Former Yan (337–370 AD) was a state of the Sixteen Kingdoms founded by the Xianbei Murong clan. The name 'Murong' itself carries a majestic legend; it is said to mean 'embracing the brilliance of the sun and moon,' signifying their destiny to rule.
The Murong royalty were famous throughout history for being incredibly handsome and elegant, looking more like noble knights than nomadic warriors. This reputation made them the inspiration for many later stories and popular Wuxia novels.
On the battlefield, they were feared for their 'Lianhuanma'—thousands of heavy cavalrymen linked together by iron chains, charging like an unbreakable wall of steel. At its peak, Former Yan controlled much of North China before falling to the Former Qin.