What is Li Sao?

Li Sao is the representative work of Qu Yuan's lyric poem Chu Ci in the Warring States Period. It is regarded as the originator of Ci Fu, which created a poetic form of "Sao Style" in the history of China literature and had a far-reaching influence on later generations. Throughout the ages, literati admired Qu Yuan's personality spirit and created countless calligraphy works with Qu Yuan and his Ci and Fu as the theme, or praised his loyalty to the motherland. Or eulogize his independence, or write the magnificence of his words.

Li Sao is a magnificent political lyric poem and Qu Yuan's masterpiece. Its appearance represents the highest artistic achievement of Chu Ci and occupies an important position in the history of China's poetry.

The interpretation of the poem Li Sao has always been inconsistent. Sima Qian's Historical Records Biography of Qu Yuan and Jia Sheng said: "Those who leave Sao are still far from worry." He interprets "SAO" as "worry", but the word "reason" has no solution. Ban Gu's Preface to Li Sao said, "Li. Still awkward. Worry also. I know I've been worried about the speech. "