"Three Kingdoms, Three Brothers: An Unlikely Connection"
Who could predict a classic of Chinese literature could shape a goofy kid from the south
Growing up in Marietta, Georgia, my brothers Adam, Kyle, and I shared an uneasy alliance that was, from time to time, solidified through our shared passion for video games, particularly the Dynasty Warriors franchise. As the days turned into nights, we immersed ourselves in the epic battles of ancient China, fashioning ourselves as warlords of the house, each with our favorite army and General. Little could I know that this childhood pastime would ignite a lifelong fascination with the Romance of the Three Kingdoms and help shape the man I am today, both literally(my Rot3K tattoos) and philosophically.
Dynasty Warriors became a significant part of our lives, and it was more than just a game. It was a medium through which we laughed, strategized, and celebrated victories together. Sometimes, near the end of a mission, one of us would attempt to fight an overpowered enemy with less than a full health bar. Thus, brothers long united, must divide; this is how it has always been. The virtual battlefield allowed us to fight as allies and experience the essence of a warrior-brotherhood, instilling us about loyalty and camaraderie, but with a distinct difference to those of the American South. It is not lost on me that in the environment I was raised, some kids grew up with confederate flags, and to this day still praise the failed and traitorous generals as pious beacons of Southern Culture, but for me, they’re just cheap failures, a mockery of the modern south, a constant reminder of our ancestor’s transgressions, and for many, a means to attack people who still suffered the actions of that past to this day.
As we grew older, the tales of the Three Kingdoms, their heroes, their ambitions, and their downfalls intrigued me. I found myself drawn not just to the multifaceted characters that exemplified courage, honor, and ambition, but to the deeply flawed leaders, consumed by their shortcomings. While the games introduced us to historical figures, I delved deeper into the historical accounts and the novel "Romance of the Three Kingdoms" by Luo Guanzhong. This masterpiece depicted the tumultuous era, rife with war, alliances, and betrayals, weaving a captivating narrative that transcended time and culture.
The stories of brotherhood, such as that between Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, sometimes resonated with the relationship I shared with my brothers, but sometimes it was the grander tale, of alliances forged and wars fought. While their romantic, unwavering loyalty and devotion to one another were virtues we admired and sought to embody, the reality of brotherhood in the 80s and 90s was far less ideal. We learned the value of standing together in the face of adversity, but also that sometimes, you had to be selfish, just as these legendary figures did amidst the chaos of ancient China.
It may come as no surprise that the predominant narrative for teaching the young in the South came in the form of the Bible. It was where we got all our parables and moral lessons, stories of Jonah and the Whale, David and Goliath, Samson and his long flowing locks. These tales were often binary, black and white, evil is bad, and piety is good. Dynasty Warriors opened me to the gates of the Three Kingdoms, where everyone was a bastard, but sometimes, it was the only choice you had. The Romance offered cautionary lessons about the perils of unchecked ambition and hubris. Characters like Cao Cao and Dong Zhuo displayed the dangers of power without restraint. It reminded me of the lessons that had been drilled into me from childhood. The importance of humility, respect for tradition, and the consequences of letting ambition overpower moral principle, but also these guys had halberds, fought massive wars, and had bangin’ buttrock soundtracks.
Today, as I reflect on the times spent with my brothers, the virtual battles we fought, and the stories that captured our imaginations, I am grateful for the strong foundation that Dynasty Warriors and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms provided. These experiences shaped me into a man who values brotherhood, appreciates history and culture, and understands the delicate balance between ambition and humility. The bonds and rivalries we forged in Georgia continue to resonate within me, inspiring me to be the best version of myself and to try to pass on the bizarre set of morals and values that I’ve had instilled in me.