Mandarin Duck Blades translation updated to Third Edition
When I began working on the Mandarin Duck Blades translation, I inadvertently based some parts on Jin Yong’s Second Edition rather than the definitive Third Edition. This oversight came to light when I was adding Quick references to existing translations, prompting a comprehensive audit of the entire novel.
Jin Yong’s edition naming can be rather confusing, making it easy to work from the wrong source without realising it. We’ll be publishing a dedicated article about this topic to help readers and translators navigate the various editions of his works.
The audit process
I did a diff comparison between the Second and Third Edition source files using Kaleidoscope. This revealed every character that were different across the two versions.
Then, I started each revision and updated the translation where necessary—from minor word substitutions to significant plot modifications.
Key updates
The translation has undergone several important changes:
Third Edition alignment
All parts now use Jin Yong’s Third Edition as the translation source, ensuring consistency. This is also in line with the WuxiaSociety standard of using the Third Edition as the source for our in-house translations and reference for the Wuxia Wiki. While there are some diehard fans who are unhappy with the modifications, the Third Edition is the definitive version of Jin Yong’s vision for his works that he crafted painstakingly after considering feedback from critics, fans, and his drive to polish his works.
Structural changes
The novella is now divided into 12 parts rather than 11. Jin Yong’s Third Edition modifications expanded the narrative, necessitating an additional section.
I’ve also renamed these divisions from “chapters” to “parts”, as the novella doesn’t contain chapters. While there are scene breaks in the novella, they don’t follow a regular pattern so I split it at places where I felt kept the suspense and momentum while ensuring a comfortable reading pace.
Edition documentation
A comprehensive changelog documenting all differences between the second and Third Editions is now available. This resource details every modification Jin Yong made during his revision process, from dialogue adjustments to plot alterations. You can also view the changelog on the translation index page for quick reference.
Quick referennce
Remember the Quick reference feature? It’s now available on all Mandarin Duck Blades translation pages, providing character names, key terms, and cultural context whilst you read.
Read the translation
The complete updated translation is now available at wuxiasociety.com/mandarin-duck-blades-translation. For readers interested in how Jin Yong evolved his narratives through revision, the edition changelog offers valuable insights into his editorial process.
Have thoughts about the translation or spotted something that needs attention? Join the conversation on our Discord server or community forum. We’d love to hear from you.