Originally posted by timble:
I think Lin was also from royal family. They were forced to change
their surname in a forest. correct me if I'm wrong.
According to history, the surname of Lin had one of the most
interesting origins and indeed it has something to do with the
forests, as the character represents.
During the Shang Dynasty, there was a honest official Bi Gan who
served the tyrant King Zhou (Shang Zhouwang) faithfully. Countless
times he advised his cruel king to change his ways and rule with
benevolence. For his efforts, Zhou had Bi Gan's heart dug out to
entertain his concubines. Upon learning her husband's fate, Bi
Gan's pregnant widow fled and sought refuge in the deep forests.
After Zhou was deposed, new King Wu (Zhou Wuwang) sought out the
widow and bestowed the surname of Lin to the newborn child in
honour of Bi Gan.
