Ding Yuan

Ding Yuan (丁原) (died 189 CE), courtesy name Jianyang (建陽), was a minor warlord during the late Eastern Han dynasty of China.

Originally from a humble background, Ding Yuan rose to prominence as an officer known for his courage and skill in horsemanship and archery. He served as Inspector (刺史) of Bing Province (并州, present-day Shanxi) during the reign of Emperor Ling.

His historical significance primarily stems from his role as the adoptive father of Lü Bu, a formidable warrior. Ding Yuan initially controlled Lü Bu, using his martial prowess to project power and intimidate rivals. He also possessed the Red Hare horse, later famously associated with Lü Bu.

In 189 CE, following the death of Emperor Ling and the subsequent power struggles within the Han court, Ding Yuan led troops into the capital, Luoyang, to support the faction led by Empress Dowager He and her brother, General-in-Chief He Jin. However, He Jin was assassinated by eunuchs before Ding Yuan's arrival.

After He Jin's death, Ding Yuan seized control of the capital along with Dong Zhuo, another powerful warlord who had been summoned to Luoyang. The two soon came into conflict. Dong Zhuo, recognizing Lü Bu's military value, persuaded him to betray and kill Ding Yuan. Dong Zhuo then absorbed Ding Yuan's troops and consolidated his own power, marking a turning point in the decline of the Han dynasty. Ding Yuan's death marked the rise of Dong Zhuo and the beginning of a period of widespread chaos and warlordism.