Guo Polu

Guo Polu (simplified: 郭破虏, traditional: 郭破虜, Jyutping: gwok3 po3 lou5, pinyin: Guō Pòlǔ) was the son of the legendary heroes Guo Jing and Huang Rong, the younger brother of Guo Fu, and the twin brother of Guo Xiang. His name “Polu” (破虏) means “Barbarian Destroyer,” reflecting his parents’ hope that he would help defend China against foreign invaders.

Background

Family Heritage

As the son of Guo Jing and Huang Rong, Guo Polu was born into one of the most prominent martial arts families of his era. His father was the legendary “Eagle Shooting Hero” and defender of Xiangyang, while his mother was the brilliant daughter of Huang Yaoshi, the Eastern Heretic.

Birth and Naming

Guo Polu was born as the younger twin, with Guo Xiang being his twin sister. His name was chosen by his parents to reflect their patriotic hopes during the Song Dynasty’s struggle against Mongol invasion. The name “Polu” literally means “to destroy the barbarians,” expressing the family’s dedication to defending their homeland.

Character and Personality

Unlike his more famous twin sister Guo Xiang, who inherited much of their grandfather Huang Yaoshi’s free-spirited and eccentric nature, Guo Polu appears to have been more conventional in temperament. He was described as being more like his father Guo Jing in terms of straightforward thinking and loyalty to family and country.

Relationship with Family

Twin Sister: Guo Polu had a close relationship with his twin sister Guo Xiang, though she was clearly the more adventurous and independent of the two.

Elder Sister: His relationship with Guo Fu was typical of younger siblings, with him sometimes serving as a mediator in family matters.

Parents: Like all the Guo children, he was raised with strong moral values and a sense of duty to country and family by Guo Jing and Huang Rong.

Role in the Novel

Guo Polu’s role in The Return of the Condor Heroes was relatively minor compared to other family members. He appeared primarily in scenes involving family gatherings and important events in Xiangyang, serving as a supporting character who helped illustrate the domestic life of the Guo family.

Xiangyang Defense

As part of the Guo family, Guo Polu would have been involved in the defense preparations for Xiangyang against the Mongol invasion, though his specific contributions are not detailed in the novel.

Historical Context

Song Dynasty Setting

Living during the final years of the Song Dynasty, Guo Polu grew up in an era of constant military threat from the Mongol Empire. His upbringing would have been shaped by the ongoing conflict and his family’s central role in defending Chinese territory.

Family Legacy

As a member of the Guo family, he inherited not only martial arts training but also the responsibility of upholding his family’s reputation as defenders of China and protectors of the innocent.

Legacy

While Guo Polu himself did not achieve the legendary status of other family members, he represents the continuation of the Guo family line and their values. His existence in the novel helps to show the domestic side of the heroic Guo family and their commitment to raising the next generation with proper values.

Significance in Jin Yong’s Works

Guo Polu serves as an example of Jin Yong’s attention to family dynamics and the way heroic legacies are passed down through generations. Though not a major character, his presence helps to flesh out the Guo family structure and shows how even legendary heroes must balance their public duties with private family life.