Chen Da (Water Margin)

Chen Da is a character in the epic Chinese tale, the ''Water Margin''.

Chen Da was from Yecheng. He was as strong as an ox, had a loud booming voice and was impatient and fiery tempered. He used an iron spear in combat and was nicknamed 'Stream-leaping tiger' .

Chen Da, along with Zhu Wu and Yang Chun became bandit leaders on Shaohua Mountain, and gathered an army under their command. Once, the stronghold lacked provisions and the bandits decided to attack the nearby Huayin Prefecture for provisions. Zhu Wu and Yang Chun advised Chen Da not to pass by the Shi Family Village along the way, but Chen refused to listen. Chen had a fight with Shi Jin, who refused to let him pass and was captured by Shi in the end.

Zhu Wu and Yang Chun came to plead with Shi Jin to free Chen Da and Shi was moved by their strong sense of brotherhood, so he freed Chen and became fast friends with the bandit leaders. Unfortunately, Shi Jin was betrayed by the hunter Li Ji and was forced to abandon his home and become a bandit as well with the three heroes on Shaohua Mountain. Once, Shi tried to assassinate Prefect He but failed and was captured. The Shaohua bandits sought help from Liangshan and eventually rescued Shi Jin. The Shaohua Mountain bandits then agreed to join the Liangshan band and Chen followed them to Liangshan.

Chen Da became one of the leaders of the Liangshan cavalry and 72 Earthly Warriors. After the heroes had obtained amnesty from the emperor, Chen followed them on their campaigns against the Liao Tartars and southern rebels, making great contributions. During the Fang La campaign, Chen Da was assigned to attack Yuling Pass. Chen was shocked to see Shi Jin being shot down by Pang Wanchun and tried to avenge Shi but he died under dozens of enemy arrows in the attempt along with another four heroes.