Guo Jing 郭靖 | 郭靖

Guo Jing (pinyin: Guō Jìng, jyutping: Gwok3 Jing6, simplified: 郭靖, traditional: 郭靖) is one of the most revered martial artists and heroes of the Song Dynasty.¹ Initially raised in the Mongol steppes, he rose to become the Northern Xia² of the Five Greats and defender of Xiangyang.³

Known for his unwavering loyalty to the Song dynasty and mastery of the Eighteen Palms of Dragon-subduing, he played a pivotal role in defending the empire’s borders against Mongol invasion during the late 12th and early 13th centuries.

As a young man, Guo Jing gained fame for his role in the Second and Third Huashan Summits, and his contributions to the Mongol campaign against the Khwarazmian Empire.⁴

In his later years, he served as the de facto military commander of Xiangyang, where he and his wife Huang Rong led the city’s defense against Mongol forces for many years. He ultimately sacrificed his life defending the city during its fall to Kublai Khan’s⁵ army.

Biography

Birth and infancy

Guo Jing’s father, Guo Xiaotian, was a patriot living in Lin’an⁶ who formed a sworn brotherhood with Yang Tiexin who shared his loyalty to the Song Dynasty. Both men had their wives with child when they encountered the Daoist priest Qiu Chuji at Ox Village.

The expecting fathers requested Qiu Chuji to name the unborn children. He named them Guo Jing and Yang Kang, after the Jingkang Incident,⁷ when the Jin Empire⁸ captured the Song emperors, to remind them of the humiliation and national grievances against the Jin. The expecting fathers agreed that if the children were born a boy and a girl, they would marry, and if they were both boys, they would be sworn brothers.

They were besieged by Jin forces that they managed to repel. One of the Jin soldier was injured but not killed. Yang Tiexin’s wife, Bao Xiruo, nursed him back to health. This man turned out to be Wanyan Honglie, the Sixth Prince of the Jin Empire. He was grateful for her kindness and had fallen in love with her.

Wanyan Honglie worked with Song traitor Duan Tiande to attack Ox Village and Guo Xiaotian perished dring the raid. Duan Tiande captured Li Ping, pregnant with Guo Jing at the time, but she managed to escape northward through a fierce snowstorm into Mongolia, where she gave birth to Guo Jing in the midst of a battle.

Life on the steppes

At age six, Guo Jing lived with his mother in a small yurt on the Mongolian steppes, spending his days herding sheep. Though slow of speech and thought, he showed early signs of bravery and righteousness. One pivotal day while tending his flock, he witnessed a massive battle between Mongol forces. A black eagle attacked his sheep, leading him to chase the stray animal far from his usual grounds. This seemingly minor incident would change his destiny.

From his hiding place in the brush, young Guo watched as Temüjin’s forces clashed with rival tribes. After the battle, he encountered the wounded Mongol general Jebe, who had been chased by enemy soldiers. Despite the danger, Guo helped the injured warrior, bringing him water and helping him hide in a haystack. When the pursuing soldiers questioned him, Guo cleverly misdirected them by sending the general’s horse in the opposite direction.

Rise in Mongol society

Impressed by the young boy’s courage and quick thinking, Temüjin⁹ took Guo Jing and his mother under his protection. They were moved to the main encampment, where Guo grew up alongside Temüjin’s own children. He formed an especially close bond with Tolui¹⁰, the Khan’s fourth son, and they became anda (sworn brothers) in the Mongol tradition.

During this time, Guo trained under the great archer Jebe, whose life he had saved. Despite his general slowness in learning, Guo showed remarkable aptitude for archery. His most famous feat during this period was shooting down two eagles with a single arrow, a display of skill that amazed even the seasoned Mongol warriors. This accomplishment earned him great respect among the tribes and cemented his position in Temujin’s court.

Training under the Seven Eccentrics

The Seven Freaks of Jiangnan journeyed to Mongolia in search of Guo Jing after making their wager with Qiu Chuji to train the son of Guo Xiaotian. Upon finding the six-year-old boy in the Mongol steppes, they began teaching him martial arts. Under their tutelage were Ke Zhen’e¹¹, the blind master skilled in dart techniques; Zhu Cong¹², renowned for his intelligence; Han Baoju¹³, the master of mounted combat; Nan Xiren¹⁴, the silent expert of the iron staff; the swordswoman Han Xiaoying¹⁵; Zhang Asheng¹⁶, who would later die at the hands of Mei Chaofeng; and Quan Jinfa¹⁷, master of hidden weapons.

Though Guo proved slow to learn, displaying none of the natural talent they had hoped for, his perseverance impressed his teachers. They spent twelve years teaching him their specialized skills, from the Mountain Splitting Palm to the Golden Dragon Whip techniques. During their training, they encountered the deadly Mei Chaofeng, who killed Zhang Asheng. In a twist of fate, young Guo managed to accidentally kill Mei’s husband Chen Xuanfeng¹⁸ during this encounter, marking his first involvement in the martial arts world’s deadly conflicts.

Despite his initial struggles, Guo’s dedication to training never wavered. Where others might master a technique in days, he would spend months practicing the same moves repeatedly until they became second nature. His determination eventually won over his teachers, who came to appreciate his steadfast character even as they sometimes despaired of his slow progress.

Encounters with new shifus

As Guo Jing prepared to journey south for his appointment at Jiaxing, his martial arts education expanded beyond the Seven Freaks. During his time in Mongolia, he received crucial additional instruction from several renowned masters who happened to visit the steppes.

Ma Yu,¹⁹ leader of the Quanzhen Sect, discovered him during a visit to Mongolia and secretly taught him Taoist internal cultivation techniques. These lessons, often conducted at night atop a steep cliff, built Guo Jing’s foundation in internal energy manipulation. Other Quanzhen masters including Wang Chuyi²⁰ and Qiu Chuji also contributed to his training when they visited, teaching him the basics of the Big Dipper Formation, a sophisticated martial arts technique that would later prove invaluable when combined with his knowledge from the Nine Yin Manual.

Early military experience

As he grew older, Guo Jing participated in several military campaigns under Temüjin’s banner. His most significant early contribution came during the rebellion of Jamukha, where he helped thwart an assassination attempt against Temüjin. During a night raid by Jamukha’s forces, Guo’s keen ears detected the approaching assassins, allowing him to warn the Khan’s guards. This act of loyalty, combined with his growing martial prowess, led to his betrothal to Temüjin’s daughter Huazheng.

During this period, Guo demonstrated remarkable skill in mounted combat, combining the horse-riding techniques learned from Han Baoju with Mongol military tactics. His archery, already exceptional, became legendary among the tribes. He could hit targets while riding at full gallop and was known for his ability to anticipate enemy movements. He earned the title of “Golden Blade Prince” after successfully leading several raids against rival tribes, where his combination of Chinese martial arts and Mongol warfare techniques proved especially effective.

Preparation for journey south

As his eighteenth year approached, Guo began preparing for his promised duel at the Jiaxing Pavilion. The Seven Eccentrics intensified their training, particularly focusing on refining his understanding of the more sophisticated aspects of Chinese martial arts. His masters knew he would face skilled opponents in the South and worked to ensure he could adapt his straightforward fighting style to handle more subtle and complex techniques.

By this time, Guo had mastered the foundational techniques of the Seven Eccentrics, each contributing to different aspects of his fighting ability. He had learned armed and unarmed combat, the principles of force redirection, and various weapon techniques. His Mongolian military experience had taught him practical combat applications, while the Quanzhen internal arts had built his foundation in energy cultivation. Though still considered slow-witted by many, his perseverance and practical experience had molded him into a formidable warrior.

Journey to Jiaxing

At eighteen, Guo Jing journeyed south to fulfill the agreement between the Seven Freaks and Qiu Chuji, which required him to meet Yang Kang for a martial arts contest. Along the way, he encountered several extraordinary martial artists, who each contributed to his growth.

His most significant encounter was with Huang Rong²¹, daughter of the “Eastern Heretic” Huang Yaoshi²². Despite their vastly different personalities—Guo Jing being straightforward and somewhat naive, while Huang Rong was clever and mischievous—they formed an immediate bond. Their relationship would become the emotional cornerstone of Guo Jing’s life, with Huang Rong’s quick wit complementing his steadfast nature.

During their travels together, Guo Jing and Huang Rong encountered Hong Qigong²³, the “Northern Beggar” and leader of the Beggars’ Sect. Impressed by both Guo Jing’s honest nature and Huang Rong’s culinary skills, Hong Qigong agreed to teach Guo Jing the powerful Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms²⁴. Over several months, Guo Jing mastered the first fifteen palms, later completing the final three during another encounter with Hong Qigong.

Peach Blossom Island and the Nine Yin Manual

A crucial chapter in Guo Jing’s development occurred when he visited Peach Blossom Island, home of Huang Yaoshi. There, he met Zhou Botong²⁵, the eccentric martial artist known as the “Hoary Urchin.” Though initially antagonistic, they formed a strong bond and became sworn brothers despite their age difference.

Zhou Botong taught Guo Jing the Seventy-Two Styles Vacant Fist²⁶, a sophisticated boxing technique that emphasized flexibility and unpredictability. More importantly, he introduced Guo Jing to the Technique of Ambidexterity²⁷, which allowed him to use two different martial arts simultaneously. Surprisingly, the typically slow-learning Guo Jing mastered this complex technique quickly, while his intellectually gifted wife Huang Rong could not grasp it at all.

Perhaps most significantly, through Zhou Botong, Guo Jing gained access to the Nine Yin Manual²⁸, the most coveted martial arts treatise of that era. Zhou Botong, forbidden by his master Wang Chongyang from learning its contents, tricked Guo Jing into memorizing the entire manual. This unexpected acquisition would prove transformative for Guo Jing’s martial arts development, providing him with profound insights into internal energy cultivation and advanced combat techniques.

The Book of Wumu and military strategy

During his adventures in the Central Plains, Guo Jing made another fortuitous discovery: the Book of Wumu²⁹, a military treatise written by the Song general Yue Fei. This text, highly sought after by both Chinese and foreign powers, contained advanced military strategies and tactics.

Guo Jing found the book by chance on Iron Palm Peak and dedicated himself to mastering its contents. While many dismissed his intellectual capacity, his practical experience in Mongol military campaigns allowed him to understand and apply these strategies effectively. The knowledge gained from this text would later prove invaluable during his defense of Xiangyang and in his campaign with the Mongol army against the Khwarazmian Empire.

The Khwarazmian campaign

After reuniting with Huang Rong in the western regions, Guo Jing participated in Genghis Khan’s campaign against the Khwarazmian Empire. Serving as a right-wing commander of the Mongol forces, he applied the military strategies learned from the Book of Wumu to great effect. With Huang Rong secretly assisting him, Guo Jing devised innovative tactics that proved decisive in several engagements.

His crowning achievement during this campaign was the capture of Samarkand, where his combination of Chinese military strategy and Mongol cavalry tactics helped overcome the city’s formidable defenses. This victory further enhanced his standing among the Mongol elite, with Genghis Khan offering him valuable territory as a reward.

However, during this campaign, Guo Jing accidentally discovered Genghis Khan’s secret plan to eventually invade the Song Empire. This revelation forced him to confront the conflict between his loyalty to the Mongols who had raised him and his patriotic duty to his native land. Despite his strong bond with Tolui and his betrothal to Huazheng, Guo Jing made the difficult decision to break ties with the Mongols.

Choice of patriotism

When Guo Jing learned of the plans to invade Song, he and his mother Li Ping attempted to flee the Mongol camp. When confronted by Mongol forces, Li Ping, unwilling to become a liability to her son, chose to sacrifice herself rather than compromise Guo Jing’s escape. Her dramatic suicide profoundly affected Guo Jing, reinforcing his commitment to his homeland and cementing his break with the Mongols.

After escaping from Mongolia, Guo Jing was initially viewed with suspicion by Song citizens due to his Mongol clothing and mannerisms. In one incident, he was beaten by a mob but refused to fight back, demonstrating his principle of never harming his own countrymen. It was Hong Qigong who eventually rescued him and helped restore his morale, reminding him of his higher purpose.

Second huashan summit

One of the most significant events in Guo Jing’s life was his participation in the Second Huashan Summit, a gathering of the greatest martial artists to determine the preeminent fighter of the era. By this time, Guo Jing’s skills had reached remarkable heights, allowing him to hold his own against both the “Eastern Heretic” Huang Yaoshi and the “Northern Beggar” Hong Qigong for over three hundred moves.

However, all three were ultimately bested by the “Western Venom” Ouyang Feng, who had gone mad after reverse-practicing the Nine Yin Manual. This defeat provided valuable lessons for Guo Jing, demonstrating that even the most powerful martial artist could be undermined by mental instability and improper training methods.

During this summit, Guo Jing also reconciled with Huang Rong after a period of misunderstanding, and their relationship was formally approved by both Hong Qigong and Huang Yaoshi. This blessing from two of the Five Greats solidified their union both personally and in the eyes of the martial arts world.

Settlement in Xiangyang

After breaking ties with the Mongols, Guo Jing and Huang Rong settled in Xiangyang, a strategic border city crucial to the Song Dynasty’s northern defenses. Although he held no official military rank, Guo Jing’s reputation and expertise made him the de facto commander of the city’s defenses.

While the official military commanders were the Lu brothers, Lü Wende and Lü Wenxuan, they deferred to Guo Jing’s superior military knowledge. Guo Jing applied the principles from the Book of Wumu to strengthen the city’s fortifications and train its defenders. Under his guidance, Xiangyang became known throughout the empire as an impregnable fortress.

Family Life

During the relative peace of their early years in Xiangyang, Guo Jing and Huang Rong started a family. Their first child, Guo Fu, grew up to be beautiful but somewhat spoiled. Later, during the events of The Return of the Condor Heroes, Huang Rong gave birth to twins—Guo Xiang and Guo Polu—during a Mongol siege of the city.

Guo Jing also took in the Wu brothers, Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen, as disciples after their parents’ deaths. He trained them in martial arts and raised them alongside his children, demonstrating his generous nature and commitment to preserving the martial arts traditions of his masters.

Perhaps his most complex relationship was with Yang Guo, the orphaned son of his sworn brother Yang Kang. Though initially strict and even harsh toward Yang Guo, partly due to concerns that the boy might follow his father’s treacherous path, Guo Jing’s fundamental sense of responsibility and compassion prevented him from abandoning the child. This strained relationship would evolve significantly over time, with Yang Guo eventually becoming one of Guo Jing’s most valuable allies.

The Northern Hero

In the years following his settlement in Xiangyang, Guo Jing had earned universal respect in the martial arts world. His reputation for integrity was so profound that even those who opposed him politically acknowledged his honor and righteousness.

At the Third Huashan Summit, Guo Jing inherited the mantle of the “Northern Hero” from his master Hong Qigong, becoming one of the new Five Greats alongside the “Eastern Heretic” Huang Yaoshi, “Western Eccentric” Yang Guo, “Southern Monk” Reverend Yideng, and “Central Divinity” Zhou Botong.

This recognition formalized his position as one of the preeminent martial artists of his generation. More importantly, it reflected his growth from a simple warrior to a figure of moral and spiritual authority whose influence extended far beyond his martial prowess.

Siege of Xiangyang

As described in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, the final chapter of Guo Jing’s life came during the ultimate Mongol assault on Xiangyang. After Genghis Khan’s death, his grandson Kublai Khan launched a massive campaign to conquer the remainder of the Song Empire, with Xiangyang as his primary target.

Despite being vastly outnumbered, Guo Jing led the defense of the city for five grueling years. The Mongols deployed advanced siege weapons, including trebuchets designed with Middle Eastern technology, to bombard the city walls. Meanwhile, the corrupt Song minister Jia Sidao concealed the true extent of Xiangyang’s peril from the emperor, leaving the defenders without reinforcements.

Recognizing that the city would eventually fall, Guo Jing and Huang Rong prepared for the inevitable. They commissioned skilled craftsmen to forge the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber from Yang Guo’s Heavy Iron Sword, concealing within them the Nine Yin Manual, the Book of Wumu, and instructions for the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms.

Heroic sacrifice

When Xiangyang finally fell, Guo Jing, now in his seventies but still a formidable warrior, fought alongside his wife and son against overwhelming odds. True to his lifelong principles, he chose to sacrifice his life rather than surrender to foreign invaders.

The details of his final battle are not explicitly described in Jin Yong’s novels, but it is known that Guo Jing, Huang Rong, and their son Guo Polu perished during the fall of Xiangyang, while their daughter Guo Xiang somehow escaped.

This heroic last stand perfectly encapsulated Guo Jing’s life philosophy: unwavering loyalty to his principles, fierce dedication to his country, and willingness to sacrifice himself for the greater good. His death, while tragic, was entirely consistent with the values he had lived by.

Legacy

Though Guo Jing did not live to see the liberation of China from Mongol rule, his legacy endured. His younger daughter, Guo Xiang, survived the fall of Xiangyang and went on to found the Emei School, which would play a crucial role in the resistance against the Yuan Dynasty described in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber.

The martial arts techniques he preserved—particularly the Nine Yin Manual and the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms—continued to influence the martial arts world for generations. When the Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber were eventually discovered and opened by Zhang Wuji in the later novel, the knowledge contained within them helped fuel the rebellion that would ultimately overthrow the Yuan Dynasty.

Most importantly, Guo Jing’s example of patriotism and self-sacrifice inspired countless others to resist foreign domination. In Jin Yong’s fictional universe, the phrase “侠之大者，为国为民” (The greatest heroes serve their country and people) became directly associated with Guo Jing, establishing an ideal that future generations of heroes would strive to emulate.

Notable achievements

Throughout his legendary career, Guo Jing accomplished numerous feats that cemented his place in martial arts history:

• Successfully defending Xiangyang against multiple Mongol assaults over many years
• Mastering both the internal cultivation techniques of the Nine Yin Manual and the external power of the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms
• Adapting the Big Dipper Formation, originally designed for seven practitioners, for individual use
• Defeating countless skilled opponents, including Ouyang Ke, Peng Lianhu, and Sha Tongtian
• Playing a crucial role in the Mongol victory at Samarkand before turning against the Mongols out of patriotism
• Breaking the siege of Xiangyang during the events of The Return of the Condor Heroes with the help of Yang Guo
• Being recognized as one of the Five Greats of his generation at the Third Huashan Summit

These achievements, combined with his unwavering moral character, made Guo Jing one of the most respected and revered figures in the martial arts world, with a legacy that continued long after his death.

Personality and traits

Physical appearance

Guo Jing is described as having thick eyebrows, large eyes, and a sturdy, strong stature. His complexion is described as somewhere between dark and fair, reflecting his outdoor life on the Mongolian steppes. As he matured, he developed a commanding presence that inspired respect and loyalty from those around him.

Intellectual development

Initially portrayed as “dumb” or slow in learning and inarticulate, Guo Jing’s intellectual development is one of the most significant aspects of his character arc. While he struggled with abstract concepts and complex techniques, his perseverance allowed him to overcome these limitations.

His approach to learning was best summarized by his own principle: “When others practice for one day, I practice for ten.” This dedication, combined with his practical experience in combat and leadership, gradually transformed him from a simple shepherd boy into a sophisticated military strategist and community leader.

By the time of The Return of the Condor Heroes, Guo Jing had matured into a wise and respected figure whose judgment was sought by many. Though he maintained his straightforward nature, he had developed considerable tactical acumen and diplomatic skills.

Moral character

Guo Jing’s most outstanding trait is his unwavering moral rectitude. Throughout his life, he faced numerous ethical dilemmas, particularly when his loyalty to the Mongols conflicted with his duty to his native Song Dynasty. In these situations, he consistently chose the path of righteousness, even at great personal cost.

His commitment to traditional Chinese values of loyalty, filial piety, and justice made him a moral compass for other characters. Even Yang Guo, who initially resented him for his role in Yang Kang’s death, eventually came to admire Guo Jing’s integrity and selflessness.

Guo Jing embodied the Chinese concept of 侠 (xiá) or chivalry, particularly in its highest form as expressed in his motto: “To be a great hero is to serve one’s country and people” (侠之大者，为国为民 – xiá zhī dà zhě, wèi guó wèi mín).

Martial arts abilities

Combat style

Guo Jing’s fighting style evolved throughout his life, but several core elements remained consistent:

• Straightforward, powerful techniques rather than flashy or deceptive moves
• Emphasis on internal strength developed through rigorous training
• Combination of external martial arts learned from the Seven Freaks with internal cultivation from Quanzhen and the Nine Yin Manual
• Strategic application of techniques based on principles from the Book of Wumu

By the peak of his abilities, Guo Jing had integrated these diverse influences into a comprehensive fighting system that combined overwhelming power with tactical sophistication.

Signature techniques

Guo Jing mastered numerous martial arts techniques throughout his journey, but several became particularly associated with him:

1. Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms: His most famous technique, learned from Hong Qigong. Known for its overwhelming power and ability to counter any other martial arts style. The palm techniques had names derived from The Book of Changes, such as “Proud Dragon Repents” and “Dragon in the Field.”

2. Seventy-Two Styles Vacant Fist: Learned from Zhou Botong, this technique emphasized lightness and evasion, complementing the more direct approach of the Dragon-Subduing Palms.

3. Technique of Ambidexterity: Allowed him to use two different martial arts simultaneously, significantly increasing his combat effectiveness. Notably, Guo Jing mastered this technique quickly despite his usual slowness in learning, while his more intelligent wife Huang Rong could not grasp it at all.

4. Big Dipper Formation: Though originally designed for seven practitioners, Guo Jing adapted this Quanzhen technique for individual use by rapidly moving through the formation’s seven positions, creating the illusion of multiple fighters.

Relationships

Guo Jing’s interactions with others reveal much about his character, as he maintained steadfast loyalty to those he respected while showing remarkable forgiveness toward those who wronged him.

Huang Rong

Guo Jing’s relationship with Huang Rong formed the emotional core of his adult life. They complemented each other perfectly: her quick wit and intelligence balanced his straightforward strength and determination. Together, they navigated political intrigue, martial arts conflicts, and family challenges.

Their relationship began when they met on his journey south and quickly developed into deep mutual respect and love. Despite obstacles including her father’s initial opposition and interference from the Mongol princess Huazheng, they remained devoted to each other throughout their lives.

As partners, they created a formidable team: Huang Rong’s cunning strategies combined with Guo Jing’s unwavering execution made them nearly unbeatable. She often devised complex plans that his straightforward mind might never have conceived, while his moral clarity helped ground her sometimes overly clever schemes. Their marriage embodied the Confucian ideal of harmony between complementary forces.

Family

Li Ping

Guo Jing maintained unwavering filial devotion to his mother throughout his life. Li Ping raised him in harsh Mongolian conditions, instilling in him the values of honesty, perseverance, and patriotism that would define his character. When she sacrificed herself to allow his escape from Mongolia, her final act cemented his dedication to the Song Dynasty and reinforced his understanding of selfless sacrifice for a greater cause.

Children

Guo Jing and Huang Rong raised three children, each with distinct personalities:

• Guo Fu: Their firstborn daughter inherited her mother’s beauty and intelligence but also developed a strong-willed, sometimes arrogant personality. Guo Jing’s relationship with her was complex; he loved her deeply but struggled to temper her pride. When she impulsively cut off Yang Guo’s arm, Guo Jing’s reaction revealed his commitment to justice even when it involved his own daughter—he offered to cut off her arm as compensation, though Yang Guo declined.

• Guo Xiang: His second daughter, born during a Mongol siege, grew up to be contemplative and compassionate. Though their relationship is less developed in the novels, she eventually carried forward his legacy by founding the Emei School after the fall of Xiangyang.

• Guo Polu: His son, whose name literally means “defeat and drive away barbarians,” reflected Guo Jing’s patriotic hopes. Their relationship was built on martial training and preparation for the defense of the Song Dynasty, with the boy ultimately following his father’s path to martyrdom during the fall of Xiangyang.

Mentors and teachers

The Seven Freaks of Jiangnan

Guo Jing’s relationship with the Seven Freaks, particularly Ke Zhen’e, the sole survivor after their encounter with Mei Chaofeng, was defined by deep reverence and loyalty. They raised him from childhood, and though they sometimes despaired at his slow learning, they recognized and valued his perseverance and moral integrity.

After Zhang Asheng’s death, Guo Jing felt a profound responsibility to honor their teachings. This manifested in how he later trained his own disciples, the Wu brothers, incorporating elements of each Freak’s unique skills. Even in adulthood, when his martial prowess far exceeded what they had taught him, he maintained humble respect toward Ke Zhen’e, always acknowledging him as a primary shifu despite his subsequent training under more powerful masters.

Hong Qigong

Hong Qigong evolved from being merely Guo Jing’s shifu to something closer to a father figure. Their relationship began unusually—Hong agreed to teach Guo Jing primarily because of Huang Rong’s cooking skills. However, he quickly recognized Guo’s honest nature and unwavering dedication, qualities he valued highly.

As Guo Jing mastered the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, Hong Qigong’s respect for him grew, culminating in his decision to name Guo as his successor as the “Northern Hero.” This relationship represented an ideal balance of respect between master and disciple that later influenced how Guo Jing approached his own role as a teacher.

Zhou Botong

Perhaps Guo Jing’s most unconventional relationship was with Zhou Botong, the eccentric “Hoary Urchin.” Despite the significant age difference, they became sworn brothers rather than master and disciple. Zhou’s childlike nature and Guo’s serious demeanor created an odd but effective balance. Zhou often tested and teased Guo, yet genuinely cared for his welfare.

Their brotherhood proved crucial to Guo Jing’s development, as Zhou taught him techniques like the Ambidexterity Technique and the Vacant Fist, which complemented the power-focused teachings of his other masters. This relationship demonstrated Guo Jing’s ability to form meaningful connections across generational and temperamental divides.

Sworn brothers

Yang Kang

Guo Jing’s relationship with Yang Kang represents one of the most tragic elements of his story. Bound by their fathers’ oath before birth, the two should have been the closest of brothers. Instead, their divergent upbringings—Guo in the harsh but honest environment of Mongolia, Yang in the luxurious but morally corrupting household of Wanyan Honglie—led them down fundamentally different paths.

Despite Yang Kang’s repeated betrayals, Guo Jing maintained a persistent hope for his redemption, demonstrating remarkable forgiveness. Each time Yang Kang showed signs of change, Guo readily embraced him as a brother, only to face renewed treachery. Even after Yang’s death, Guo honored their connection by taking responsibility for Yang’s orphaned son, showing that he valued the bond their fathers had created even when Yang himself had rejected it.

This relationship highlighted one of Guo Jing’s greatest strengths and potential weaknesses: his unwavering commitment to sworn oaths and his perhaps naive belief in others’ capacity for moral improvement.

Tolui

Guo Jing’s friendship with Tolui, Genghis Khan’s fourth son, represented one of his earliest and purest relationships. Their bond as anda (sworn brothers in the Mongol tradition) formed during childhood and was characterized by mutual trust and loyalty. Tolui accepted Guo despite his Chinese heritage, and they fought side by side in numerous battles.

The painful severing of this bond when Guo discovered the Mongols’ plans to invade the Song Dynasty represented one of his most difficult choices. By choosing his national identity over his personal connections, Guo demonstrated his ultimate priorities, but the loss of his brotherhood with Tolui remained a source of sadness throughout his life.

Extended family

Huang Yaoshi

Guo Jing’s relationship with his father-in-law evolved from mutual antagonism to grudging respect to eventual genuine affection. Initially, Huang Yaoshi dismissed Guo as unintelligent and unworthy of his daughter, preferring the more sophisticated Ouyang Ke. He subjected Guo to difficult tests, expecting failure.

Guo’s perseverance and moral integrity gradually won over the eccentric master, particularly after he proved willing to sacrifice himself for Huang Rong. By the time of the events in The Return of the Condor Heroes, they had formed a strong alliance, fighting together to defend Xiangyang and raising their family on Peach Blossom Island during peaceful periods. This relationship demonstrated how Guo’s consistent character could eventually overcome even the strongest initial prejudice.

Yang Guo

Guo Jing’s relationship with Yang Guo, the son of his sworn brother Yang Kang, was among the most complex in his life. Initially, Guo took responsibility for the orphaned boy largely out of obligation to Yang Kang’s memory and concern that the boy might inherit his father’s treacherous tendencies.

Their early interactions were marked by tension. Guo’s strict discipline and decision to send Yang Guo to the Quanzhen Sect for training stemmed from genuine concern but appeared harsh to the young boy. When Yang Guo later fell in love with his teacher Xiaolongnü, Guo Jing strongly opposed their relationship based on his rigid adherence to traditional propriety.

The evolution of their relationship over time reflected Guo Jing’s capacity for growth. As Yang Guo matured into a hero in his own right, Guo gradually recognized his true character. During the defense of Xiangyang, they finally achieved mutual respect, with Yang Guo’s assistance proving crucial to the city’s temporary salvation. By the time of the Third Huashan Summit, Guo had fully accepted Yang Guo as the “Western Eccentric” among the new Five Greats, acknowledging both his martial prowess and moral growth.

This relationship demonstrated how Guo Jing, despite his sometimes inflexible adherence to tradition, could eventually recognize virtue even when it appeared in unconventional forms.

Political relationships

Genghis Khan

Guo Jing’s relationship with Temüjin (Genghis Khan) was defined by mutual respect and complicated loyalties. The Khan had protected him and his mother, provided for his upbringing, and recognized his abilities, eventually offering him prestigious military commands and his daughter’s hand in marriage.

The painful break when Guo discovered the Khan’s plans to invade the Song Empire highlighted the conflict between personal loyalty and patriotic duty that defined much of his life. Even after choosing to flee Mongolia, Guo maintained respect for the Khan’s leadership abilities and military genius, applying lessons learned under his command to the defense of Xiangyang years later.

In a poignant final meeting before the Khan’s death, Guo visited his former benefactor despite their status as enemies. This meeting, characterized by mutual respect despite their irreconcilable positions, demonstrated Guo’s ability to maintain personal honor even in politically impossible situations.

The Lu Brothers

As the de facto military commander of Xiangyang, Guo Jing maintained a delicate relationship with the city’s official commanders, Lü Wende and Lü Wenxuan. Though they held the formal titles, they recognized Guo’s superior strategic mind and martial prowess, creating a pragmatic power-sharing arrangement.

Guo showed remarkable political acumen in this relationship, offering genuine respect to the brothers while effectively directing the city’s defenses. Rather than undermining their authority, he worked through them, offering suggestions rather than commands and allowing them to maintain face before their troops. This relationship demonstrated Guo’s practical wisdom in navigating political realities without compromising his effectiveness or integrity.

Rivals and antagonists

Ouyang Feng

Guo Jing’s relationship with the “Western Venom” Ouyang Feng represented a fundamental clash of values. Ouyang’s cunning, amoral approach to martial arts and power directly contradicted Guo’s straightforward righteousness. Their numerous confrontations—from their first meeting on Peach Blossom Island to the Second Huashan Summit—highlighted this philosophical divide.

Despite being enemies, Guo maintained a certain respect for Ouyang’s abilities, particularly his innovations in martial arts. When Ouyang eventually went mad after reverse-practicing the Nine Yin Manual, Guo showed genuine pity rather than triumph, recognizing the tragedy of a great martial artist undone by his own ambition. This capacity to see the humanity in even his most dangerous opponents reflected Guo’s fundamentally compassionate nature.

Wanyan Honglie

Though they rarely encountered each other directly, Wanyan Honglie, the Sixth Prince of the Jin Empire, cast a long shadow over Guo Jing’s life. As the orchestrator of his father’s death and the man who corrupted Yang Kang, Wanyan represented both personal vengeance and national enmity for Guo.

Despite these grievances, when Guo finally confronted Wanyan during his adventures in the central plains, he focused on justice rather than revenge, demonstrating his ability to channel even his deepest anger toward righteous ends rather than personal satisfaction.

Wu Brothers

Guo Jing’s relationship with his disciples, Wu Dunru and Wu Xiuwen, reflected his approach to mentorship. After taking in the orphaned brothers, he combined elements from his various teachers’ methods—the strict discipline of the Seven Freaks, the practical demonstrations favored by Hong Qigong, and the philosophical foundation taught by the Quanzhen masters.

Though sometimes stern, Guo showed genuine concern for their moral development alongside their martial skills. He emphasized righteous application of martial arts and loyalty to the Song Dynasty, ensuring they understood that technical mastery without ethical grounding was meaningless. This approach to teaching revealed how Guo had integrated the diverse influences in his own life into a coherent philosophical system that he could pass to the next generation.

Behind the scenes

Guo Jing stands as one of Jin Yong’s most fully realized characters, embodying traditional Chinese virtues while experiencing genuine growth and development throughout his journey. From his humble beginnings as a slow-witted shepherd boy to his final heroic defense of Xiangyang, his life exemplifies the power of determination, moral integrity, and patriotism.

Legacy in Chinese Culture

Guo Jing has become one of the most beloved characters in Chinese popular culture, embodying traditional virtues while remaining humanly relatable. His journey from a slow-witted shepherd boy to a legendary hero resonates as a powerful narrative of self-improvement through determination and moral integrity.

In Chinese martial arts fiction, Guo Jing established a particular character archetype: the straightforward, morally upright hero whose strength comes from perseverance rather than natural talent. This archetype has influenced countless characters in subsequent wuxia and martial arts stories.

His principle that “good prevails over evil” (正氣壓邪氣 – zhèng qì yā xié qì) and his unwavering patriotism continue to inspire audiences. The phrase “侠之大者，为国为民” (To be a great hero is to serve one’s country and people) has entered Chinese popular consciousness as an expression of the highest ideal of heroism.

Portrayal

Guo Jing has been portrayed by numerous actors in film and television adaptations of Jin Yong’s novels:

Film

• Cho Tat-wah (1958)
• Alexander Fu (1977)
• Jason Pai (1976)
• Philip Kwok (1982)

Television

• Felix Wong (1983) - Considered by many fans to be the definitive portrayal
• Bryan Leung (1983)
• Julian Cheung (1994)
• Li Yapeng (2003)
• Hu Ge (2008)
• Yang Xuwen (2017)

Footnotes

1. 宋 – Sòng. The Song dynasty, lasting from 960 to 1279 AD. See Wikipedia. ↩

2. 北侠 - běixiá. See Five Greats#Northern Xia. ↩

3. 襄阳 - xiāngyáng. A strategic city in the Song Empire’s northern frontier, in modern day Hubei Province. See Wikipedia. ↩

4. A Persian empire of Turkick mamluk origin in Central Asia that the Mongol Empire conquered. Modern day Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. See Wikipedia. ↩

5. The fourth Great Khan of the Mongol Empire, and who defeated the Song Dynasty and founded the Yuan Dynasty. See Wikipedia. ↩

6. 临安 – Lín ān. Capital of the Southern Song dynasty, modern day Hangzhou. See Wikipedia. ↩

7. 靖康事變 – Jìngkāng Shìbiàn. A humiliating incident in 1127 when the Jin Empire captured two Song emperors. ↩

8. 金 – Jīn. A dynasty ruled by the Jurchen people under the Wanyan clan from 1115 to 1234. See Wikipedia. ↩

9. 鐵木真 – Tiěmùzhēn. The birth name of Genghis Khan before he united the Mongol tribes. ↩

10. 拖雷 – Tuōléi. Fourth son of Genghis Khan who became Guo Jing’s sworn brother. ↩

11. 柯鎮惡 – Kē Zhèn’è. The blind leader of the Seven Freaks. ↩

12. 朱聰 – Zhū Cōng. Known for his keen intellect. ↩

13. 韓寶駒 – Hán Bǎojū. A master of horseback combat. ↩

14. 南希仁 – Nán Xīrén. The quiet expert of the iron staff. ↩

15. 韓小英 – Hán Xiǎoyīng. The only female member. ↩

16. 張阿生 – Zhāng Āshēng. Killed by Mei Chaofeng. ↩

17. 全金發 – Quán Jīnfā. Expert in hidden weapons. ↩

18. 陳玄風 – Chén Xuánfēng. Husband of Mei Chaofeng and one of the “Twin Killers of the Dark Winds.” ↩

19. 馬鈺 – Mǎ Yù. Leader of the Quanzhen Sect who taught Guo Jing Taoist internal cultivation. ↩

20. 王處一 – Wáng Chǔyī. A Quanzhen master who contributed to Guo Jing’s training. ↩

21. 黃蓉 – Huáng Róng. Daughter of Huang Yaoshi who became Guo Jing’s wife and partner in many adventures. ↩

22. 黃藥師 – Huáng Yàoshī. The “Eastern Heretic” and one of the Five Greats, master of Peach Blossom Island. ↩

23. 洪七公 – Hóng Qīgōng. The “Northern Beggar” and leader of the Beggars’ Sect who taught Guo Jing the Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms. ↩

24. 降龍十八掌 – Xiáng Lóng Shíbā Zhǎng. A powerful palm technique considered the most formidable in the martial arts world. ↩

25. 周伯通 – Zhōu Bótōng. The “Hoary Urchin” and senior Quanzhen disciple who taught Guo Jing several advanced techniques. ↩

26. 七十二路空明拳 – Qīshí’èr Lù Kōngmíng Quán. A sophisticated boxing technique taught by Zhou Botong. ↩

27. 雙手互搏 – Shuāngshǒu Hùbó. A technique allowing the practitioner to use two different martial arts simultaneously. ↩

28. 九陰真經 – Jiǔ Yīn Zhēnjīng. A legendary martial arts manual containing profound internal energy techniques. ↩

29. 武穆遺書 – Wǔmù Yíshū. A military treatise written by Yue Fei containing advanced military strategies. ↩