The Yue Maiden: An Independent Heroine and Her History in China

Abstract

<p>The sprawling epic cycle concerning the conflict between the ancient kingdoms of Wu and Yue is notable for its perennial popularity—still going strong after two and a half millennia—not to mention the superlative creative works it has inspired, and the vast range of different genres and media in which it has been represented. This chapter explores one character from the cycle: an anonymous young girl known by her epithet as the Yue Maiden (Yuenü). Born deep in the forests of southern China, she is said to have trained herself in martial arts through watching animals. Having achieved supreme skill in swordsmanship, she chose to teach her craft to the armies of the great King Goujian of Yue (r. 496-465 BCE), before vanishing back into the wilderness. This analysis will focus on three key aspects of her legend. First, the way in which an autochthonous character gradually became Sinicized over the centuries. Secondly, how the combination of dazzling skill and independence of thought shown by the Yue Maiden established an important model which profoundly influenced later literary portrayals of women warriors. Thirdly, this chapter will consider how the character of the Yue Maiden became intertwined with the other young woman from Yue, the beautiful Xi Shi, who was sent by King Goujian as a silent instrument of his revenge against King Fuchai of Wu (r. 495-473 BCE). These two Yue maidens came to represent two sides of the same coin: the active and passive role of women in warfare.<br></p>