關於爾朱榮生平記載，最早出於楊衒之所著《洛陽伽藍記》。其筆下的爾朱榮是一位兼具屠夫與權臣形象的反面人物，但考諸正史，同一位歷史人物的生平卻有了不甚相同的紀錄。《魏書》作者視爾朱榮為挽救北魏危局的功臣，而《北史》作者則視爾朱榮為把持朝政的權宦。《魏書》因作者收賄疑雲而使得其對爾朱榮的記載被包含《北史》作者在內的後世許多史家後世所狐疑，然《洛陽伽藍記》作者以北魏遺老自居，故其對爾朱榮全然負面的記載是否客觀亦不無問題。因此欲認識爾朱榮，《洛陽伽藍記》堪稱第一手史料，唯《洛陽伽藍記》之記述，乃以北魏時期洛陽地區人事為主體，故作者對爾朱榮事或因之而作選擇性敘述，終究令欲考察爾朱榮功過者，在掌握第一手資料之餘，然仍應配合正史記載進行深究，方可得臻於客觀完整的結論。

The earliest written document of Erzhu Rong's life can be found in "Notes to Luo-Yang Buddhist Temple" written by Yang Xuan-Zhi, whose depiction of Erzhu Rong is an evil character - a cruel killer as well as a minister handling too much power. A careful examination of official historical documents demonstrates different depiction of this historical figure.The author of "Book of Wei" sees Erzhu Rong as a key figure in saving the crisis of Northern Wei; however, the author of "History of Northern Dynasties" regards Erzhu Rong as a powerful official who controls over the court. Because the author of "Book of Wei" is suspected of receiving bribes, his depiction of Erzhu Rong has been queried by many history scholars, including the author of "History of Northern Dynasties." Since the author of "Notes to Luo-Yang Buddhist Temple" identifies himself with Northern Wei, his negative description of Erzhu Rong is questionable. "Notes to Luo-Yang Buddhist Temple" is a first-hand material to learn about Erzhu Rong's life; however, as "Notes to Luo-Yang Buddhist Temple" is focused on the subjects and events in Luoyang area during North Wei Period, the author presents selective description of events related to Erzhu Rong. Scholars who wish to analyze merits and demerits of Erzhu Rong are advised to utilize first-hand documents accompanying with official historical records in order to obtain a non-biased and complete story.