In the folk tales, Shan Xiongxin is an admirable hero of the green forest, who becomes a tragic hero character because of his righteousness and perseverance. However, there is a big difference between the historical Shan Xiongxin and his image in the tales. He and Xu Maogong are compatriots and joined Zhai Rang's rebel army together.

Shan Xiongxin and Xu Maogong helped Zhai Rang to expand his power on Wagang Mountain. But after Zhai Rang's death, Shan Xiongxin did not swear revenge for Zhai Rang as described in the tales, instead, he begged for mercy and was eventually executed by Li Shimin.

Shan Xiongxin's performance was very different from his image in the tales. His flippancy and capriciousness made Fang Yanzao, Li Mi's confidant strategist, think that he was untrustworthy and suggested that Li Mi eliminate him. However, Li Mi did not kill Shan Xiongxin, but instead gave him important tasks, as he believed that Shan Xiongxin's talents were useful.

However, Shan Xiongxin's performance in the battle of Mangshan proved his unreliability. His slow action led to Li Mi's defeat, and he eventually defected to Wang Shichong.

Shan Xiongxin did not become Wang Shichong's capable assistant. He attacked Li Shimin many times, but was defeated by Yu Chi Jingde and others. Finally, Li Shimin defeated Wang Shichong, captured Shan Xiongxin, and ordered him to be executed.

Overall, the image of Shan Xiongxin in the folk tales is very appealing, but in history, he was a frivolous, capricious, and unreliable character. His performance was not as admirable as described in the tales, and he did not become a tragic hero character as depicted in the tales.

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