The Travels of Marco Polo · Character
Bayan
Also known as Baian
- Minor
- First seen · Book 1 · Ch. 21
Bayan is introduced through the responsibilities entrusted to him, with the quiet authority of someone expected to observe closely and report faithfully. Though the text leaves his face unseen, his role gives him a crisp, watchful presence.
- Gender
- male
- First appears
- Book 1 · Ch. 21
- Books
- 1
Bayan serves as a great lieutenant of Kúblái and is sent to reconnoitre Nayan’s forces. Though nearly captured, he escapes to court and reports the scale of Nayan’s preparations, prompting Kúblái to march in person while dispatching Bayan toward the Karakorum frontier to intercept Kaidu. The account shows him as a trusted military agent in the crisis of 1287, but gives no physical portrait or personal relationships.
Description
No physical features are described for Bayan. His height, build, skin tone, hair, eyes, face, clothing, armor, and distinguishing marks remain unknown; the text identifies his military standing but supplies no visual portrait.
Connections
Family & partnersFriends & mentorsRivals
Kúbláicommander
Bayan is Kúblái’s great lieutenant. Kúblái sends him to reconnoitre Nayan’s preparations and later assigns him to intercept Caidu while the emperor marches against Nayan.
- T
Temurbeneficiary of support
The commentary says Bayan’s decisive bearing helped put down Kambala’s opposition to Temur’s succession.
Story so far
BOOK 1The Travels of Marco Polo — Volume 1
Appearances
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