Zhou Cang

Overview

周仓是《三国演义》及关羽民间传说中的著名武将人物，以忠勇和力大著称。小说中，他原为黄巾余部，后来追随关羽，并成为其最忠诚的部将之一。周仓通常被塑造成勇猛粗犷、黑面虬髯的武将，与相对文雅年轻的关平形成鲜明对照。随着关羽被尊奉为关帝，周仓也逐渐进入关帝信仰体系，在大量庙宇、壁画和神像中作为关羽身旁持刀侍立的护卫神将出现。

Zhou Cang is a famous warrior figure from Romance of the Three Kingdoms and the popular legends surrounding Guan Yu, renowned for his loyalty, courage, and great physical strength. In the novel, he is originally a remnant of the Yellow Turban forces before becoming a devoted follower and one of Guan Yu’s most loyal retainers. Zhou Cang is typically portrayed as a powerful, rugged warrior with a dark face and heavy beard, forming a striking visual contrast with the younger and more refined Guan Ping. As Guan Yu came to be worshipped as Lord Guan, Zhou Cang was also absorbed into the religious tradition surrounding him and is widely depicted in temples, murals, and statues as the weapon-bearing guardian standing beside Guan Di.