Mu Lu

Background

Lu Mu was born during the Western Han dynasty of ancient China. Her family was quite wealthy, with property amounting to several million cash. However, there is no exact information about her parents and the date of her birth.

Career

In 14 AD, Lu Mu's son Lü Yu, who had served in the government of Haiqu County, was executed by the county magistrate for a minor offense. To avenge his death, Mother Lü plotted a rebellion, using her wealth to recruit poor peasants and purchase weapons and supplies. Moved by her courage and, perhaps more importantly, by her kindness, they all promised they would help her.

Several hundred young men banded together, calling themselves “The Fierce Tigers,” and went with Lu’s Mother to an island where fugitives had sought refuge, to enroll them in her cause. By the time she was in her sixties, Lu Mu assumed the title of General and at that time she led her army to Haiqu. After capturing the county magistrate, she beheaded him and sacrificed his head on her son's tomb.

Lu Mu's success inspired numerous people all over the country to rebel against Wang Mang's rule, and her own force grew rapidly to tens of thousands of soldiers, but she soon died of an illness in 18 AD.

Achievements

• Lu Mu was known as an outstanding character in Chinese history. She was the first female rebel leader in Chinese history.

Personality

Lu Mu was known as a brave and kind woman. She had a remarkable talent for planning and strategy as well as considerable strength of character and leadership

Connections

Lu Mu was married and had a son Lu Yu. However, there is no information about her husband.

Son:

Lu Yu

References

• Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women: Antiquity Through Sui, 1600 B.C.E. - 618 C.E This new volume of the "Biographical Dictionary of Chinese Women" spans more than 2,000 years from antiquity to the early seventh century. It recovers the stories of more than 200 women, nearly all of them unknown in the West.
  1998