Quick Answer: Who Is Sun Erniang?
Sun Erniang (孙二娘, Sūn Èrniáng), known as Mother Yaksha (母夜叉, Mǔ Yèchā), runs an inn at Crossroads Slope (十字坡, Shízì Pō) with her husband Zhang Qing (张青, Zhāng Qīng) in Water Margin (水浒传, Shuǐhǔ Zhuàn). The inn is where she first confronts Wu Song (武松, Wǔ Sōng).[1]
- The first encounter takes place in Chapter 27.[1]
- Sun and Zhang help him during his second visit in Chapter 31.[2]
- The final roster puts her at number 103 at Liangshan (梁山, Liángshān).[3]
The two visits show why the inn matters to more than one part of Wu Song’s story.
The first time Wu Song arrives, he has to decide whether he can trust his host. Later the same couple gives him shelter and clothes for the next stage of the journey. The change in what an inn offers a traveler drives both scenes.
The First Visit to the Inn
In Chapter 27, Wu Song reaches the inn on his way into exile. He suspects what kind of place it is and refuses to let his guard down. Sun confronts him before Zhang arrives and intervenes. Zhang recognizes the guest by reputation, and the travelers and hosts move from suspicion to a welcome.[1]
The chapter’s nickname and the stories about the inn mark Sun as a feared figure on the road. Her later decisions give that reputation a context beyond the first encounter.
What Changes When Wu Song Returns
In Chapter 31, Wu Song needs to continue traveling after a different set of troubles. Sun and Zhang provide the clothes of a religious traveler. Sun brings out the clothing and helps him prepare for the road. The novel subsequently refers to him as the Pilgrim, a title that makes the change of appearance part of his public identity.[2]
Where to Find Her at Liangshan
Chapter 71 places Sun at 103 in the roster of the 108 Liangshan heroes. Her husband is immediately above her at 102. Another man romanized Zhang Qing is number 16. The Chinese characters and nicknames distinguish the two men. The roster also assigns the couple to one of the band’s inns.[3]
Sun Erniang on Television
CCTV’s episode 20 synopsis places the inn scene before Wu reaches the prison camp. It follows his introduction to Sun and Zhang and identifies the bond he forms with Zhang. Viewers can locate the first meeting by that sequence even though the episode title names the later encounter with Jiang the Door God.[4]
FAQs About Sun Erniang
Who is Sun Erniang married to?
She is married to Zhang Qing, known as the Vegetable Gardener.[1][3]
Is Sun Erniang one of the 108 heroes?
Yes. The 120-chapter text lists her at number 103 in Chapter 71.[3]
Which chapter shows Sun helping Wu Song with his clothes?
Chapter 31 shows her bringing out clothes for his new appearance as a religious traveler.[2]
Fuentes
[1] Water Margin. Chapter 27, 120-chapter text
[2] Water Margin. Chapter 31, 120-chapter text
[3] Water Margin. Chapter 71, 120-chapter text
[4] CCTV. Water Margin, episode 20