Red Hare

Red Hare, Lu Bu's legendary steed, is characterized by fierce loyalty and a strong bond with his rider. It's known for being incredibly discerning, only allowing those deemed worthy to ride him. Red Hare's personality is also intertwined with Lu Bu's, as some depictions suggest the horse sees himself as Lu Bu or even a fusion of the two. In essence, Red Hare's personality is a blend of unwavering loyalty, discerning judgment, and a powerful presence, all deeply connected to his legendary association with Lu Bu.

Loyalty and Trust: Red Hare is deeply loyal to Lu Bu, willing to die for him and only allowing him to ride.

Discerning Nature: Red Hare is selective about who him allows to ride, rejecting those him deems unworthy.

Strong Bond with Lu Bu: In some interpretations, Red Hare's identity is closely linked to Lu Bu, even believing himself to be him.

War-like Presence: Red Hare is described as having a fierce and war-like aura, reflecting his role as a mount for a legendary warrior.

Speed and Power: Historical records and fictional portrayals emphasize Red Hare's incredible speed and strength.

Unique to Lu Bu: Red Hare is portrayed as inseparable from Lu Bu, with the saying "Among men, Lu Bu; among horses, Red Hare" highlighting their legendary pairing.

Appearance: Red Hare is a legendary horse known for his striking red coat and incredible speed. In stories and historical accounts, he is described as a magnificent, muscular steed, often depicted with a red mane and skin. His legendary status is linked to his association with the warrior Lu Bu in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history.

Here's a breakdown of his appearance:

• Color: A uniform ashen red or reddish color, without any other colors.

• Size: His often described as a very large horse, with some accounts specifying it being around three meters tall.

• Build: A powerful and muscular build, suggesting great strength and agility.

• Mane and Tail: A striking red mane and tail are common features.

• Other details: In some depictions, it's shown with armor or other adornments, and his neigh is described as powerful and awe-inspiring.

Red Hare is not just a horse; it's a symbol of power, speed, and loyalty, often depicted in art and literature as a majestic and intimidating presence on the battlefield. The "Red Hare scenario" typically refers to the famous horse, Red Hare, ridden by the legendary warrior Lü Bu in the Three Kingdoms period of Chinese history. Red Hare is renowned for his speed and endurance, capable of traveling great distances and even leaping over obstacles. In various stories and games, particularly within the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and related media, Red Hare is often depicted as a symbol of Lü Bu's strength and prowess, sometimes even alongside the saying, "Among men, Lü Bu; Among steeds, Red Hare". Red Hare is mentioned in historical texts like the Records of the Three Kingdoms and Book of the Later Han, solidifying his existence as a powerful steed owned by Lü Bu. Red Hare is described as exceptionally swift and powerful, capable of covering vast distances and traversing difficult terrain. Some accounts even state him could travel 1000 miles in a day. In narratives, Red Hare often symbolizes Lü Bu's formidable strength and martial prowess. The saying "Among men, Lü Bu; Among steeds, Red Hare" highlights this connection. Red Hare frequently appears in games like the Dynasty Warriors series and other media based on the Three Kingdoms period. These depictions often showcase his speed and agility, making him a desirable mount for players. After Lü Bu's death, Red Hare is sometimes depicted as being passed on to other characters, such as Guan Yu, before eventually perishing. The "Red Hare scenario" isn't a specific, singular event, but rather a recurring theme and a symbol associated with Lü Bu and his exceptional horse.

In historical records: The Red Hare was mentioned in Lü Bu's biographies in the historical texts Records of the Three Kingdoms and Book of the Later Han. He was described as very powerful and capable of "galloping across cities and leaping over moats". Lü Bu rode this horse in 193 during a battle in Changshan (常山; around present-day Shijiazhuang, Hebei), in which he helped another warlord Yuan Shao defeat his rival Zhang Yan.

In Romance of Three Kingdoms: The Red Hare has a more prominent role in the 14th-century historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms, which romanticises the historical events before and during the Three Kingdoms period. He is originally a prized steed of the warlord Dong Zhuo. After hearing a suggestion from his adviser Li Su, Dong Zhuo sends Li Su to present the Red Hare as a gift to Lü Bu and induce Lü Bu to betray his foster father, Ding Yuan, and defect to his side. Lü Bu is very pleased to receive the Red Hare. After Li Su convinces him to do so, he murders Ding Yuan and defects to Dong Zhuo, whom he pledges allegiance to and acknowledges as his new foster father.

The Red Hare is described in the novel as follows:

"[...] named 'Red Hare', capable of travelling 1,000 li in a day. [...] crosses rivers and climbs mountains as though him is moving on flat land, [...] He is of uniform ashen red, with not a hair of another colour; his measures one zhang from head to tail and eight chi from hoof to head; his neighs as if he has the ambition of soaring into the sky or diving into the sea."

After Lü Bu's downfall and death at the Battle of Xiapi, the Red Hare comes into the possession of the warlord Cao Cao. Cao Cao gives him to Guan Yu later in an attempt to influence Guan Yu to join him. After Guan Yu's death, Ma Zhong (馬忠) takes the Red Hare and presents him to his lord Sun Quan, who immediately gives the horse as a gift to Ma Zhong. The Red Hare starves himself for days and dies.