One of the most iconic images from the Disney classic Mulan is the heroine’s sword, which is engraved with three simple Chinese characters, but with profound meaning. The three characters are “loyalty,” “courage,” and “truth,” and while they may seem simple, they represent the virtues that Mulan embodies throughout the film.
In this article, daojian.org will review the inscriptions on these swords and explore their deeper meanings.
The Story of Hua Mulan
To understand the meaning behind the inscription on this sword, we must first look at the story.
The story of the young heroine Hua Mulan first appeared in a sixth-century Chinese folk song. Since then, it has been adapted into countless films, books, and plays, most notably the aforementioned Disney animated series and Disney’s live-action adaptation.
The story follows the journey of Hua Mulan, a young woman living in ancient China. In the society of her time, women were expected to be obedient and submissive, marry well, and bear children. That’s why in both adaptations, Hua Mulan is supposed to “bring honor to the family” through a marriage arranged by a matchmaker.
However, Hua Mulan is not content with these restrictions. She is strong-willed, independent, and has a strong sense of responsibility to her family and country.
When the Huns, also known as the Rouran, invaded China and threatened to conquer the land, the emperor required each family to send one man to join the army to defend the country. Hua Mulan’s father was old, the only male in their family, and was too frail to fight. He also walked with a limp due to a leg injury from a previous war.
Out of selflessness and bravery, Hua Mulan disguises herself as a man named Ping and joins the army in her father’s place. Despite having to hide her true identity and live among soldiers, Mulan perseveres and becomes one of the best fighters in the army. With her wisdom, courage, and resourcefulness, she defeats Buli Khan, helps save China, and earns the respect of her fellow soldiers and her family.
Throughout her journey, Mulan learns important lessons about herself and the world around her. She discovers her true power and potential, gains a deeper appreciation for the value of honor, and begins to understand the importance of loyalty and sacrifice.
Inscription on the sword
Throughout the story, Hua Mulan carries her father’s ancestral sword, which has the characters “loyalty,” “courage,” and “truth” engraved on its blade—each conveying an important message about the values she should possess.
Zhong
Loyalty refers to Hua Mulan’s devotion to her country and her people. She is willing to risk everything to protect them, even if it means putting herself in danger.
Her loyalty is reflected in her commitment to the Imperial Army as she fights for her country. Her devotion to her family is reflected in her decision to volunteer to take her father’s place in the war, despite the risk to her life. Speaking of her friends, her loyalty is further emphasized when she returns to help her comrades, although once her true identity is revealed, she is branded an imposter and kicked out of the army.
Courage
This inscription represents Hua Mulan’s courage in the face of danger. Hua Mulan’s bravery is evident throughout the film as she accepts the challenge of military training and combat. She faces discrimination and obstacles due to her gender, but she never backs down and proves herself to be a skilled and fearless fighter.
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This inscription represents Hua Mulan’s commitment to her values and beliefs. Throughout the film, Hua Mulan struggles with her identity as she is torn between her duty to her family and her desire to be her true self. Ultimately, she chooses to be true to herself and reveals her true identity to the army.
Mulan’s commitment to her values and beliefs is also evident when she stands up against the injustice of her commanders and ultimately saves the Emperor.
The significance of ancient Chinese sword inscriptions
Sword inscriptions have been an important part of Chinese sword-making tradition for thousands of years. These inscriptions often contain poetry or historical references, enhance the beauty of the sword, and convey important cultural or political messages.
Chinese sword inscriptions are highly valued for their beauty and cultural significance. They are seen as a reflection of the skill and creativity of the sword maker, as well as the cultural and historical context in which the sword was made.
Mulan Sword
The Mulan Sword resembles a traditional sword, commonly used by warriors in ancient Chinese culture.
Blade
Like other swords of the time, the Mulan Sword had a straight double-edged blade. Since Hua Mulan is believed to be from the Northern Wei Dynasty in ancient China, it can be assumed that the sword was 15 cm longer than arm’s length.
It is believed that this is how northern Chinese swords were typically made, as northerners were generally taller than southerners and therefore required longer weapons.
The most notable features of this sword are the three inscriptions mentioned above, which represent Hua Mulan’s virtues.
Sword Guard
The Mulan sword has a round brass guard that is decorated with elaborate and intricate designs. The guard also extends into a shroud, or rain shield. It allows the sword to sit more tightly in the scabbard and, as the name suggests, prevents rain from contacting the steel blade.
Hilt and pommel
The hilt is usually made of hardwood. In addition, the hilt of the Mulan Sword features bronze-colored copper fittings that follow the same decorative design pattern from the guard to the hilt. It is also wrapped with a thin red rope to provide a better grip.
The sword head extends from the base of the hilt to form a small loop decorated with red tassels. This is by far the most distinctive feature of the Chinese sword that distinguishes it from other swords and has been used in many martial arts.
Scabbard
In ancient China, swords were often paired with wooden scabbards, which were often decorated with elaborate ornaments and patterns. The scabbard of the Mulan Sword is no exception. Similar to the rest of the sword, the wooden scabbard features a beautiful deep red finish and is embellished with brass and bronze fittings.
in conclusion
In summary, the inscriptions on Mulan’s sword are a powerful reminder of the values and qualities we should all strive to embody. They speak to the importance of loyalty, bravery, and truthfulness, and the impact these qualities can have on our lives and the world around us.
Whether watching a Disney Princess performance or reading the original ballad, the story of Mulan and her sword is a timeless reminder of the power of courage, determination, and resilience.
