[ One of Cao Cao’s original officers, with civil and military talent. Lost an eye in battle.
Officer Details
Wade-Giles: Hsiahou Tun (Yüan-jang)
Simplified Chinese: 夏侯惇 (元让)
Pronunciation: Xia4hou2 Dun1 (Yuan2rang4) 
Birthplace: Qiao County in Pei Prefecture
Name Notes: Xia Hou is the double barreled surname, Dun is the given name in this instance.
Rank and Titles
General Who Displays Firmness; Zhechong Xiaowei, Governor of Dong Prefecture; Governor of Chenliu; Governor of Jiyin; Jianwu Jiangjun; Duke of Gao An Xiang; Governor of He’nan; Fubo Jiangjun; General of the Van (AD 219); ‘Great General’; ‘Loyal Duke’ (posthumous)
Fact vs. Fiction
Differences Between Fact and Common Fiction
- Xiahou Dun did not kill Cao Xiong for shooting out his eye, nor did he consume it.
Literary Appearances
Romance of the Three Kingdoms: 5, 6, 10-12, 14, 16-19, 23-28, 30, 31, 33, 39-43, 48, 50, 66, 67, 69-72, 78, 79, 91
Search Results
- A question about Xiahou Dun
- Date:
07/07Replies:13 - How Did Xiahou Dun Die?
- Date:
11/05Replies:20 - Xiahou Dun's eye: could he have fought after losing it?
- Date:
01/05Replies:38 - Xiahou Dun's eye: did he really eat it?
- Date:
04/03Replies:78 - Who do you like better: Xiahou Dun or Xiahou Yuan?
- Date:
04/03Replies:42
Biography
Xiahou Dun, styled Yuanrang, was a descendent of Xiahou Ying, a famous general who served Liu Bang, and was both a talented commander and civil official. He was a fugitive when he joined Cao Cao with his brother, Xiahou Yuan. He fought alongside them at the battles of Si Shui Gate, and Hu Lao gate, in order to overthrow the tyrant Dong Zhuo. After the fall of Dong Zhuo, Lü Bu fled to Liu Bei, and eventually stole Xia Pi castle from him.
When Cao Cao was requested to help, Xiahou Dun went with him. There, as leader of the van, Xiahou Dun was charging the enemy lines, when Cao Xing shot him in the eye with an arrow. Miraculously not killed, Xiahou Dun is quoted as having said, “Blood of my father, essence of my mother, I cannot throw this away!” He then ate his eye off of the arrow, and charged Cao Xing, killing him with a spear wound to the face.
Forced to retreat due to injury, Xiahou Dun was afterwards known as “Blind Xiahou”. The nickname angered him when he heard it, as well as his reflection. He earned several honours, and was Regent Marshal under Cao Cao. He died approximately one year after his lord perished in AD 220.