Lǐ Hè (李贺)

**Li He (李贺): The "Ghostly Genius" of Tang Poetry** **Early Life and Background** Li He (790–816) was a brilliant but short-lived poet of China’s Tang Dynasty. Born into a minor aristocratic family in Henan, he showed prodigious talent from childhood, composing poetry by age seven. However, his path was fraught with hardship—his father’s early death forced the family into poverty, and due to a naming taboo (his father’s name resembled that of the imperial exams), he was barred from taking the civil service examinations, crushing his career prospects. **Major Achievements** Despite his struggles, Li He became one of the most distinctive poets of the Tang era. His works, characterized by vivid imagery, melancholy tones, and supernatural themes, earned him the nickname "Ghostly Genius" (诗鬼). Unlike his contemporaries, he avoided conventional subjects, instead weaving dreamlike visions of ghosts, death, and mythical realms. His *Collected Poems of Li He* survives today, showcasing his unique voice. **Historical Significance** Li He’s poetry bridged the romanticism of the High Tang and the introspection of the Late Tang. Though underappreciated in his lifetime, later scholars, including the Song Dynasty critic Yan Yu, hailed him as a master of the "demonic and extraordinary" style. **Interesting Anecdotes** Legend says Li He rode daily on a donkey, jot down verses, and tossed them into a bag carried by his servant. His mother, worried for his health, reportedly scolded him for "writing until his heart bled." He died at just 26, possibly from illness or despair. **Legacy and Influence** Li He’s work inspired generations of poets and artists, from the Tang Dynasty to modern times. His haunting, imaginative style influenced later literary movements, and his life became a symbol of tragic genius. Today, he is celebrated as one of China’s most original poetic voices.