Water Margin Sun Er Niang

Sun Erniang (孙二娘), nicknamed the “Female Yaksha” (母夜叉), is one of the most memorable female outlaws in the Chinese classic Water Margin. Fierce, bold, and intimidating, she runs an infamous tavern at Cross Slope with her husband Zhang Qing, where unsuspecting travelers risk meeting a grisly fate. Skilled in martial arts and possessing a strong, fearless personality, Sun Erniang eventually joins Liangshan and becomes one of the 108 Stars of Destiny.

Ranked 103rd among the Liangshan heroes and corresponding to the Earthly Robust Star (地壮星), Sun Erniang stands apart from conventional portrayals of women in classical Chinese literature. Her rough manner, cunning nature, and willingness to fight alongside the other outlaws make her an unforgettable character. As both an innkeeper and warrior, she brings a darker, mischievous energy to the Liangshan brotherhood and remains one of Water Margin’s most distinctive heroines.