Channeling qi...
The Heavenly Sword and The Dragon Sabre
Wuxia Wiki | Jin Yong | Novels

The Heavenly Sword and The Dragon Sabre

The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre (simplified: 倚天屠龙记, traditional: 倚天屠龍記, pinyin: Yǐtiān Túlóng Jì) by Jin Yong, commonly known in English as The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, is the third instalment in the acclaimed Condor Trilogy, following The Legend of the Condor Heroes and The Return of the Condor Heroes.

It was first serialised in Hong Kong newspaper Ming Pao from 6 July 1961 to 2 September 1963 with a different Chinese title Tiānjiān Lóngdào that is also translated as The Heavenly Sword and The Dragon Sabre. Jin Yong later renamed it to Yītiān Túlóng Jí.

The novel has undergone multiple revisions since its initial publication. Jin Yong revised it in 1979 with significant amendments and additions as the Second Edition. A second revision, published in early 2005 as the Third Edition, incorporated additional changes and a lengthier conclusion.

Like his other works, Jin Yong weaves Chinese history into the narrative, featuring historical figures including the Hongwu Emperor, Chen Youliang, Chang Yuchun, and Zhang Sanfeng. The political and ethnic tensions between Han Chinese rebels and the ruling Mongols form a prominent theme throughout the novel.

Spoiler alert Wuxia Wiki articles aim to provide encyclopaedic information and will inevitably contain spoilers. Jump to the translation if you prefer to avoid spoilers.

Title translation

The title literally means Record of Drawing on Heaven’s Might to Slay the Dragon. The title references the two mythical weapons central to the story: the Heaven-relying Sword and the Dragon-slaying Sabre. The word “record” follows the Chinese literary tradition of historical records. This connects to Jin Yong’s broader practice of setting fictional narratives within carefully researched historical contexts.

The English title of The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre, or the more popular but less accurate The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber, maintains these references while slightly simplifying the construction for readability. The intentional use of “the Heavnly Sword” and “the Dragon Sabre” indicates that the two items are distinct and separately important, instead of referring them collectively as “the Heavenly Sword and Dragon Sabre”.

However, the title’s meaning is deeper than just the names of the weapons. The ltieral meaning implies the act of slaying the dragon. In ancient Chinese culture, the dragon refers to the emperor. In this case, it implies the slaying of the Yuan emperor.

The novel is set in the late Yuan dynasty, when the Han Chinese’s resentment to the Mongol rule grew along with their desire to overthrow the Yuan dynasty.

The emperor in ancient China is bestowed the title Son of Heaven, with the belief that he held the Heaven’s mandate to rule. Thus, drawing upon Heaven’s might also means to gain Heaven’s legitimacy to overthrow a tyrant ruler.

Title changes

The novel was originally titled Tiānjiān Lóngdào, literally “The Heavenly Sword and The Dragon Sabre.”

In the Second Edition, it was renamed Yītiān Túlóng Jí, literally “Record of Drawing on Heaven’s Might to Slay the Dragon.”

The Sword and the Sabre

The weapons represent significant symbolism in Chinese culture. The Dragon is traditionally a symbol of the emperor or sovereign ruler. The name Dragon-slaying Sabre implies its purpose in slaying the emperor—specifically, the Yuan emperor. Symbolising the resentment the Han bore towards being ruled by Mongols and their desire to overthrow the Yuan dynasty.

The Heavenly Sword embodies Heaven itself, and in Chinese culture, the emperor is bears the title of Son of Heaven, implying Heaven’s ultimate authority in determining China’s ruler.

Origins

In the First and Second Editions, both the Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre were forged from the Heavy Iron Sword wielded by Yang Guo in The Return of the Condor Heroes, who inherited it from the legendary swordsman Dugu Qiubai.

After Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü left Xiangyang, they entrusted the sword to Guo Jing and Huang Rong, who later had it melted down and reforged into the two weapons.

In the Third Edition, Jin Yong modified this origin story. The Heavenly Sword was instead forged from Yang Guo’s Gentleman Sword and Xiaolongnü’s Lady Sword, while the Dragon Sabre’s origin remained unchanged.

The Secret

The weapons contain hidden treasures within their blades. In the First and Second Editions, the Dragon Sabre concealed Yue Fei’s Book of Wumu, while the Heavenly Sword contained the Nine Yin Manual and instructions for Guo Jing’s Eighteen Palms of Dragon-Subduing.

In the Third Edition, Jin Yong changed this to two halves of an iron-plated map leading to Peach Blossom Island, where these manuals were hidden.

The weapons can only be damaged when used against each other, leading to the saying that whoever possesses the Dragon Sabre will rule the world, while only the wielder of the Heavenly Sword can challenge them.

These treasures are meant to impart the worthy wielder with the martial prowess through the Nine Yin Manual and Eighteen Palms of Dragon-Subduing, as well as military brilliance through the Book of Wumu. It was how Guo Jing and Huang Rong ensured that their fellow Han Chinese would have the means to overthrow the Mongols, despite their failure to defend Xiangyang against the Mongol invasion.

Plot

Background

Set in China during the final years of the Mongol-led Yuan dynasty in the mid-14th century, the story takes place approximately a century after the events of The Return of the Condor Heroes.

The narrative unfolds against the backdrop of mounting tensions between the ruling Mongols and Han Chinese rebels, particularly the Ming Order, which plays a pivotal role in the eventual establishment of the Ming dynasty.

The story begins around 1350 CE during the reign of Emperor Huizong of Yuan, a period marked by increasing civil unrest and the rise of various rebel groups seeking to overthrow Mongol rule. The jianghu is divided between the orthodox factions led by Shaolin and Wudang, and the heretical factions represented primarily by the Ming Order.

Summary

The story revolves around a pair of legendary weapons: the Heavenly Sword and the Dragon-slaying Sabre. According to a widely circulated mantra: “Supreme in the martial realm, the precious blades dragons slay; its command rules all under heaven, none dare disobey.”

These weapons are believed to grant their wielder supreme authority over the jianghu, that had become divided between the orthodox factions, including Wudang and Shaolin, and the evil Ming Order, also known as the Demonic Cult.

The protagonist, Zhang Wuji, comes from a complex background. His father, Zhang Cuishan, is a disciple of the renowned Wudang Order founder Zhang Sanfeng, while his mother, Yin Susu, is the daughter of Yin Tianzheng, the leader of the Heavenly Eagle Sect affiliated with the Ming Order.

Zhang spends his early years on a remote volcanic island with his parents and godfather, Xie Xun, the Golden-Haired Lion King who possesses the Dragon-slaying Sabre.

After returning to the mainland, Zhang’s family becomes the target of martial artists seeking information about Xie Xun and the Dragon-slaying Sabre. Zhang’s parents commit suicide rather than betray Xie Xun’s location, leaving young Zhang an orphan.

Through a series of events, Zhang discovers the lost Nine Yang Manual and masters its techniques, becoming a formidable martial artist. He eventually becomes the leader of the Ming Order and helps resolve conflicts between various martial arts factions.

Throughout his journey, Zhang becomes entangled in complex romantic relationships with four women: his disfigured cousin Zhu’er, the Chinese-Persian servant Xiaozhao, his childhood friend Zhou Zhiruo, and the Mongol princess Zhao Min.

In the Third Edition of the novel, Zhang Wuji becomes disillusioned after failing to save a general’s life and dealing with Han Lin’er’s death. He relinquishes his leadership of the Ming Order to his deputies, Yang Xiao and Fan Yao, and leaves the Central Plain with Zhao Min.

His subordinate Zhu Yuanzhang eventually seizes control of the Ming Order, unites most of China’s rebel forces under his leadership, and after capturing Nanjing, becomes the founding emperor of the Ming dynasty.

Themes

Prejudice and redemption

A central theme is the destructive nature of prejudice and the possibility of redemption. The novel explores how preconceptions about the orthodox and heretical factions of martial arts lead to unnecessary conflict.

Zhang Wuji’s journey shows how these prejudices can be overcome through understanding and compassion.

Identity and heritage

The story deeply explores questions of identity and heritage. Zhang Wuji must reconcile his orthodox Wudang heritage with his connections to the Ming Order.

This mirrors the larger cultural conflict between Han Chinese tradition and Mongol rule.

Power and responsibility

The novel examines the relationship between power and responsibility through Zhang Wuji’s leadership of the Ming Order.

His journey from an orphaned boy to a powerful leader illustrates the burdens and moral challenges of wielding authority.

Love and sacrifice

Complex romantic relationships serve as a vehicle for exploring themes of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The four main romantic threads in Zhang Wuji’s life each represent different aspects of love and its costs.

Political revolution

The novel uses the martial arts world as a metaphor for larger political upheaval, particularly the transition from Yuan to Ming dynasty. It explores the moral complexities of revolution and the price of social change.

Cast

See more: The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre characters

Protagonists

  • Zhang Wuji (张无忌 – Zhāng Wújì) – The primary protagonist, known for his compassionate nature, healing abilities, and leadership of the Ming Cult
  • Zhao Min (赵敏 – Zhào Mǐn) – The Mongol princess who evolves from antagonist to love interest, daughter of the Yuan general Ruyang Wang
  • Zhou Zhiruo (周芷若 – Zhōu Zhìruò) – Zhang Wuji’s childhood friend who becomes the leader of Emei School and eventual enemy
  • Xiaozhao (小昭 – Xiǎo Zhāo) – The Chinese-Persian servant destined to lead the Persian Ming Cult
  • Zhu’er (朱儿 – Zhū’ěr) – Zhang Wuji’s disfigured maternal cousin who harbors unrequited love for him

Important characters

The Six Major Factions:

  • Zhang Sanfeng (张三丰 – Zhāng Sānfēng) – Founder of Wudang Order, Zhang Wuji’s grandteacher
  • Abbess Miejue (灭绝师太 – Mièjué Shītài) – Leader of Emei Order, Zhou Zhiruo’s teacher who despises the Ming Cult
  • Kongwen (空闻 – Kōng Wén) – Abbot of Shaolin Temple
  • Kongxing (空性 – Kōngxìng) – Head of Kunlun Order
  • He Taichong (何铁手 – Hé Tiěshǒu) – Leader of Huashan Order
  • Mo Qing (莫清 – Mò Qīng) – Chief of Kongtong School

The Ming Order leaders:

  • Yang Xiao (杨逍 – Yáng Xiāo) – Left Protector, skilled strategist and loyal supporter
  • Wei Yixiao (韦一笑 – Wèi Yīxiāo) – Right Protector, known as the Green Bat
  • Yin Tianzheng (殷天正 – Yīn Tiānzhèng) – White-Browed Eagle King, Zhang Wuji’s maternal grandfather
  • Xie Xun (谢逊 – Xiè Xún) – Golden-Haired Lion King, Zhang Wuji’s godfather who possesses the Dragon Sabre

Zhang Wuji’s parents:

  • Zhang Cuishan (张翠山 – Zhāng Cuìshān) – Fifth disciple of Zhang Sanfeng
  • Yin Susu (殷素素 – Yīn Sùsù) – Daughter of Yin Tianzheng

Antagonists:

  • Cheng Kun (程昆 – Chéng Kūn) – The mastermind behind many conflicts
  • Han Qianye (韩千叶 – Hán Qiānyè) – Treacherous Wudang disciple
  • Ji Xiaofu (纪晓芙 – Jì Xiǎofú) – Emei disciple and mother of Yang Buhui
  • Song Qingshu (宋青书 – Sòng Qīngshū) – Son of Song Yuanqiao, Zhou Zhiruo’s other suitor

Historical figures

  • Zhu Yuanzhang (朱元璋 – Zhū Yuánzhāng) – Ming Order member who later founds the Ming dynasty
  • Chen Youliang (陈友谅 – Chén Yǒuliàng) – Rival warlord during the late Yuan period
  • Zhang Zhisheng (张士诚 – Zhāng Shìchéng) – Leader of the Red Turban Army
  • Han Lin’er (韩林儿 – Hán Lín’ér) – Self-proclaimed emperor of Song

Martial Arts

  • Nine Yang Divine Skill (九阳神功)
  • Great Shift of Heaven and Earth (乾坤大挪移)
  • Seven Injury Fist (七伤拳)
  • Taiji Fist and Sword techniques
  • Nine Yin White Bone Claw (九阴白骨爪)
  • Dragon-slaying Sabre techniques
  • Heavenly Sword techniques

Behind the Scenes

Jin Yong began writing The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre in 1961, during a period of significant social change in Hong Kong. The novel’s themes of revolution and political change reflected contemporary concerns about identity and governance.

The story underwent significant revisions in subsequent editions. The 1979 revision added new content and refined existing plotlines, while the 2005 edition included a more detailed conclusion and clarified several plot points that had been ambiguous in previous versions.

Jin Yong’s careful research into Yuan dynasty history is evident throughout the novel. He incorporated real historical figures and events while weaving them seamlessly into his fictional narrative. The character of Zhu Yuanzhang, who eventually becomes the founder of the Ming dynasty, is based on the historical figure of the same name.

Adaptations

Films

The novel has been adapted into numerous films, including:

Television Series

The novel has been adapted into numerous television series:

Video games

Manhua

In 2002, Jonesky1 released Heaven Sword and Dragon Sabre, produced by Fung Wan creator Ma Wing-shing,2 illustrated by Leung Wai-ka.

Video games

Softworld released two video games based on The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre:

  • 2000: Softworld RPG (story ends after Bright Peak battle)
  • 2004: Softworld action RPG featuring real-time battle system

Legacy

The Heavenly Sword and the Dragon Sabre represents the culmination of Jin Yong’s Condor Trilogy, bringing together themes of political intrigue, romance, and martial arts philosophy. The novel’s exploration of the complex relationship between personal loyalty and national identity resonated strongly with readers, while its integration of historical events with fictional narrative helped establish new standards for the wuxia genre.

The work has had a lasting influence on Chinese popular culture, inspiring numerous adaptations across various media. Its complex characters and intricate plot have set benchmarks for subsequent wuxia stories, while its theme of resistance against foreign rule struck a chord with Chinese audiences.

The novel’s impact extends beyond entertainment, contributing to discussions about Chinese identity, political legitimacy, and the role of individual action in historical change. Its enduring popularity has helped introduce wuxia literature to international audiences.

Translation

WuxiaSociety has adopted the fan translation of the Second Edition by the community on the now defunct SPCNet forum.

See also

Footnotes

  1. 天下出版 – Tiānxià Chūbǎn. A Hong Kong publishing house founded by Ma Wing-shing. See Wikipedia. ↩

  2. 馬榮成 – Mǎ Róngchéng. A Hong Kong comic artist and creator of Fung Wan. See Wikipedia. ↩