Juque (simplified: 巨阙, traditional: 巨闕, pinyin: Jùquē, jyutping: geoi6 kyut3) was a legendary sword of Chinese lore, said to have been forged by the master smith Ou Yezi (欧冶子). It is often listed among the “famous swords” (名剑 — míngjiàn) of antiquity, alongside Zhanlu, Chunjun, Shengxie, and Yuchang.
Legend
Juque is associated with the Spring and Autumn period and the State of Yue. The name is often interpreted as “giant gate” or “great tower” (巨 — jù “huge”; 阙 — quē “tower” or “gate”), suggesting size or imposing presence. In tradition, Ou Yezi forged it as one of his masterworks.
In Sword of the Yue Maiden
In Jin Yong’s Sword of the Yue Maiden, references to famous swords such as Juque help establish the legendary and historical background of the Yue court and the culture of famous blades.