Aman

Aman (simplified: 阿曼, traditional: 阿曼, pinyin: Ā Màn, jyutping: aa3 maan6), known as the walking flower of the grasslands (草原行走之花, Cǎoyuán Xíngzǒu Zhī Huā), was a Kazakh girl and Supu’s love interest in White Horse Neighing in the West Wind. She was the daughter of Cherku and Yalixian, and was kidnapped by Hua Hui because she resembled her mother, whom Hua Hui had once loved.

Biography

Youth and relationship with Supu

Aman was a beautiful Kazakh girl known throughout the grasslands for her beauty, earning her the epithet “the walking flower of the grasslands.” She was the daughter of Cherku and Yalixian, and she grew up in the Kazakh community alongside Supu.

As they matured, Aman and Supu fell in love and became a couple. They participated together in Kazakh cultural activities, including wrestling competitions, where their relationship was publicly recognised and celebrated within their community.

Resemblance to Yalixian

Aman’s appearance strongly resembled that of her mother, Yalixian, who had been the object of Hua Hui’s (Walazi’s) unrequited love. This resemblance would later lead to Aman becoming a target of Hua Hui’s obsession.

Journey to the Gaochang Maze

During the events leading to the Gaochang Maze, Aman, along with Supu and Suluk, became involved in the pursuit of Chen Dahai. It was during this journey that Hua Hui, recognising Aman’s resemblance to Yalixian, kidnapped her.

Kidnapping and rescue

Hua Hui kidnapped Aman and took her to the Gaochang Maze, where he intended to keep her as a replacement for the woman he had lost. However, Aman was rescued by Li Wenxiu, Supu, and others who had followed them to the maze.

Reunion with Supu

After her rescue, Aman was reunited with Supu, and their relationship continued to flourish. They remained together after the events in the Gaochang Maze, their bond having been tested and strengthened by the challenges they faced.

Personality and traits

Beautiful and beloved

Aman was renowned for her beauty throughout the Kazakh community, earning recognition as “the walking flower of the grasslands.” Her appearance and character made her a beloved figure among her people.

Loyal and devoted

Her relationship with Supu demonstrated her loyalty and devotion. Despite the dangers she faced, she remained committed to their relationship and to her community.

Relationships

Family

Cherku — Her father, a prominent member of the Kazakh community
Yalixian — Her mother, whose appearance Aman closely resembled

Love interest

Supu — Her partner and love interest, with whom she remained after the events in the Gaochang Maze

Adversary

Hua Hui — The man who kidnapped her because of her resemblance to her mother

Behind the scenes

Aman’s character serves as a symbol of love and continuity within the Kazakh community. Her relationship with Supu represents a successful pairing that contrasts with the unrequited love stories that dominate the novella, particularly Li Wenxiu’s feelings for Supu.

Her kidnapping by Hua Hui illustrates how the past can intrude upon the present, as Hua Hui’s obsession with her mother led him to target Aman. However, unlike other tragic love stories in the novella, Aman’s story ends with her reunited with Supu, providing a rare example of successful love in the narrative.

Portrayals

Aman has been portrayed in various adaptations of White Horse Neighing in the West Wind.