Four Paladins


The Four Paladins or Heroes are the four legendary generals in the fellowship of King Anawrahta during the Bagan Dynasty. They are one of the most famous national heroes of Burma and played significant roles in the early tales of the Bagan Empire's expansion. In Burmese legends, each of them is said to be equivalent to the combined might of a legion.

Members

  1. Kyansittha — Paragon of both physical and mental strength
  2. Nga Htwe Yu — Paragon of agility
  3. Nga Lon Letpe — Paragon of might
  4. Nyaung-U Hpi — Paragon of stamina

Mission to Pegu

The mission to Pegu is the most famous episode in the military career of the paladins. In the early 1070s, the king of Pegu made a distress call to Bagan when his kingdom is invaded by the Yuan-Khmer raiders called 'Joom' from northern Thailand. King Anawrahta promised that he would send a relief cavalry of four legions to defend Lower Burma. The Peguan king waited hopefully for the mighty Bagan Imperial army, but disappointed with the arrival of only the Four Paladins and a few platoons. However, in front of all the people of Pegu, the warriors of Bagan easily repelled the invaders in just one day. They also took the four Joom generals captive, and presented them to the king of Pegu. The Peguan ruler, pleased by the legendary valor of the paladins, sent his young daughter Khin U, jewels and holy hair relics as tributes and gifts for Anawrahta.
However, unbeknownst to them, the return journey to Bagan would eventually lead to the dissolution of their friendships and the squad of the Paladins.