Feng Huzi (simplified: 风胡子, traditional: 風胡子, pinyin: Fēng Húzǐ, jyutping: fung1 wu4 zi2) was a legendary figure in Chinese tradition associated with sword appraisal and the famous swords of antiquity. He is sometimes mentioned in connection with Ouyezi (欧冶子) and the lore of legendary blades such as Zhanlu, Chunjun, and Yuchang.
In tradition
Feng Huzi appears in historical and literary accounts as an expert who could identify and evaluate famous swords. His name is linked to stories about the Spring and Autumn period and the culture of sword-making and sword appraisal.
In Sword of the Yue Maiden
Feng Huzi is Ouyezi’s elder disciple and Xue Zhu’s shixiong. Wu Zixu sent him the sword Gongbu, taken from King Ping of Chu’s tomb, and drew him to Wu with lavish hospitality, then set him to teaching Wu’s smiths how to forge tens of thousands of sharp jian.1
Feng Huzi worked for a year at the forges on Mount Mogan, and from then on Wu’s blades were the sharpest of any kingdom. Worn out, he tried to recruit Xue Zhu, and when Xue Zhu urged him not to return to Wu, he cut off Xue Zhu’s thumbs and index fingers in the night.2
See also
- Ouyezi — Master swordsmith
- Xue Zhu — Another figure associated with sword appraisal
- Sword of the Yue Maiden characters