Dingyi (simplified: 定逸, traditional: 定逸, pinyin: Dìng Yì, jyutping: ding6 jat6), also known as Master Dingyi (定逸师太), was a respected master of the North Hengshan School and one of the Three Dings (恒山三定) along with Dingjing and Dingxian. She was the master of Yilin and was known for her fiery temper, fierce protectiveness of her disciples, and unwavering commitment to justice.
Biography
Early appearance
Dingyi first appeared when she came to Liu Zhengfeng’s golden basin hand-washing ceremony searching for Yilin, who had been missing. She was described as tall and imposing, with a fierce temper and a strong sense of justice.
When she heard that Tian Boguang had abducted Yilin, she immediately set out to find him, demonstrating her fierce protectiveness of her disciples.
Protecting Yilin
Dingyi was deeply protective of Yilin, her disciple. When Yu Canghai questioned Yilin about her encounter with Tian Boguang, Dingyi fiercely defended her, saying: “Hengshan Dingyi has been domineering for decades. Do you only know this now?” This demonstrated her willingness to stand up to anyone who threatened her disciples.
Rescuing Ren Yingying
When Ren Yingying was held captive at Shaolin Temple, Dingyi accompanied Dingxian to Shaolin to intercede on her behalf. Despite the orthodox schools’ opposition to the Sun Moon Order, Dingyi recognised that Ren Yingying was important to Linghu Chong and chose to help.
The attack on Mount Song
During the Five Mountains Sword Schools merger ceremony on Mount Song, Dingyi and Dingxian were ambushed and killed by Yue Buqun, who used a needle to pierce their hearts. The attack was subtle, leaving only tiny needle marks on their chests.
Personality & traits
Dingyi was portrayed as having a fiery temper and fierce protectiveness of her disciples. She was described as “domineering” and “fierce,” but this fierceness was always directed at protecting those under her care. Her character demonstrated that true strength comes from caring deeply for others.
She was also known for her sense of justice and unwillingness to back down from a fight. When she believed someone had wronged her or her disciples, she would confront them directly, regardless of their status or power.
Despite her fierce exterior, Dingyi had a warm heart and deep care for her disciples. Her relationship with Yilin demonstrated this—she was willing to stand up to anyone who threatened her, even if it meant confronting powerful figures like Yu Canghai.
Martial arts abilities
Dingyi was skilled in Hengshan Swordplay and had mastered the school’s traditional techniques. Her martial arts abilities were sufficient to be one of the Three Dings, leaders of the North Hengshan School.
Relationships
Dingyi’s relationship with Yilin was one of master and disciple, but also of deep maternal care. She was fiercely protective of Yilin and would go to great lengths to ensure her safety.
Her relationship with Dingjing and Dingxian was one of sisterhood and mutual support. The Three Dings worked together to lead the Hengshan School and protect its traditions.
Behind the scenes
Dingyi represents the ideal of fierce protectiveness combined with deep care. Her character demonstrates that true strength comes from caring deeply for others and being willing to fight for them, even when it means confronting powerful opponents.
Literary significance
Dingyi’s death at the hands of Yue Buqun represents one of the novel’s most tragic moments, demonstrating the depths to which the so-called “Gentleman Sword” would sink to achieve his ambitions. Her fierce protectiveness of Yilin and her willingness to stand up for justice make her one of the novel’s most memorable supporting characters.
Portrayals
Dingyi has been portrayed in various adaptations of Laughing in the Wind:
Laughing in the Wind
- 1978 film – Xia Ping
- 1984 series – Huang Wenhui
- 1985 series – Gao Xingzhi
- 1996 series – Law Lan
- 2000 series – Ma Zhiqin
- 2000 series – Li Yinzhu
- 2001 series – Li Qinqin
- 2013 series – He Jiayi
- 2018 series – Wu Xinyu
See also
- Laughing in the Wind characters
- Dingjing – Dingyi’s sister
- Dingxian – Dingyi’s sister
- Yilin – Dingyi’s disciple
- North Hengshan School – Dingyi’s faction
External links
- Dingyi (Chinese) on Chinese Wikipedia