Xue Zhu (simplified: 薛烛, traditional: 薛燭, pinyin: Xuē Zhú, jyutping: sit3 zuk1) was a figure in Chinese tradition associated with sword appraisal. He is mentioned in connection with the famous swords of the Spring and Autumn period and is sometimes linked to the State of Yue and the lore of blades such as those forged by Ou Yezi (欧冶子).
In tradition
Xue Zhu appears in historical and literary accounts as an expert who could identify and evaluate famous swords. His name is linked to stories about the Yue court and the culture of sword-making and sword appraisal.
In Sword of the Yue Maiden
In Jin Yong’s Sword of the Yue Maiden, the novel’s focus on famous swords and the Yue court may reference or evoke the tradition in which figures such as Xue Zhu appear as connoisseurs of legendary blades. The SYM articles master list includes Xue Zhu as a character for the series.
Behind the scenes
The name follows the project’s SYM taxonomy (薛烛 — The Sword of the Yue Maiden terms).
See also
- Ou Yezi — Master swordsmith
- Feng Huzi — Another figure associated with sword appraisal
- Sword of the Yue Maiden characters