Gan Ning

Gan Ning
A Qing dynasty illustration of Gan Ning
General of Sun Quan
Born	(Unknown)
Died	(Uncertain)
Names
Traditional Chinese	甘寧
Simplified Chinese	甘宁
Pinyin	Gān Níng
Wade–Giles	Kan Ning
Courtesy name	Xingba (traditional Chinese: 興霸; simplified Chinese: 兴霸; pinyin: Xīngbà; Wade–Giles: Hsing-pa)

Gan Ning (died 215–216 or 220^{[notes 1]}), courtesy name Xingba, was a military general serving under the warlord Sun Quan in the late Eastern Han dynasty. Originally a notorious pirate, he gave up the life of a marauder in the late 190s and became a subordinate of Huang Zu, the Administrator of a commandery in present-day east-central Hubei. Disheartened by Huang Zu's indifferent attitude towards him, Gan Ning eventually left Huang and made his way into Wu territory (present-day eastern and southeastern China), where he found his calling and became a military officer under the warlord Sun Quan. Throughout his years of service under Sun Quan until his death, Gan Ning fought in numerous battles for his lord, including the battles of Jiangxia (208), Red Cliffs (208–209), Xiaoyao Ford (214–215) and Ruxu (217).

Early life

Gan Ning was from Linjiang County (臨江縣), Ba Commandery (巴郡), which is in present-day Zhong County, Chongqing.^{[Sanguozhi 1]} His ancestral home was actually in Nanyang, Henan, but his ancestors moved to Ba Commandery. In his youth, Gan Ning was recommended to take up the position of an Assistant (丞) in the office of Shu Commandery (蜀郡) but he resigned and went home after serving for a short period of time.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 1]}

In his younger days, Gan Ning was known to be very energetic and eager to behave like a youxia or vigilante. He gathered a group of wayward young men, with him as their chief, and engaged in piracy. They were armed with either bows or crossbows, wore feathers in their hats and tied bells on their bodies. The ringing of the bells alerted people to the presence of Gan Ning and his gang.^{[Sanguozhi 2]} Gan Ning's plundering and murderous ways earned him infamy throughout Ba Commandery. On land, he and his gang travelled by riding on horses or in chariots in a certain formation; on water, they sailed on light vessels linked together. They were dressed in elaborate and flamboyant garments to attract attention wherever they went. When they stopped at a certain location, they used silk to tie their boats to the jetties; when they were departing, they cut the silk and abandoned it as a display of their extravagance.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 2]}

Among those who had dealings with Gan Ning were some local officials. They treated Gan Ning generously. In return, he befriended them and showed genuine feelings towards them. On the other hand, those who treated him badly suffered the fate of being robbed of their possessions by him and his gang, and even government officials were not spared. Gan Ning led the life of a marauder for over 20 years.^{[Sanguozhi 3]}

Around 194, Liu Yan, the Inspector (刺史) of Yi Province (covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing), died. Gan Ning rebelled against Liu Yan's son and successor, Liu Zhang, with the support of Liu He (劉闔), an official from Jing Province (covering present-day Hubei and Hunan), and Liu Zhang's subordinates Shen Mi (沈彌) and Lou Fa (婁發). However, they failed and were forced to flee to Jing Province.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 3]}

Service under Liu Biao and Huang Zu

Gan Ning eventually decided to stop plundering and pillaging. He read some books, including ideas from the Hundred Schools of Thought. Later, he brought along 800 men to join Liu Biao, the Governor (牧) of Jing Province (covering present-day Hubei and Hunan), and was stationed in Nanyang Commandery in the province. Liu Biao had a scholar-gentry background and was not proficient in military affairs. Around the time, chaos had broken out all around China as contending warlords fought each other for territorial gains and hegemony over the empire. Gan Ning observed that Liu Biao was doomed to failure and was worried that he would be affected, so he and his followers planned to head east towards the Wu region, which was under the control of the warlord Sun Ce and later under Sun Ce's successor, Sun Quan. They reached Jiangxia Commandery (江夏郡; commandery capital in present-day Yunmeng County, Xiaogan, Hubei) in the eastern part of Jing Province but were unable to cross the border into Wu territory, so Gan Ning remained at Jiangxia and became a subordinate of the commandery's Administrator (太守), Huang Zu. Huang Zu did not recognise Gan Ning's abilities and treated him coldly for three years.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 4][Sanguozhi zhu 5]}

In 203, Sun Quan led his forces to attack Huang Zu, whom he deemed responsible for the death of his father Sun Jian at the Battle of Xiangyang in 191. This led to the Battle of Xiakou. Huang Zu was defeated and pursued by the enemy. Gan Ning, a skilled archer, led a detachment of troops as backup and came to the rescue. He fired an arrow which killed Ling Cao, a Colonel (校尉) under Sun Quan, thus allowing Huang Zu to retreat safely. Huang Zu did not change his attitude towards Gan Ning after the incident. Su Fei, an Area Commander (都督) under Huang Zu, recommended Gan Ning as a talent to his superior, but was ignored. Huang Zu even attempted to entice Gan Ning's followers to abandon their leader and serve him, and some agreed.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 6]}

Gan Ning was unhappy with Huang Zu and wanted to leave him, but was worried that Huang would not allow, so he felt very frustrated. Su Fei was aware of Gan Ning's intention, so he invited him for drinks and said, "I recommended you to Huang Zu many times, but he doesn't want to give you important responsibilities. Days pass by and people become older. You should make plans for the future and find someone who truly appreciates your talents." Gan Ning paused for a moment before replying, "That's what I've in mind, but I can't find an excuse to leave." Su Fei then said, "I'll suggest to Huang Zu to appoint you as the Chief (長) of Zhu (邾; northwest of present-day Huanggang, Hubei). The initial phase is difficult, but after you reached there, it'll be much easier for you to decide where to go from there." Gan Ning replied, "Great." Huang Zu approved Su Fei's suggestion. Gan Ning managed to gather a few hundred men who were willing to follow him, and they headed towards Zhu.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 7]}

Battle of Jiangxia

When Gan Ning brought his followers to Wu, Zhou Yu and Lü Meng recommended him to serve their lord, Sun Quan. Sun Quan felt that Gan Ning was extraordinary and treated him like an old acquaintance. Gan Ning proposed, "The Han Empire is declining day by day. Cao Cao is becoming increasingly arrogant and he'll eventually usurp the throne. The southern territories in Jing Province are accessible in terms of travelling by land or water. The western domain of the Empire lies there. Based on my observation of Liu Biao, he'll not last long while his sons are of inferior quality and cannot inherit his jurisdiction. My lord, you should take control of these lands soon, lest Cao Cao seizes them later. The best plan now is to attack Huang Zu first. Huang Zu is old and muddleheaded. He lacks funding and supplies, cheats those around them, and is only concerned with making personal gains. His subordinates are already unhappy with him because of his overbearing demands. His warships and military equipment are damaged and have not been repaired; he neglects agriculture; his army is ill-disciplined. If you attack him now, you'll surely win him. After defeating him, you can move west further and take control of Chu Pass (楚關) and expand your domain and influence. After that, you can prepare to attack Bashu (巴蜀; covering present-day Sichuan and Chongqing)."^{[Sanguozhi 4]}

Sun Quan wanted to follow Gan Ning's plan. At the time, Zhang Zhao, another official under Sun Quan, objected, "The territories in Wu have not been completely pacified yet. If we proceed with this campaign, I'm afraid there will be chaos."^{[Sanguozhi 5]} Gan Ning rebuked Zhang Zhao, "Our lord has entrusted responsibilities to you as if you were Xiao He.^{[notes 2]} If you were to remain in charge and yet fear that there will be chaos, how can you expect to emulate the people in the past?"^{[Sanguozhi 6]} Sun Quan then raised his cup of wine to Gan Ning and said, "Xingba, I've decided to put you in charge of the campaign this year just as I offer this cup of wine to you. You should strive your best to come up with strategies and ensure that we overcome Huang Zu. When you've earned merit, you won't need to take Zhang Zhao's words to heart."^{[Sanguozhi 7]}

In the spring of 208, Sun Quan led his forces west to attack Huang Zu at Jiangxia Commandery (江夏郡; commandery capital in present-day Yunmeng County, Xiaogan, Hubei) and succeeded in defeating and capturing Huang alive, as well as taking control over his troops. Gan Ning was placed in command of some soldiers and ordered to garrison at Dangkou (當口).^{[Sanguozhi 8]}

Saving Su Fei

Prior to the campaign, Sun Quan had two boxes made for containing the heads of Huang Zu and Su Fei. After Huang Zu's defeat, Su Fei was also captured and he immediately asked someone to inform Gan Ning. Gan Ning said, "If Su Fei did not speak up, I'd have forgotten about him." Later, when Sun Quan and his officers were celebrating the victory, Gan Ning left his seat and knelt down before his lord. He kowtowed until his face was covered in blood and with tears in his eyes, he pleaded with Sun Quan, "I owe Su Fei a favour. If not for him, I'd have been dead and my body abandoned in a ravine. I'd not have been able to serve under you. Now, even though Su Fei's actions warrant death, I still hope you can spare him." Sun Quan was moved and he asked, "What if he leaves after I spare his life?" Gan Ning replied, "Su Fei will be grateful if he is spared from death. He'll not leave even if you try to chase him away. Why will he still seek his own doom? If he really does that, I'm willing to use my head to replace his in the box." Sun Quan then pardoned Su Fei.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 8]}

Red Cliffs campaign

In the winter of 208–209, Gan Ning fought in the Battle of Red Cliffs under Zhou Yu's command against the forces of Cao Cao, and defeated the enemy at Wulin (烏林). He also participated in the Battle of Jiangling, a follow-up to Red Cliffs. Sun Quan's forces, led by Zhou Yu, attacked Cao Cao's general Cao Ren at Nan Commandery (南郡; commandery capital in present-day Jiangling County, Jingzhou, Hubei) but were unable to conquer the city. Gan Ning suggested to lead a separate force to capture Yiling (夷陵; around present-day Yichang, Hubei). He had only a few hundred soldiers with him when he reached Yiling and the strength of his army increased to around 1,000 after he recruited some men in the area. Cao Ren sent 5,000–6,000 troops to besiege Gan Ning at Yiling. The enemy built high towers, from which they rained arrows upon Yiling. Gan Ning's men were terrified but Gan remained calm. He sent a messenger to request aid from Zhou Yu, who heeded Lü Meng's plan and led reinforcements to help Gan Ning while leaving behind Ling Tong to defend their position.^{[Sanguozhi 9]} Zhou Yu, Lü Meng and the others succeeded in lifting the siege at Yiling, while Ling Tong managed to hold his ground well for that period of time. Eventually, Cao Ren was ordered to abandon Nan Commandery because the prolonged war had drained much manpower and resources on Cao Cao's side, and this resulted in the capture of the commandery by Sun Quan's forces.

Guan Yu's shallows

Around 214 or 215, Sun Quan had disputes with his ally Liu Bei over the division of southern Jing Province between them. Sun Quan sent Lü Meng and Ling Tong to seize the three commanderies of Changsha (長沙), Lingling (零陵), and Guiyang (桂陽) from Liu Bei, and then ordered Lu Su to station at Yiyang (益陽; around present-day Yiyang, Hunan) as a precaution against any retaliation by Liu Bei's general Guan Yu, who was in charge of his lord's territories in southern Jing Province. Gan Ning joined Lu Su at Yiyang.^{[Sanguozhi 10]}

Guan Yu claimed he had 30,000 troops. He selected 5,000 elite soldiers, headed to the upstream shallows located some 10 li away from Yiyang, and planned to cross the shallows at night. Lu Su held a discussion with his subordinates on how to deal with Guan Yu. At the time, Gan Ning had only 300 men under him and he told Lu Su, "If you give me another 500 troops, I'll go to confront Guan Yu. I assure you that Guan Yu will not dare to cross the waters when he hears of my approach. But if he does, I'll capture him." Lu Su then chose 1,000 troops and put them under Gan Ning's command. Gan Ning headed towards Guan Yu's position at night. As Gan Ning expected, Guan Yu did not cross the shallows and instead set up camps there. That place was thus named 'Guan Yu's Shallows' (關羽瀨).^{[Sanguozhi 11]}

Sun Quan was so pleased with Gan Ning's achievement that he appointed him as the Administrator (太守) of Xiling Commandery (西陵郡) and let him oversee the counties of Yangxin (陽新) and Xiazhi (下雉).^{[Sanguozhi 12]}

Battle of Xiaoyao Ford

In early 215, Gan Ning was involved in an attack on Cao Cao's garrison at Huan (皖; or Huancheng, in present-day Qianshan County, Anqing, Anhui) and was in charge of the unit assigned to scale the fortress's walls. Armed with a chain, he was the first to climb up the walls, and his men killed Huancheng's defending commander, Zhu Guang (朱光). Lü Meng earned the top credit while Gan Ning received the second highest credit for the victory. Gan Ning was promoted to "General Who Breaks and Charges" (折衝將軍).^{[Sanguozhi 13]}

Later that year, Gan Ning participated in Sun Quan's campaign to seize control of Hefei, which was defended by Cao Cao's general Zhang Liao. Sun Quan was unable to capture Hefei after besieging the city for days and suffering defeats in the initial skirmishes, and he eventually withdrew his forces when a plague broke out in his army. Sun Quan's other units retreated first, while Sun remained behind at Xiaoyao Ford (逍遙津) with only about 1,000 men and a few officers (including Lü Meng, Jiang Qin, Ling Tong and Gan Ning). When Zhang Liao saw that, he seized the opportunity to launch a devastating counterattack and throw the enemy into confusion. Gan Ning led a group of archers to fire arrows at the enemy while Ling Tong and the others fought fiercely to protect their lord. Gan Ning shouted at the men to beat the war drums and blow the horns loudly to raise the army's morale. Sun Quan eventually succeeded in escaping but his forces sustained heavy losses. He praised Gan Ning for his acts of courage after the battle.^{[Sanguozhi 14]}

Battle of Ruxu

Two years later in 217, Cao Cao personally led an army, claimed to be 400,000 strong, to attack Sun Quan's garrison at Ruxu (濡須). Sun Quan led about 70,000 troops to counter the enemy. Gan Ning commanded the 3,000-strong vanguard. Sun Quan gave a secret order for Gan Ning to attack the enemy under the cover of nightfall, so Gan selected 100 elite soldiers.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 9]} Before the battle, Sun Quan sent wine and various dishes to Gan Ning, who gave them to his men. After the feast, Gan Ning poured wine into a silver bowl and drank two bowls before offering it to an officer. The officer knelt down and did not dare to take the bowl, so Gan Ning drew his sword, placed it on his lap and said, "You respect our lord but not me? I don't fear death. Why do you fear death?" The officer saw that Gan Ning was very stern so he obliged and drank from it and then ordered each soldier to drink one bowl of wine."^{[Sanguozhi 15]}

When it was nearing midnight, Gan Ning and his 100 men raided Cao Cao's camp^{[Sanguozhi 16]} and destroyed some defensive structures and killed dozens of enemy soldiers. Cao Cao's troops were shocked so they sounded the alarm and lit up the entire camp with torches. By then, Gan Ning and his men had already returned safely to their own camp, where they beat their drums, blew their horns, and shouted "wansui!"^{[Sanguozhi zhu 10]}

Later that night, Gan Ning went to see Sun Quan, who was delighted and said to him, "Were your actions enough to frighten the old man (Cao Cao)? I had the opportunity of witnessing your valour." Sun Quan then rewarded Gan Ning with 1,000 rolls of silk and 100 swords. He also remarked, "Mengde (Cao Cao) has Zhang Liao while I've Xingba. I can match him." Cao Cao withdrew his armies from Ruxu after slightly more than a month.^{[Sanguozhi zhu 11]} Gan Ning was held in even higher regard among Sun Quan's forces and the number of troops under his command was increased by 2,000.^{[Sanguozhi 17]}

Death

When Gan Ning died, Sun Quan deeply lamented his death.^{[Sanguozhi 18]} No further details about Gan Ning's death were provided in his official biography in the Sanguozhi. However, the Jiankang Shilu mentioned that Gan Ning died in the winter of 215–216,^[1] while the Australian sinologist Rafe de Crespigny estimated Gan Ning's death year to be around 220.^[2]

Family

Gan Ning's ancestor was Gan Mao (甘茂), a chancellor of the Qin state in the Warring States period.^[3]

Gan Ning's son, Gan Gui (甘瓌), was exiled to Kuaiji Commandery (present-day Shaoxing, Zhejiang) for committing an offence and died not long later.^{[Sanguozhi 19]}

Gan Shu (甘述), another son of Gan Ning, served as an Imperial Secretary (尚書) in the state of Eastern Wu during the Three Kingdoms period. Gan Shu's son, Gan Chang (甘昌), served as a Crown Prince's Tutor (太子太傅) in Wu.^[4] Gan Chang had a son – Gan Zhuo (甘卓), courtesy name "Jisi" (季思). Gan Zhuo served as "Senior General Who Guards the South" (鎮南大將軍) and "Governor of Jing Province" (荊州牧) during the Western Jin dynasty.^[5]

Evaluation

Although Gan Ning was rough and murderous in his ways, he was also jovial, gregarious, and capable of using strategy. He respected virtuous persons and had little regard for monetary wealth. He treated his men well and they were also willing to fight for him with their lives.^{[Sanguozhi 20]}

Conflict with Ling Tong

Ling Tong (Ling Cao's son) never forgave Gan Ning for killing his father at the Battle of Xiakou in 203. Gan Ning was always on the defensive against Ling Tong and avoided meeting him. Sun Quan also ordered Ling Tong to not seek vengeance on Gan Ning. There was one incident during a banquet held in Lü Meng's house, where both Gan Ning and Ling Tong were present. When Ling Tong was performing a sword dance to entertain the guests, Gan Ning stood up and said, "I can also perform with my pair of jis." Lü Meng told Gan Ning, "You may be good in performing, but you're not as good as me." He then drew his sword and carried a shield and stood between Ling Tong and Gan Ning to separate the two of them. When Sun Quan heard about the incident, he relocated Gan Ning to a garrison at Banzhou (半州).^{[Sanguozhi zhu 12]}

Dispute with Lü Meng

One of Gan Ning's servants committed an offence and was afraid of being punished so he sought shelter under Lü Meng. Lü Meng feared that Gan Ning would kill the servant so he did not send the servant away. Later, when Gan Ning visited Lü Meng's house and brought along gifts for the latter's mother, Lü brought the servant out to meet Gan, and Gan promised to spare the servant. However, Gan Ning reneged on his word later as he tied the servant to a tree and personally killed him by firing arrows at him. After that, he went back to his boat and ordered his men to lengthen the hawsers while he undressed and rested inside the cabin.^{[Sanguozhi 21]}

Lü Meng was furious when he heard that Gan Ning had killed the servant so he gathered his own men and prepared to confront Gan. Gan Ning continued resting when he heard Lü Meng approaching. Lü Meng's mother came out of the house barefooted and chided her son, "The lord (Sun Quan) treats you like his family and entrusts you with important responsibilities. How can you kill Gan Ning just because you've a private feud with him? If Gan Ning dies, even if the lord does not inquire into the incident, you've already overstepped your role as a subject." Lü Meng was a filial son so his anger subsided after listening to his mother. He then went to Gan Ning's boat, laughed and said, "Xingba, my mother is treating you to a meal. Come up quickly!" Gan Ning wept and replied, "I've let you down." He followed Lü Meng to meet his mother and they feasted for the whole day.^{[Sanguozhi 22]}

In fiction

Gan Ning appeared as a character in the historical novel Romance of the Three Kingdoms by Luo Guanzhong, which romanticises the historical events before and during the Three Kingdoms period. Some of the actual events in his life were exaggerated or dramatised in the novel.

The description of Gan Ning's night raid on Cao Cao's camp at the Battle of Ruxu in the novel is more vivid as compared to that mentioned in his biography. Before the raid, Ling Tong led 3,000 troops to engage the enemy and duelled with Zhang Liao before he was ordered to retreat. When Gan Ning saw that, he told Sun Quan, "Tonight I'll bring only 100 men to raid Cao Cao's camp. If I lose a single soldier, this will not count as one of my contributions."^[6] That night, he led 100 horsemen to attack Cao Cao's camp and all of them returned alive after inflicting damage and casualties on the enemy.^[7]

Gan Ning killed Ling Tong's father, Ling Cao, at the Battle of Xiakou in 203.^[8] Since then, even after Gan Ning had come to serve Sun Quan, Ling Tong still bore a grudge against Gan because of his father's death. Their conflict was mentioned in chapters 67–68 of the novel, and was eventually resolved after Gan Ning saved Ling Tong's life.^{[notes 3]}

Gan Ning's death was described in chapter 83 of the novel, in which he was killed at the Battle of Xiaoting by the tribal king Shamoke, an ally of Liu Bei.^{[notes 4]}

Modern references

Gan Ning is featured as a playable character in Koei's Dynasty Warriors and Warriors Orochi video game series.

See also

• List of people of the Three Kingdoms
• List of Dynasty Warriors characters

Notes

1. See #Death for details
2. Xiao He was the first Chancellor of the Han dynasty. Between 206 BCE and 202 BCE, when Liu Bang (the founding emperor of Han) engaged his rival Xiang Yu in the Chu–Han Contention (a power struggle for supremacy over China), Xiao He was placed in charge of Liu Bang's home territories while Liu was at the frontline. Xiao He governed those lands effectively and provided support to Liu Bang's military by ensuring the smooth delivery of supplies and reinforcements.
3. See Ling Tong#In fiction for details.
4. See Battle of Xiaoting#Gan Ning's death for details.

References

1. (甘寧字興霸，巴郡臨江人也。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
2. (少有氣力，好游俠，招合輕薄少年，為之渠帥；羣聚相隨，挾持弓弩，負毦帶鈴，民聞鈴聲，即知是寧。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
3. (人與相逢，及屬城長吏，接待隆厚者乃與交歡；不爾，即放所將奪其資貨，於長吏界中有所賊害，作其發負，至二十餘年。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
4. (於是歸吳。周瑜、呂蒙皆共薦達，孫權加異，同於舊臣。寧陳計曰：「今漢祚日微，曹操彌憍，終為篡盜。南荊之地，山陵形便，江川流通，誠是國之西勢也。寧已觀劉表，慮旣不遠，兒子又劣，非能承業傳基者也。至尊當早規之，不可後操圖之。圖之之計，宜先取黃祖。祖今年老，昏耄已甚，財穀並乏，左右欺弄，務於貨利，侵求吏士，吏士心怨，舟船戰具頓廢不脩，怠於耕農，軍無法伍。至尊今往，其破可必。一破祖軍，鼓行而西，西據楚關，大勢彌廣，即可漸規巴蜀。」) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
5. (權深納之。張昭時在坐，難曰：「吳下業業，若軍果行，恐必致亂。」) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
6. (寧謂昭曰：「國家以蕭何之任付君，君居守而憂亂，奚以希慕古人乎？」) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
7. (權舉酒屬寧曰：「興霸，今年行討，如此酒矣，決以付卿。卿但當勉建方略，令必克祖，則卿之功，何嫌張長史之言乎。」) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
8. (權遂西，果禽祖，盡獲其士衆。遂授寧兵，屯當口。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
9. (後隨周瑜拒破曹公於烏林。攻曹仁於南郡，未拔，寧建計先徑進取夷陵，往即得其城，因入守之。時手下有數百兵，并所新得，僅滿千人。曹仁乃令五六千人圍寧。寧受攻累日，敵設高樓，雨射城中，士衆皆懼，惟寧談笑自若。遣使報瑜，瑜用呂蒙計，帥諸將解圍。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
10. (後隨魯肅鎮益陽，拒關羽。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
11. (羽號有三萬人，自擇選銳士五千人，投縣上流十餘里淺瀨，云欲夜涉渡。肅與諸將議。寧時有三百兵，乃曰：「可復以五百人益吾，吾往對之，保羽聞吾欬唾，不敢涉水，涉水即是吾禽。」肅便選千兵益寧，寧乃夜往。羽聞之，住不渡，而結柴營，今遂名此處為關羽瀨。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
12. (權嘉寧功，拜西陵太守，領陽新、下雉兩縣。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
13. (後從攻皖，為升城督。寧手持練，身緣城，為吏士先，卒破獲朱光。計功，呂蒙為最。寧次之，拜折衝將軍。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
14. (建安二十年，從攻合肥，會疫疾，軍旅皆已引出，唯車下虎士千餘人，并呂蒙、蔣欽、凌統及寧，從權逍遙津北。張遼覘望知之，即將步騎奄至。寧引弓射敵，與統等死戰。寧厲聲問鼓吹何以不作，壯氣毅然，權尤嘉之。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
15. (後曹公出濡須，寧為前部督，受勑出斫敵前營。權特賜米酒衆殽，寧乃料賜手下百餘人食。食畢，寧先以銀盌酌酒，自飲兩盌，乃酌與其都督。都督伏，不肯時持。寧引白削置膝上，呵謂之曰：「卿見知於至尊，孰與甘寧？甘寧尚不惜死，卿何以獨惜死乎？」都督見寧色厲，即起拜待酒次，通酌兵各一銀盌。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
16. (至二更時，銜枚出斫敵。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
17. (敵驚動，遂退。寧益貴重，增兵二千人。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
18. (寧卒，權痛惜之。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
19. (子瓌，以罪徙會稽，無幾死。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
20. (寧雖麤猛好殺，然開爽有計略，輕財敬士，能厚養健兒，健兒亦樂為用命。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
21. (寧廚下兒曾有過，走投呂蒙。蒙恐寧殺之，故不即還。後寧齎禮禮蒙母，臨當與升堂，乃出廚下兒還寧。寧許蒙不殺。斯須還船，縛置桑樹，自挽弓射殺之。畢，勑船人更增舸纜，解衣卧船中。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
22. (蒙大怒，擊鼓會兵，欲就船攻寧。寧聞之，故卧不起。蒙母徒跣出諫蒙曰：「至尊待汝如骨肉，屬汝以大事，何有以私怒而欲攻殺甘寧？寧死之日，縱至尊不問，汝是為臣下非法。」蒙素至孝，聞母言，即豁然意釋，自至寧舩，笑呼之曰：「興霸，老母待卿食，急上！」寧涕泣歔欷曰：「負卿。」與蒙俱還見母，歡宴竟日。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.

• Chen Shou. Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi).

1. (吳書曰：寧本南陽人，其先客於巴郡。寧為吏舉計掾，補蜀郡丞，頃之，棄官歸家。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
2. (吳書曰：寧輕俠殺人，藏舍亡命，聞於郡中。其出入，步則陳車騎，水則連輕舟，侍從被文繡，所如光道路，住止常以繒錦維舟，去或割棄，以示奢也。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
3. (英雄記曰：焉死，子璋代為刺史。會長安拜潁川扈瑁為刺史，入漢中。荊州別駕劉闔，璋將沈彌、婁發、甘寧反，擊璋不勝，走入荊州。) Yingxiong Ji annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 31.
4. (止不攻劫，頗讀諸子，乃往依劉表，因居南陽，不見進用，後轉託黃祖，祖又以凡人畜之。) Sanguozhi vol. 55.
5. (吳書曰：寧將僮客八百人就劉表。表儒人，不習軍事。時諸英豪各各起兵，寧觀表事勢，終必無成，恐一朝土崩，并受其禍，欲東入吳。黃祖在夏口，軍不得過，乃留依祖，三年不禮之。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
6. (權討祖，祖軍敗奔走，追兵急，寧以善射，將兵在後，射殺校尉凌操。祖旣得免，軍罷還營，待寧如初。祖都督蘇飛數薦寧，祖不用，令人化誘其客，客稍亡。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
7. (寧欲去，恐不獲免，獨憂悶不知所出。飛知其意，乃要寧，為之置酒，謂曰：「吾薦子者數矣，主不能用。日月逾邁，人生幾何，宜自遠圖，庶遇知己。」寧良乆乃曰：「雖有其志，未知所由。」飛曰：「吾欲白子為邾長，於是去就，孰與臨阪轉丸乎？」寧曰：「幸甚。」飛白祖，聽寧之縣。招懷亡客并義從者，得數百人。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
8. (吳書曰：初，權破祖，先作兩函，欲以盛祖及蘇飛首。飛令人告急於寧，寧曰：「飛若不言，吾豈忘之？」權為諸將置酒，寧下席叩頭，血涕交流，為權言：「飛疇昔舊恩，寧不值飛，固已損骸於溝壑，不得致命於麾下。今飛罪當夷戮，特從將軍乞其首領。」權感其言，謂曰：「今為君致之，若走去何？」寧曰：「飛免分裂之禍，受更生之恩，逐之尚必不走，豈當圖亡哉！若爾，寧頭當代入函。」權乃赦之。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
9. (江表傳曰：「曹公出濡須，號步騎四十萬，臨江飲馬。權率衆七萬應之，使寧領三千人為前部督。權密勑寧，使夜入魏軍。寧乃選手下健兒百餘人， ...) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
10. (... 徑詣曹公營下，使拔鹿角，踰壘入營，斬得數十級。北軍驚駭鼓譟，舉火如星，寧已還入營，作鼓吹，稱萬歲。) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
11. (因夜見權，權喜曰：「足以驚駭老子否？聊以觀卿膽耳。」即賜絹千匹，刀百口。權曰：「孟德有張遼，孤有興霸，足相敵也。」停住月餘，北軍便退。) Jiang Biao Zhuan annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.
12. (吳書曰：凌統怨寧殺其父操，寧常備統，不與相見。權亦命統不得讎之。甞於呂蒙舍會，酒酣，統乃以刀舞。寧起曰：「寧能雙戟舞。」蒙曰：「寧雖能，未若蒙之巧也。」因操刀持楯，以身分之。後權知統意，因令寧將兵，遂徙屯於半州。) Wu Shu annotation in Sanguozhi vol. 55.

• Pei Songzhi. Annotations to Records of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguozhi zhu).

1. (二十年， ... 冬，折衝將軍、升城督甘寧卒。) Jiankang Shilu vol. 1.
2. de Crespigny, Rafe (2007). A biographical dictionary of Later Han to the Three Kingdoms (23–220 AD). Brill. p. 239. ISBN 978-90-04-15605-0.
3. (... 秦丞相茂之後也。) Jin Shu vol. 70.
4. (曾祖寧，為吳將。祖述，仕吳為尚書。父昌，太子太傅。) Jin Shu vol. 70.
5. (甘卓字季思，丹楊人， ...) Jin Shu vol. 70.
6. (甘寧見凌統回，即告權曰：「寧今夜只帶一百人馬去劫曹營；若折了一人一騎，也不算功。」) Sanguo Yanyi ch. 68.
7. Sanguo Yanyi ch. 68.
8. Sanguo Yanyi ch. 38.

• Fang Xuanling. Book of Jin (Jin Shu).
• Luo Guanzhong. Romance of the Three Kingdoms (Sanguo Yanyi).
• Xu Song (許嵩). Jiankang Shilu (建康實錄).