Wang Dulu (王度庐, 1909–1977) was one of the "Five Masters of the Northern School" of old-school wuxia. He is best known for the Crane-Iron Pentalogy (鹤铁五部), which includes the source material for Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon.
The Crane-Iron Pentalogy (鹤铁五部)
Wang Dulu’s masterpiece — five interconnected novels set in the Qing Dynasty, following the intertwined destinies of several martial arts families. The pentalogy is considered one of the finest achievements of old-school wuxia literature.
- He Jing Kun Lun 《鹤惊昆仑》 — Crane Startles Kunlun — The opening novel, telling the story of Jiang Xiaoxi and the origins of the Crane-Iron saga.
- Bao Jian Jin Chai 《宝剑金钗》 — Precious Sword, Golden Hairpin — Continues the story with Li Mubai and Yu Xiulian.
- Jian Qi Zhu Zhi 《剑气珠光》 — Sword Qi, Pearl Radiance — The third instalment, deepening the martial arts intrigue.
- Wo Hu Cang Long 《卧虎藏龙》 — Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon — The most famous novel in the series, adapted into Ang Lee’s 2000 Academy Award-winning film. Follows Yu Jiaolong’s rebellion against arranged marriage and her forbidden love.
- Tie Qi Yin Ping 《铁骑银瓶》 — Iron Cavalry, Silver Vessel — The concluding novel, wrapping up the generational saga.
Other works
Wang Dulu wrote numerous other wuxia novels beyond the Crane-Iron Pentalogy, though they are less well-known in the West.
Adaptations
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (2000) — Directed by Ang Lee, starring Chow Yun-fat, Michelle Yeoh, Zhang Ziyi, and Chang Chen. Won 4 Academy Awards including Best Foreign Language Film.
- Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon: Sword of Destiny (2016) — Netflix sequel.
- Multiple television adaptations of the Crane-Iron Pentalogy in mainland China and Taiwan.
See also
- Wang Dulu — Author biography
- Wuxia Authors Through the Ages
- Huanzhu Louzhu — Another old-school master