---
title: Consort Yu
author: ShangGuan Zhou
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/9888/consort-yu/
format: machine-readable-alternate
updated: 1970-01-01
---
# Consort Yu
_Authored by ShangGuan Zhou_
## Image File
[](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/9888.jpg)
## Image Caption
Artistic rendering of Consort Yu (also Yuji, born Yu Miaoyi), the young concubine of Xiang Yu, King of Chu (r. 206-202 BCE). She was captured in one of the skirmishes of the Chu-[Han](https://www.worldhistory.org/Han_Dynasty/) Contention (206-202 BCE) in which the forces of Liu Bang of Han fought with Xiang Yu's Chu forces and brought to Giaxia. Despite knowing he was walking into a trap, Xiang Yu wished to save Yu and marched for Gaixia, where he was indeed ambushed ([Battle of Gaixia](https://www.worldhistory.org/Battle_of_Gaixia/), 202 BCE). Xiang Yu and his consort were eventually reunited and sang a lament known as The Song of Gaixia together. Yu performed the sword dance (depicted in this image) as she sang her verses and then, blaming herself for the Chu defeat, and wishing to save Xiang Yu from further disaster through his love for her, she killed herself with his sword. Xiang Yu buried her and committed suicide not long after.
## Cite This Work
### APA
Zhou, S. (2019, January 22). Consort Yu. *World History Encyclopedia*.
### Chicago
Zhou, ShangGuan. "Consort Yu." *World History Encyclopedia*, January 22, 2019. .
### MLA
Zhou, ShangGuan. "Consort Yu." *World History Encyclopedia*, 22 Jan 2019, .
## License & Copyright
[Original image](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Consort_Yu2.jpg) by [**ShangGuan Zhou**](https://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fichier:Consort_Yu2.jpg). Submitted by [Emma Groeneveld](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/emmagroeneveld1/ "User Page: Emma Groeneveld"), published on 22 January 2019. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Public Domain](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_domain). This item is in the public domain, and can be used, copied, and modified without any restrictions. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.