Yang Wen-li, one of the main characters in "Legend of the Galactic Heroes," serves as an admiral for the Free Planets Alliance and fights various battles against the Galactic Empire. Renowned as an exceptional tactician who can turn the tide of battle, he rises to high positions and is nicknamed "Miracle Yang." Let's take a look at the charm and personality of Yang Wen-li.
A Free Planets Alliance hero who aspired to be a historian
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li, admiral of the Free Planets Alliance's 13th Fleet and a man of numerous battlefield achievements, has oriental features and doesn't look much like a typical soldier. However, as an admiral, he commanded his fleet, devising meticulous strategies and tactics to torment the Galactic Empire's fleet, even achieving a comeback victory despite being at a disadvantage. Let's take a look at what makes Yang Wen-li so appealing, as well as his life and personality.
Yang Wen-li before becoming a soldier
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Before discussing Yang Wen-li's appeal, let's summarize his path to becoming a soldier. Yang Wen-li's personality hasn't changed much from the past to the present, and he is portrayed exactly as he appears in the story. Find out what kind of childhood Yang Wen-li had. Let's take a look.
He devoured history books from a young age
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li lost his mother at the age of five and lived on a spaceship with his father, the captain of an interstellar trade ship. His father hoped that he would take over as a businessman, but Yang Wen-li's childhood spent every day poring over history books, leading him to aspire to become a historian one day. After much persuasion, he finally gets permission to attend university to pursue a career in history.
He enrolls in the military academy because he can study history for free
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Yang Wen-li was allowed to attend university, but shortly thereafter, he lost his father in an accident, leaving him unable to pay his tuition. So at the age of 15, he enrolled in the Military History Department of the Alliance Military Academy, where he could study history for free, but while he was still a student, it was decided that the department would be abolished. Since dropping out would mean having to repay his tuition, Yang Wen-li was forced to transfer to the Strategic Studies Department, which marked his start on the path to a military career.
Yang Wen-li after becoming a soldier
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li's path to becoming a history researcher was unexpectedly blocked, but his exceptional talent allowed him to transfer to the elite Graduate School of Strategic Studies. Although he was modest, Yang Wen-li's abilities were highly regarded by those around him, including the military academy principal, and his subsequent exploits on the battlefield made him famous throughout the world. Let's follow Yang Wen-li's path as a soldier step by step.
He was praised as the hero of El Fasil
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li served as a soldier, but his poor work attitude earned him nicknames like "Yang the Wasteful Eater." However, after rescuing 300 civilians from the planet El Fasil, his reputation took a turn for the worse, and he was dubbed the "Hero of El Fasil." Furthermore, contrary to his own wishes, he continued to achieve military feats on the front lines and was promoted at an extraordinary rate.
The Great Achievement of Capturing Iserlohn Fortress
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Iserlohn Fortress was a major obstacle for the Free Planets Alliance in their quest to conquer the Galactic Empire. Yang Wen-li, thanks to his miraculous performance up to that point, participated in the planning of the operation. He then succeeded in repelling Reinhard's fleet, the greatest obstacle, and was promoted to the rank of brigadier general. He was then put in charge of the Free Planets Alliance's newly formed Thirteenth Fleet.
His military achievements earned him the nickname "Miracle Yang."
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li achieved many accomplishments at a young age, but his reputation was most lauded when he captured Iserlohn Fortress. Since the Free Planets Alliance considered it an impregnable fortress, he was able to take it almost bloodlessly, earning him the nicknames "Miracle Yang" and "Magician Yang." Furthermore, the 13th Fleet, which had previously been half the size of a fleet, was reorganized to the size of a full fleet, showing his high regard within the military.
Promoted to the rank of Marshal of the Free Planets Alliance at the youngest age in history
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
After serving as commander of Iserlohn Fortress during Operation Ragnarok, Yang Wen-li became the youngest Marshal in the Free Planets Alliance. At the same time, the Chairman of the National Defense Commission guaranteed him free discretion in terms of strategy and tactics, and he used a variety of tactics to achieve successive victories against the Imperial fleet. He even came close to defeating Reinhard, and after a ceasefire was reached, he was able to meet with him.
Audience with Emperor Reinhard
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
During the ceasefire, Yang Wen-li met with Reinhard, who offered him the position of Imperial Marshal, but he declined. After the peace treaty was signed between the Free Planets Alliance and the Galactic Empire, Yang Wen-li felt his role was complete and retired from the military. Hoping to live the life of an ordinary citizen, he married his aide-de-camp Frederica, but his days were filled with constant threats of assassination and were filled with uncertainty.
What is Yang Wen-li's private life like?
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li achieved numerous military accomplishments and became the youngest person in history to reach the rank of marshal. Although he went in a direction completely opposite to his own will, there is no doubt that he worked hard to create a peaceful world. Let's take a look at Yang Wen-li's private life through a few everyday scenes. You'll get a clearer picture of what kind of person he is, so be sure to check it out.
Indifferent to housework and daily life
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Although Yang Wen-li maintains the minimum standards of discipline and etiquette as a soldier, he is noticeably sloppy in his private life. His home is littered with history books and other books, and he spends his time poring over them, eating only as much as he needs. However, after becoming Julian Mintz's guardian and welcoming him into the family, he begins to take care of all household chores and his eating habits and lifestyle gradually improve.
His Hobby is 3D Chess
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li's hobby is the board game "3D Chess," which appears in the series. He is often seen enjoying the game with his family friend, Caselne. While he competes evenly, he is apparently no match for Julian or Frederica. However, Julian sees Yang playing 3D chess, seemingly thinking elsewhere.
Becoming Julian Mintz's Protector
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
At the recommendation of his superior, Yang Wen-li adopts a child. He meets Julian Mintz and the two begin living together. The two share a strong bond, and it is because Yang cares deeply for Julian that he convinces him of his desire to pursue a career in the military. Even on the battlefield, Yang is deeply shaken when he sees a soldier who looks like Julian injured, but is shown to be relieved when he realizes that it is a different person, showing how much of an emotional presence Julian has.
He loves tea and is very particular about it
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li is a big tea lover, and is depicted as particularly fond of tea with brandy. He hates coffee, calling it muddy water. When young Frederica offers him coffee during the evacuation operation at El Fasil, he jokingly remarks, "Tea would have been better." He also likes alcohol and seems to prefer brandy, but here too, he often chooses "brandy with tea."
Once peace is concluded, he marries Frederica.
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
In the story, Yang Wen-li appears to have had feelings for Frederica since she was appointed his aide-de-camp, but his military status and the age difference between them hinder his actions. However, with the Battle of Vermilion approaching, Yang is encouraged to confess his feelings to Frederica, and the two are happily united. After that, Yang and Frederica are depicted as building an ordinary family away from the military, albeit temporarily, and spending their days in pure happiness.
What about Yang Wen-li as a soldier?
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li, who has accomplished many great feats, was often referred to as a "magician" or a "miracle" due to his miraculous accomplishments. He was also highly wary of the Galactic Empire, which stood in his way as an enemy, and Reinhard von Lohengramm highly praised Yang's qualities. We will explore Yang Wen-li's reputation and behavior as a soldier.
A Tactician So Great That Reinhard Warns Himself
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The first time Yang Wen-li and Reinhard von Lohengramm faced each other was at the Battle of Astarte. Yang's exceptional strategic acumen allowed him to anticipate the enemy's movements, plaguing Reinhard's fleet, which had previously boasted an undefeated record. Later, upon learning that Yang had been appointed admiral of the 13th Fleet, Reinhard praised his abilities as a commander.
He displays exceptional psychological insight on the battlefield
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li is known as the "Magician" by the public and the military brass, but the reason for this nickname is his exceptional psychologist skills. Not only does he have a thorough understanding of the situation, but he also grasps the enemy commander's attacking mindset, turning the situation around time and time again. However, Yang himself understands that a tactical victory cannot overcome a strategic disadvantage, and he believes that the true way to fight is through numbers.
Ending the battle with as little bloodshed as possible
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
One of the defining features of Free Planets Alliance Admiral Yang Wen-li is his determination to end battles with as little bloodshed as possible. Even though the Galactic Empire may be his enemy, he recognizes them as fellow humans, and he captured Iserlohn Fortress with minimal casualties. He also minimizes casualties in fleet battles, and likewise dislikes pointless combat, regardless of whether it's friend or foe.
What kind of person is Yang Wen-li?
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
So far, we've looked at Yang Wen-li's character as a soldier, but what kind of personality does he have? The Free Planets Alliance and the Galactic Empire are in conflict, but Yang Wen-li stands out among them, and his subordinates are drawn to his virtue and follow him. Let's take a look at his underlying thinking and appeal.
A Stable and Tolerant Person
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
While the admirals in the series are depicted as having volatile emotions in order to inspire their subordinates, Yang Wen-li, in contrast, always maintains a calm expression on the battlefield. He never loses his temper or shouts encouragement, and his calm and collected nature is his greatest asset. Even when he plans a bold strategy, he seems to believe in it and act on it because "if it's Yang's plan," and his calm demeanor embraces not only his subordinates, but even the other fleet admirals.
Show respect to honorable people, friend or foe alike
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka / Production IG / Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li behaves lazily within the military and, in a good way, doesn't seem like a proper soldier, but he treats his superiors with the utmost courtesy. The same is true of his enemy, the Galactic Empire; Reinhard in particular instantly recognizes his qualities from his tactics and shows him the utmost respect. In particular, during the capture of Iserlohn Fortress, his respect for the enemy is clearly evident when he leaves them alive rather than killing them needlessly.
I can't help but worry about my pension after retirement.
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li rose to the rank of Marshal of the Free Planets Alliance at the youngest age, but this was not something he wanted or aimed for. He had been hoping to find the right time to retire from the military, but due to poor timing, he missed the opportunity and continued to climb the ranks. He is constantly concerned about the pension he will receive after retirement, and seems to have calculated that it will be enough to live a comfortable life with Julian.
Yang Wen-li's mysterious and comforting charm
Source: Legend of the Galactic Heroes © Yoshiki Tanaka/Production IG/Tokuma Shoten
Yang Wen-li is not the disciplined man expected of a soldier. Instead, he is a character with a clear distinction between his on and off personalities, acting resolutely when necessary. Yang is especially calm when he's with Julian, and it's a heartwarming scene. On the other hand, Yang on the battlefield is cool, and it's inevitable that we'll be drawn to his mysterious charm.
