The Legend of the Condor Heroes

The Legend of the Condor Heroes (simplified: 射雕英雄传, traditional: 射鵰英雄傳, pinyin: Shè Diāo Yīngxióng Zhuàn) is a landmark wuxia novel by Jin Yong. This Wuxia Manual entry is an encyclopaedic article about the series. To learn more about the translations available, check the novel index.

First serialised in newspapers from 1 January 1957 to 19 May 1959, it is widely regarded as one of the most influential and beloved works in the wuxia genre. Jin Yong’s masterful storytelling and intricate plot have captivated readers for generations, making it a cornerstone of Chinese popular culture.

It is the first instalment of the Condor Trilogy and has undergone two revisions. The second edition was released in December 1975 and the third edition was published in June 2002.

Contents

Title translation

Main article: The Legend of the Condor Heroes title meaning

The original Chinese title of the novel presents some interesting challenges for translation, as it contains nuances that are difficult to capture succinctly in English.

The most widely accepted English translation is The Legend of the Condor Heroes. However, The Legend of the Eagle-shooting Heroes would be a more accurate translation of the title. 

The two species of condors, the Andean condor and the Californian condor, are native to the Americas. The 雕 (diāo) in the title and novel most likely refer to the golden eagle found in Mongolia.

Besides diao, the title uses the term 射雕 (shèdiāo), which literally means eagle-shooting From historical and ancient literature context, this is used to describe heroic persons with remarkable martial prowess.

Plot summary

⚠️ Spoiler Notice

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

Background

The story of The Legend of the Condor Heroes unfolds against the tumultuous backdrop of the Southern Song Dynasty (1127–1279). The Jurchen-led Jin Dynasty has conquered northern China, pushing the Song dynasty south of the Yangtze River.

This historical setting provides a rich tapestry of political intrigue, cultural conflict, and martial arts lore that forms the foundation of the narrative. Jin Yong meticulously researched this period, blending historical facts with fictional elements to create a vivid and immersive world.

Summary

The novel’s epic narrative spans several decades and follows multiple interconnected storylines. At its core, it tells the story of Guo Jing, a young man born during the tumultuous period of the Jin invasion. Orphaned as an infant, Guo Jing is taken to Mongolia and raised under the protection of Genghis Khan. Despite his initial slow-wittedness, Guo Jing’s unwavering perseverance leads him to master various martial arts styles under the tutelage of the eccentric Seven Heroes of Jiangnan.

As Guo Jing navigates the complex world of martial arts and political intrigue, he encounters Huang Rong, the clever and mischievous daughter of the enigmatic Huang Yaoshi, leader of the Peach Blossom Island. Their romance forms a central thread in the story, with their complementary personalities—Guo Jing’s straightforwardness and Huang Rong’s cleverness—creating a dynamic duo that faces numerous challenges together.

The novel also explores the tragic tale of Yang Kang, Guo Jing’s sworn brother who chooses a path of ambition and personal gain over loyalty and honour. This parallel narrative serves as a foil to Guo Jing’s journey, highlighting the consequences of one’s choices and actions.

Throughout the story, Jin Yong introduces a cast of memorable characters, including the Five Greats of the martial arts world: Wang Chongyang, Huang Yaoshi, Ouyang Feng, Hong Qigong, and Duan Zhixing. Each of these legendary figures plays a crucial role in shaping the events of the novel and the development of the main characters.

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Themes

The Legend of the Condor Heroes explores a rich tapestry of themes that resonate deeply with readers and contribute to its enduring popularity. Jin Yong skilfully interweaves historical events, such as the rise of Genghis Khan and the Mongol Empire, with the fictional narrative. This blend of history and fantasy creates a rich tapestry that explores themes such as the nature of heroism, loyalty to country versus personal relationships, the consequences of choices and actions, the balance between intellect and physical prowess, and cultural clashes and understanding.

One of the central themes is the nature of heroism. Through Guo Jing’s journey, Jin Yong examines what it means to be a hero in a world fraught with political intrigue and moral ambiguity. Guo Jing’s unwavering moral compass and dedication to righteousness present a model of heroism rooted in traditional Chinese values. In contrast, characters like Yang Kang offer a counterpoint, showing how ambition and self-interest can lead one astray from the heroic path.

Loyalty is another key theme, explored on multiple levels. Guo Jing’s loyalty to his country, his mentors, and his principles is constantly tested throughout the novel. The complex political landscape of the Song and Jin dynasties provides a backdrop for examining loyalty to one’s nation versus personal relationships. This theme often intersects with the idea of identity, as characters like Guo Jing and Yang Kang grapple with their heritage and allegiances.

The power of education and personal growth is a recurring motif. Guo Jing’s transformation from a slow-witted child to a skilled martial artist and strategist highlights the importance of perseverance and the right guidance. This theme extends to the novel’s treatment of martial arts, which are portrayed not just as physical skills but as paths to personal and spiritual development.

Jin Yong also delves into the theme of cultural understanding and conflict. The novel’s setting, spanning Han Chinese, Mongol, and Jurchen territories, allows for an exploration of cultural differences, prejudices, and the potential for bridge-building between diverse groups. Characters like Guo Jing and Yang Kang, who straddle multiple cultural identities, serve as conduits for this theme.

The consequences of choices and actions form another crucial theme. Characters frequently face difficult decisions that have far-reaching implications, not just for themselves but for the broader world. This theme ties into ideas of moral responsibility and the ripple effects of individual actions on history.

Cast

Protagonists

  • Guo Jing – The primary protagonist, known for his honesty, loyalty, and strong moral compass.
  • Huang Rong – Guo Jing’s love interest and partner, renowned for her intelligence and varied skills.
  • Yang Kang – Guo Jing’s sworn brother and eventual antagonist.
  • Mu Nianci – Yang Kang’s love interest, skilled in martial arts and torn between love and righteousness.

Important characters

  • The Seven Heroes of Jiangnan:
  • Ke Zhen’e
  • Zhu Cong
  • Han Baoju
  • Nan Xiren
  • Quan Jinfa
  • Han Xiaoying
  • Zhang Ahsheng
  • Huang Yaoshi
  • Hong Qigong
  • Ouyang Feng
  • Genghis Khan

Martial arts

  • Eighteen Dragon-subduing Palms
  • Dog Beating Staff
  • Nine Yin Manual
  • Peach Blossom Island kung fu
  • Toad Stance

Behind the scenes

Jin Yong began writing The Legend of the Condor Heroes in 1957 while working as a journalist and newspaper editor in Hong Kong. The novel was initially serialised in the Hong Kong Commercial Daily, with Jin Yong writing and publishing chapters on a daily basis. This demanding schedule often required him to write late into the night to meet deadlines.

The author drew inspiration from various sources, including Chinese history, folklore, and classical literature. He was particularly influenced by the concept of 侠义 (xiá yì), chivalrous righteousness, from traditional Chinese culture that embodies the ideal of the righteous knight-errant. Jin Yong’s background in journalism also played a role in his writing, as he incorporated elements of investigative reporting and social commentary into his narrative.

Throughout the serialisation process, Jin Yong made adjustments to the story based on reader feedback and his own evolving vision. This interactive aspect of the writing process contributed to the novel’s popularity and helped Jin Yong refine his craft.

The novel’s success led to multiple revisions over the years. The first revision saw significant changes to plot points and character development, while the second edition, considered the definitive version, included further refinements to the prose and narrative structure.

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Adaptations

The enduring popularity of The Legend of the Condor Heroes has led to numerous adaptations across various media. The novel has been translated into multiple languages, including English, Korean, Japanese, Vietnamese, and French, introducing Jin Yong’s work to a global audience.

In the realm of visual adaptations, the novel has been transformed into manga, films, and television series.

Film

Web film

  • The Legend of the Condor Heroes duology
  • The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Dragon Tamer (2021)
  • The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Cadaverous Claw (2021)

Television

The 1983 TVB television adaptation, starring Felix Wong and Barbara Yung, is particularly noteworthy for its cultural impact. This version set the standard for future adaptations and played a significant role in popularising the story beyond literary circles.

Subsequent television adaptations, such as the 2003 Chinese series starring Li Yapeng and Zhou Xun, and the 2017 version with Yang Xuwen and Li Yitong, have each brought their own interpretation to the source material. These adaptations often reflect the changing tastes of audiences and advancements in production technology.

Manga and Comics

  • Lee Chi Ching’s manhua adaptation (Hong Kong, 1996-1997)
  • Various adaptations in mainland China, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia
  • Liang Yusheng’s “New Legend of the Condor Heroes,” a competing novel inspired by Jin Yong’s work

Video games

The novel has also inspired various video games, allowing fans to immerse themselves in the world of wuxia.

  • Heroes of Jin Yong (1996): PC RPG featuring characters from multiple Jin Yong novels
  • Shachou Eiyuuden: The Eagle Shooting Heroes( 2000): PlayStation RPG developed by Sony Computer Entertainment
  • Legends of the Condor Heroes (2018): Mobile game based directly on the novel
  • 9Yin (2011): PC MMORPG incorporating elements and characters
  • Age of Wushu (2012): PC MMORPG with references to the novel’s martial arts and characters
  • Condor Heroes (2024): mobile MMORPG by NetEase

Legacy

The influence of The Legend of the Condor Heroes on Chinese popular culture cannot be overstated. The novel has played a significant role in popularising wuxia concepts and archetypes, with characters like Guo Jing and Huang Rong becoming cultural icons in Chinese-speaking regions.

Beyond entertainment, the novel has found its way into educational settings, being used in Chinese language education and cultural studies programs worldwide. Its blend of historical fiction and fantasy elements provides a unique entry point for discussions about Chinese history, philosophy, and cultural values.

The novel’s themes of heroism, loyalty, and moral integrity have resonated with readers across generations, contributing to its lasting appeal. Jin Yong’s work has inspired countless other authors, filmmakers, and artists, shaping the landscape of Chinese popular culture and contributing to the global spread of wuxia literature.

Academic interest in The Legend of the Condor Heroes and Jin Yong’s work, in general, has grown over the years. Literary scholars have analysed the novel’s narrative structure, use of language, and cultural significance, cementing its place not just as popular entertainment but as a work of literary merit.

In conclusion, The Legend of the Condor Heroes stands as a testament to Jin Yong’s storytelling prowess and his ability to capture the imagination of readers. Its enduring popularity and numerous adaptations speak to the universal appeal of its themes and the richness of its world-building. As new generations continue to discover this classic of wuxia literature, its legacy as a cultural touchstone seems assured for years to come.