The Seven Heroes and Five Callants

A Panda Book. One of the most enduring and popular folk legends of China has been the story of Lord Bao and his seven heroes and five gallants whose exploits were sung of in ballads, opera and song for over a thousand years. The tales have now been translated into English for this first time in Seven Heroes and Five Gallants. The central hero is Lord Bao, who rises from humble origins to high office at the imperial court, and gathers around him a group of Robin Hood-like men to fight crime and corruption. The seven heroes of the imperial court form a musketeer style relationship (?all for one and one for all?) with the five gallants, and roam around rescuing maidens in distress, succouring the old and weak, using their exceptional fighting talents to kill evil-doers. Corrupt officials are brought before Lord Bao who deals out justice without fear or favour. The adventures of the heroes and gallants provide a valuable insight into traditions which have formed modern China.