Story Summary
Explore the legendary tale of Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats. Discover how the strategist Zhuge Liang used wisdom and fog to outmaneuver his rivals easily.
During the Three Kingdoms era, General Zhou Yu of Wu grew deeply jealous of the brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang. Seeking to eliminate his rival, Zhou Yu demanded that Zhuge Liang produce 100,000 arrows in just ten days—an impossible task. Zhuge Liang calmly accepted but promised to finish in only three. He did not hire fletchers; instead, he prepared twenty boats lined with straw bundles and straw men. On the third night, a thick fog descended upon the Yangtze River. Zhuge Liang sailed his fleet toward Cao Cao’s massive army. Fearing an ambush in the mist, Cao Cao ordered his archers to fire blindly at the silhouettes. Thousands of arrows rained down, lodging safely into the straw. Once the boats were heavy with spoils, Zhuge Liang sailed back, thanking Cao Cao for the gift. He delivered over 100,000 arrows to a stunned Zhou Yu, having won the day without firing a single shot.
The Moral
True wisdom lies in resourcefulness and the ability to turn an opponent's strength into your own advantage.
“A thick fog is worth more than ten thousand smiths when one knows how to use the heavens.”
Fun Fact
In modern Chinese culture, the phrase 'borrowing arrows with straw boats' is a common idiom used to describe using someone else's resources to achieve your own goals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Borrowing Arrows with Straw Boats?
The story teaches that intelligence and calm preparation can overcome brute force. It highlights the power of resourcefulness by turning an enemy's aggression into one's own gain.
Who was Zhuge Liang?
Zhuge Liang was a legendary Chinese politician, military strategist, and inventor. He served as the Chancellor of Shu Han during the Three Kingdoms period and is a symbol of immense wisdom.
Is this story historically accurate?
While based on historical figures, this specific event is a famous episode from the 14th-century historical novel 'Romance of the Three Kingdoms.' In history, a similar event is actually attributed to Sun Quan.
Why did Zhou Yu want Zhuge Liang to fail?
Zhou Yu was a talented general himself but was intensely jealous of Zhuge Liang’s superior intellect. He hoped the impossible task would lead to Zhuge Liang's execution for failing military orders.
How did Zhuge Liang know there would be fog?
Zhuge Liang was depicted as an expert in meteorology and astronomy. He predicted the heavy fog three days in advance, allowing him to time his 'attack' perfectly when visibility was lowest.
Who did the arrows come from?
The arrows were 'borrowed' from the army of Cao Cao, the powerful warlord of the North. His cautious nature led him to fire arrows rather than engage in close combat in the fog.
