Ma Ge Guo Shi

Literal Meaning: shrouding the body with horse skin

Metaphorical Meaning: to die on the battle field

Ma Yuan was a famous martial general in China’s history. He made great contributions to the foundation of the East Han Dynasty (25 – 220 AD). After that he defeated the enemies invading the southern boundary of his country. Because of his contributions, he was given the title of Fu Bo General (general who overcomes adversaries).

When Ma Yuan returned to the country’s capital after the triumph, his colleagues all came to congratulate him. An official named Meng Yi always flattered Ma Yuan. Feeling impatient Ma Yuan said to him: “Why do you always flatter me instead of teaching me something useful?” Meng Yi didn’t know an answer on that. Ma Yuan then said: “General Lu Bode serving for the Emperor Wu conquered seven counties but in his fiefdom lived only a few hundred families. My contribution was much smaller than General Lu but I got a much larger fiefdom than him. I think I don’t deserve this. Why don’t you give me some instructions about this matter?”

Ma Yuan continued: “Right now the Xiongnu and Wuhuan (both are ancient nationalities of China) still haunt our boundary. I plan to ask the king for permission to let me lead an army to defeat these invaders. In my opinion, a soldier or a man should die on the battlefield and his body should be shrouded by the horse skin. How can he die on the bed besides his wife and children?” Meng Yi agreed to Ma Yuan’s words and full-heartedly admired him.

One month later, Ma Yuan went to the north to fight against the invaders. However, he died of a sickness during the march there, at the age of 63.

People now use “Ma Ge Guo Shi” to describe a man’s resolution to die on the battlefield.