Eidu

Eidu (Manchu: ᡝᡳᡩᡠ; Chinese: 額亦都; 1562–1622) was a Manchu military officer and a member of the Niohuru clan.

**Family Background**

Eidu's family origins trace to a lineage situated in a valley of the Yengge ("wild grape") mountain range, part of the eastern spur of the Changbai Mountains, in present-day Jilin Province. His parents were murdered during a feud in his early years, and he was temporarily sheltered by a neighbor. At age twelve, Eidu avenged his parents by killing their murderer, after which he sought refuge with his aunt, who was married to the chieftain of the fortress Giyamuhu. There, he became close friends with the chieftain’s son, Gahasan Hashu, who later married Nurhaci’s sister.

**Early Life**

Eidu’s relationship with Nurhaci began after Nurhaci, aged twenty-one, passed through Giyamuhu in 1580. The eighteen-year-old Eidu, impressed by Nurhaci’s leadership qualities, attached himself to Nurhaci and remained his close associate for over four decades. By 1583, Eidu was actively participating in military campaigns with Nurhaci. He notably captured the town of Barda in 1587 and was awarded the title of baturu, meaning "conquering hero." His military achievements continued through the years, leading to his appointment in the Bordered Yellow Banner in 1615. The following year, he was appointed as one of the five principal dignitaries in government.

**Military Career**

Throughout his career, Eidu demonstrated significant military capability. In 1617, he captured several Ming fortresses alongside General Anfiyanggu. In 1619, he played a key role in Nurhaci’s battles against the Ming forces of Yang Hao, including participating in decisive engagements. His contributions to the expansion of Manchu power earned him a sister of Nurhaci as his wife.

Eidu’s second son, Daki, was raised within the royal household and married the fifth daughter of Nurhaci. Daki's dissent regarding Nurhaci’s sons led to his execution by Eidu, which earned Eidu Nurhaci’s designation as his most patriotic officer.

**Family and Marriages**

Eidu had several wives and numerous children. His wives belonged to different clans, including an unknown consort, the Gioro clan, the Tongyin clan, and the Aisin Gioro clan—the imperial clan of the Manchu. His children included at least sixteen sons, notable among them being Ebilun, who later served as a regent for the Kangxi Emperor, and Turgei, involved in military campaigns during Hong Taiji’s reign. His daughters included a second daughter married to Nikan of the Aisin Gioro clan, son of Crown Prince Cuyen.

**Death and Posthumous Honors**

Eidu died in 1622. Posthumously, he was awarded the rank of viscount in 1634, with this rank inherited by his sixteenth son, Ebilun. In 1636, his status was elevated to that of a duke, a non-hereditary title. His name was inscribed in the Imperial Ancestral Temple, and his tomb was relocated near Nurhaci’s tomb. A stone tablet was erected in front of his tomb in 1654. His title of viscount was temporarily revoked in 1637 due to a misdemeanour but was restored in 1713 and assigned to his son Yende. Following Yende’s elevation to duke in 1724, the viscount title was passed to other branches of his family.

**Legacy**

Eidu’s descendants continued to hold various official positions during the Qing dynasty. His grandson Centai served as a Grand Secretary in 1651 and commanded Manchu forces in Hunan during conflicts against Ming forces. Among his progeny, many held governmental and military roles throughout the Qing period.

**References**

[No specific references provided in the initial material.]