Wanyan Aguda (simplified: 完颜阿骨打, traditional: 完顏阿骨打, pinyin: Wányán Āgǔdǎ, jyutping: jyun4 ngaan4 aa3 gwat1 daa2) was a Jurchen chief, the son of Helibu (和里布), who became sworn brothers with Xiao Feng after being impressed by his martial prowess during a conflict between Jurchen and Khitan forces in the northeastern territories.
Biography
Early life and background
Wanyan Aguda was the son of Helibu, a Jurchen chieftain. As a member of the Wanyan clan, he belonged to one of the leading Jurchen families in the northeastern territories. The Jurchen people were a nomadic group who lived in the region that would later become the Jin Dynasty’s heartland.
Meeting with Xiao Feng
Wanyan Aguda first encountered Xiao Feng during a conflict between Jurchen and Khitan forces in the northeastern territories. At this time, Xiao Feng was wandering through the region with Azi, having left the central plains after the tragic death of Azhu.
During the conflict, Xiao Feng demonstrated exceptional martial prowess and honour, which deeply impressed Wanyan Aguda. Despite being from traditionally antagonistic peoples—the Jurchen and the Khitan—they recognised in each other the qualities of true heroes: strength tempered by wisdom, and power guided by principle.
Sworn brotherhood
Based on their mutual respect and shared values, Wanyan Aguda and Xiao Feng became sworn brothers. Wanyan Aguda served as the elder brother in this relationship, while Xiao Feng was the younger brother. This bond transcended ethnic and cultural boundaries, demonstrating the power of personal honour and mutual respect over political divisions.
Their sworn brotherhood was one of three such relationships that Xiao Feng formed during his time in the northern lands, the others being with Yelü Hongji, the emperor of the Liao Empire, and with Duan Yu and Xuzhu, the other two protagonists of the novel.
Personality and traits
Recognition of true heroism
Wanyan Aguda demonstrated the ability to recognise true heroism and honour, even in someone from a traditionally antagonistic people. His willingness to form a sworn brotherhood with Xiao Feng showed his capacity to see beyond ethnic divisions and appreciate individual character.
Respect for martial prowess
Wanyan Aguda was deeply impressed by Xiao Feng’s martial prowess, recognising the exceptional skill and power that Xiao Feng possessed. This respect for martial ability was characteristic of the Jurchen people, who valued strength and martial excellence.
Relationships
Helibu
Wanyan Aguda was the son of Helibu, a Jurchen chieftain. His position as the son of a chief gave him status and influence within the Jurchen community.
Xiao Feng
Wanyan Aguda’s primary relationship was his sworn brotherhood with Xiao Feng. This relationship was based on mutual respect and shared values, transcending the traditional enmity between Jurchen and Khitan peoples.
Historical context
Wanyan Aguda is based on the historical figure of the same name, who was the founder of the Jin Dynasty (1115–1234). In history, Wanyan Aguda (also known as Emperor Taizu of Jin) unified the Jurchen tribes and established the Jin Dynasty, which would go on to conquer northern China and become a major power in East Asia.
In the novel, Wanyan Aguda appears as a younger man, before the establishment of the Jin Dynasty, allowing Jin Yong to explore the character’s early life and relationships. His appearance in the novel provides historical context and demonstrates the complex political landscape of the period.
Behind the scenes
Wanyan Aguda’s character serves to illustrate the complex ethnic and political relationships in the novel’s setting. His sworn brotherhood with Xiao Feng demonstrates how personal honour and mutual respect could transcend ethnic divisions, a recurring theme in Jin Yong’s work.
His historical significance as the future founder of the Jin Dynasty adds depth to his character, connecting the novel’s fictional events to real historical developments. This blending of history and fiction is characteristic of Jin Yong’s approach to storytelling.
Portrayals
Wanyan Aguda has been portrayed in various adaptations of Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils.
See also
- Xiao Feng — Wanyan Aguda’s sworn brother
- Helibu — Wanyan Aguda’s father
- Jurchen — The ethnic group Wanyan Aguda belonged to
- Jin Empire — The dynasty that Wanyan Aguda would historically found
- Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils characters