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For the faction, see Ding Yuan (faction)

Ding Yuan is a Chinese name; the family name is Ding.


Ding Yuan is a Champion hero in Total War: Three Kingdoms. He leads his own faction, Ding Yuan, in 182.

Biography[]

Ding Yuan, from a poor background, was brave and skilled in horse riding and archery. As a county magistrate, he never shirked responsibility and faced criminals head-on. In 188, after the Chuge and Southern Xiongnu killed the provincial inspector in Bing province, Ding Yuan was appointed as the new inspector and met Lü Bu, whom he made his Chief Secretary/Registrar and treated him kindly, can't blame him for trusting Lü Bu since he was the first victim of Lü Bu's series of betrayals. In May 189, after Emperor Ling's death, General-in-Chief He Jin summoned Ding Yuan to Luoyang to counter the eunuch faction. However, Dong Zhuo arrived first, seized control, and had Lü Bu kill Ding Yuan, presenting his head to Dong Zhuo thus began Lü Bu's spree of betrayals and backstabbing (both literal and metaphorically).

In the Romance of Three Kingdoms novel, it was more or less the same but now he's something of Dong Zhuo's nemesis after he opposes the latter's plan to depose Emperor Shao in favour of Emperor Xian. However, Dong Zhuo refrains from killing Ding Yuan on the spot because Ding Yuan's foster son, the formidable warrior Lü Bu, is protecting him. Li Su, who is an underling of Dong Zhuo, managed to convince Lü Bu to betray with the Red Hare and various gifts.