Kyou

Lore & Background

Kyou's story is revealed through Shoubunkun's recounting to King Eisei. She was a woman, a fact kept secret, and one of Qin's Six Great Generals. King Shou once visited the Battle of Nanan, where he recognized Kyou as his child and called her his treasure. Ouki, as a child, promised to marry her if she became a great general. After that recognition, Kyou wore a mask to conceal her identity. Her death at the hands of Hoken nine years prior to the film's main events is a driving force for Ouki's fury during their duel; Hoken taunts Ouki with memories of Kyou's death, provoking a furious counterattack.

In Their Own Story

The source does not provide a narrative scene for Kyou beyond the recounted backstory. Her story is told entirely through exposition: Shoubunkun explains to King Eisei that Kyou was King Shou's daughter, taken in by Ouki's father for protection, and that she was a prodigy in warfare. She was to be Ouki's wife. After King Shou recognized her at the Battle of Nanan, she wore a mask. Hoken killed her nine years before the film's present, and this event is used by Hoken to taunt Ouki during their duel.

Reader's Guide

Kyou's role in the narrative is primarily as a figure from the past whose legacy drives the present conflict. She was one of Qin's Six Great Generals, a woman who wore a mask to hide her identity as King Shou's daughter. Her relationship with Ouki is central: she was to be his wife, and he promised to marry her if she became a great general. Her death at Hoken's hands nine years earlier is a key emotional and tactical element in the film, as Hoken uses it to enrage Ouki during their duel. The source does not describe her combat style, specific battles, or any direct actions she took.

Did You Know?

• Kyou was one of Qin's Six Great Generals and a woman, a fact kept secret.
• She was secretly King Shou (King Zhaoxiang of Qin)'s daughter, taken in by Ouki's father for protection.
• As a child, Ouki promised to marry her if she became a great general.
• After King Shou recognized her at the Battle of Nanan, she wore a mask to conceal her identity.
• Hoken killed Kyou nine years before the events of the film, and he taunts Ouki with this memory during their duel.