Three Heroes and Five Gallants

“Three Brave Men, Five Just Men” is the first classic detective and chivalric novel in China. It was created based on oral tales by the famous Chinese storyteller of the 19th century, Shi Yu-Qun. The manuscript was inspired by an allegorical picture in which a cat chased a butterfly; it contains hidden symbolism and references to Chinese tradition. The novel takes place in the 11th century during the Song dynasty and tells of the legendary sage and judge Bao, who fights corruption and crime together with a group of wandering warriors.