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Mulan

© Meg Greene Malvasi

She is known by many names. Her story has survived thousands of years and countless retellings. Recently, this amazing young woman was even the star of her own motion picture. But was she real? We may never know for sure. Nevertheless, Mulan has captivated generations of Chinese poets, writers, artists, and playwrights.

The story of Mulan may have been based on another famous Chinese tale, the Legend of the Maiden of Yueh. This courageous woman was the first of many female warriors to be depicted in Chinese art and literature. Known for her expert swordsmanship, the Maiden of Yueh was said to have attributed her expertise to the skillful blending of yin (female and passive power) and yang (masculine and active power). This combination of energy made for an accomplished and gallant warrior sure to dominate in battle.

Mulan's story is just as exciting. When Mulan's father received an order to join the imperial army, the family worried, for although once a great warrior, he was now too old and ill to fight. To refuse the Khan's (ruler's) order, however, would bring dishonor and punishment upon the entire family. There was no question that Mulan's father had to go, for his only son, who might have served as a substitute, was much too young. Mulan, though, thought of another way. To protect her father and her family, Mulan herself decided to join the army in his place. Disguised as a man, she distinguished herself in battle as a brave warrior and a clever strategist. Summoned to the royal court at the war's end, the emperor offered Mulan a high government position as a reward for her devoted service. Mulan declined this bounty, accepting instead a fine horse from the emperor's stable. Only much later, when her former comrades in arms came to visit her, did Mulan reveal her true identity .

The story of Mulan first appeared as a poem entitled The Song of Mulan, composed sometime between 420 and 589. The saga was also included in the court anthologies of the Tang Dynasty, which ruled China during the period 618 to 907.

As with many other legends, numerous questions surround the story of Mulan. Opinions differ, for example, about her real name. According to Annals of the Ming, her surname was Zhu. The Annals of the Qing, on the contrary, identify her as Wei. One Chinese playwright put forth yet another interpretation. When Mulan joined the army in place of her father, according to this account, he gave her the surname Hua. Still others have stated that her surname was Mu.

The copyright of the article Mulan in History For Children is owned by Meg Greene Malvasi. Permission to republish Mulan in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.