the fall of northern China. Beyond poetry, he served as a minor official, advocating military resistance against the Jin, though his political ambitions were often thwarted. **Historical Significance** Lu You’s works capture the emotional and political struggles of the Southern Song era. His poetry blends personal grief with nationalistic fervor, making him a symbol of resilience. Alongside contemporaries like Xin Qiji, he epitomized the "heroic" style of Song poetry. **Interesting Facts** Lu You’s love life was as tragic as his patriotism. Forced to divorce his beloved wife, Tang Wan, due to family pressure, he wrote heart-wrenching poems about her, including *"The Phoenix Hairpin"*, which became a classic of romantic literature. **Legacy and Influence** Lu You remains a cultural icon, celebrated for his emotional depth and unwavering patriotism. His works are still taught in Chinese schools, and his life inspires adaptations in opera, film, and literature. For international readers, he offers a poignant window into China’s literary and historical soul. A poet of passion and principle, Lu You’s voice echoes through the centuries, a testament to art’s power to transcend time.