# Qu Yuan

> Chinese poet and politician (c.340–278 BC)

**Wikidata**: [Q313330](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q313330)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qu_Yuan)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/qu-yuan

## Summary
Qu Yuan was a Chinese poet and politician who lived during the Warring States Period (c.340–278 BC). He is best known as a prominent figure in the Chu state, where he served as a minister and wrote influential poetry, including the famous *Li Sao*. His works and political contributions shaped ancient Chinese literature and governance.

## Biography
- Born: c.340 BC
- Nationality: Chinese
- Known for: Writing poetry and serving as a politician in the Chu state
- Employer(s): Chu state (as a minister)
- Field(s): Literature, politics

## Contributions
Qu Yuan is credited with writing *Li Sao*, an ancient Chinese poem attributed to him. His political service in the Chu state involved advising rulers and contributing to the state's governance. His literary works, such as *Li Sao*, are considered significant in Chinese poetry.

## FAQs
- **What is Qu Yuan known for?** Qu Yuan is known for his poetry and political service in the Chu state, particularly as a minister. His most famous work is *Li Sao*, an ancient Chinese poem.
- **Where did Qu Yuan work?** Qu Yuan served as a politician in the Chu state, where he held a ministerial position.
- **What was Qu Yuan's nationality?** Qu Yuan was a Chinese citizen.
- **What is the significance of *Li Sao*?** *Li Sao* is an ancient Chinese poem attributed to Qu Yuan, reflecting his literary contributions to Chinese poetry.

## Why They Matter
Qu Yuan's contributions to Chinese literature and politics have left a lasting impact on the cultural and historical legacy of ancient China. His poetry, including *Li Sao*, is studied and celebrated for its influence on Chinese literary traditions. His political service in the Chu state also shaped the governance and cultural achievements of the period.

## Notable For
- Writing *Li Sao*, a significant ancient Chinese poem
- Serving as a minister in the Chu state during the Warring States Period
- Producing notable literary works that continue to be studied in Chinese literature

## Body

### Definition and Characteristics
Qu Yuan was a Chinese poet and politician who lived from approximately 340 to 278 BC. He is best known for his literary works and political service in the Chu state, where he held a ministerial position. His contributions to Chinese poetry and governance have left a lasting impact on ancient Chinese history.

### Historical Context
Qu Yuan lived during the Warring States Period, a time of political fragmentation and military competition among Chinese states. He served in the Chu state, which was one of the most powerful and influential states of the period. His political service and literary works were significant during this era.

### Literary Contributions
Qu Yuan is credited with writing *Li Sao*, an ancient Chinese poem attributed to him. His literary works, including *Li Sao*, are considered significant in Chinese poetry. These works reflect his contributions to Chinese literature and continue to be studied and appreciated for their cultural impact.

### Political Service
Qu Yuan served as a minister in the Chu state, where he advised rulers and contributed to the state's governance. His political service in the Chu state was instrumental in shaping the state's cultural and political legacy. His role as a minister highlights his influence on the governance of the Chu state.

### Legacy and Significance
Qu Yuan's legacy continues to be celebrated for his contributions to Chinese literature and politics. His poetry, including *Li Sao*, is studied and appreciated for its influence on Chinese literary traditions. His political service in the Chu state also shaped the governance and cultural achievements of the period, leaving a lasting impact on ancient Chinese history.

## References

1. BnF authorities
2. Integrated Authority File
3. International Standard Name Identifier
4. Japan Search
5. CiNii Research
6. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
7. Virtual International Authority File
8. CERL Thesaurus
9. LIBRIS. 2018