LayarHijau.com—Jin Yong, one of the greatest kungfu novelists in the history of Chinese literature, created the Condor Trilogy, which consists of three novels: "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" (The Eagle Shooting Heroes), "The Return of the Condor Heroes", and "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber".
The three novels of the Condor Trilogy were first serialized in Ming Pao magazine in the 1950s to 1960s. "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" (1960-1961) was the first to be published, followed by "The Return of the Condor Heroes" (1959-1961), which started a bit earlier but finished later. "The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber" was published last from 1961 to 1963.
After great success as a serialized work, the three novels were later published as books by the Chung Hwa Book Company in Hong Kong, which compiled the stories to meet the high demand from readers. This publication success made the Condor Trilogy an iconic wuxia work that not only influenced Hong Kong culture but also Chinese literature as a whole.
Through this trilogy, Jin Yong not only offers thrilling adventure stories but also delves into major themes concerning moral values, the role of tradition, and the social changes faced by Chinese society, especially in 20th-century Hong Kong, which was at a crossroads.
Background of Early Readers and Hong Kong's Social Conditions
When the Condor Trilogy was first published, Hong Kong was undergoing significant transitions. As a British colony under Western influence, Hong Kong society experienced rapid social changes.
Many people felt alienated between traditional Chinese values and the influence of Western modernity. Jin Yong realized that this society, especially the younger generation, often found themselves in a dilemma between preserving their cultural identity and accepting external changes.
Amidst this uncertainty, Jin Yong used the characters in the Condor Trilogy to depict the tension between tradition and change, and how individuals struggle to find their identity in a constantly evolving world.
The Legend of the Condor Heroes: Guo Jing and Huang Rong
Symbols of: Nationalism, traditional morality, identity as a Chinese person
Story's End: United as a supporting couple, fighting for mutual honor
In the first novel, Guo Jing (Kwee Ceng) is a symbol of loyalty, simplicity, and strong moral integrity. He is a character with honesty and fearlessness and often serves as an example of defending traditional Chinese values. He was raised by Mongols after his father died and his mother suffered due to the betrayal of fellow Han people in favor of the Jin Dynasty prince.
But in the end, he remains loyal to the Song Dynasty when faced with crossroads. Guo Jing's loyalty reflects the theme of identity conflict often experienced by individuals living in a situation full of tension between tradition and change or between loyalty to family, country, and personal principles. In this sense, Guo Jing demonstrates the courage to choose the difficult path—fighting to protect the Song Dynasty despite facing numerous challenges, including having to confront the greater Mongol power. This theme resonates with many individuals in the modern world who have to make difficult decisions about their identity and the values they uphold.
The love between Guo Jing and Huang Rong (Oey Yong), while considered an ideal couple, also illustrates how societal moral boundaries can be obstacles to personal relationships.
However, their relationship also faces challenges from conservative groups who view Huang Rong as the daughter of a controversial and dangerous father, given the notorious reputation of Huang Yaoshi. Their true love faces opposition from a worldview that often looks negatively upon them. In the context of Hong Kong at the time, this story reminds readers to uphold noble values in the face of a changing era filled with pressure and temptation.
The Return of the Condor Heroes: Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü
Symbols of: Individualism, rebellion against tradition, emotional freedom
Story's End: True love despite defying social norms
Yang Guo (Yo Ko), unlike Guo Jing, is a rebellious figure who opposes moral rigidity and the existing system. He is the son of Yang Kang (Yo Kang), a traitor, which causes society to look down on him. However, despite being the child of a villain, Yang Guo demonstrates courage, intelligence, and determination that help him overcome societal prejudices against him.
Society looks down on him and has no hope for him. Personally, Yang Guo does not feel the need for nationalism and loyalty to society and the Song Dynasty because he feels he has received nothing from his country. He was once tempted to betray his country in order to seek revenge against Guo Jing and Huang Rong when he misunderstood them.
But in the end, even though he is the child of a traitor, abandoned and oppressed, he chooses to follow the example of his uncle and godfather to protect his country. This decision is not because he feels the Song Dynasty and its people deserve protection.
Yang Guo in The Return of the Condor Heroes represents a more individualistic form of nationalism, where the struggle for personal justice and freedom is more important than loyalty to an unjust political system or country.
Yang Guo's relationship with Xiaolongnü (Bibi Lung) is a forbidden love that tests the morality of Confucian society. Xiaolongnü is a woman who is very different from the usual, a person not bound by rigid social norms.
Their relationship, which appears unacceptable to society, reflects a rejection of established morality and the pursuit of personal freedom. In modern Hong Kong, this story encourages readers to ask: Are traditional binding rules always right, or is it time to shake these conventions?
On the other hand, Guo Fu (Kwee Hu), the daughter of the legendary couple Guo Jing and Huang Rong, stands in stark contrast to Yang Guo. Despite coming from a respected family, her poor personality and inability to face hardships show that social status and respect do not guarantee moral quality.
The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber: Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min
Symbols of: Search for identity, transition between tradition and modernity
Story's End: Confronting political realities and becoming symbols of moral and ideological shifts
Zhang Wuji (Thio Boe Ki) is a more complex character compared to Guo Jing and Yang Guo. On one hand, he is a symbol of moral integrity, but on the other hand, he is caught in the manipulative and scheming politics of power. Zhang Wuji's life is about searching for his identity amidst various external challenges, both political and emotional.
Zhang Wuji in The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber represents the complexity between loyalty to personal identity and political responsibility. As a character raised in a situation full of political intrigue, Zhang Wuji faces a dilemma between maintaining personal morality and being trapped in manipulative power. Although he has strong moral principles, Zhang Wuji often has to confront the harsh political reality, especially when faced with large ambitions and faction conflicts.
In the context of nationalism, Zhang Wuji portrays the struggle between personal interests and those of the country, realizing that sometimes the fight for truth and justice is more complicated than simply fighting for one side or ideology. He reflects a journey to find balance between moral values and social responsibility and teaches that in a world filled with intrigue, personal integrity must be maintained despite being under pressure.
Zhao Min (Tio Beng), the female lead character in this novel, becomes a symbol of wisdom and ambition. As a woman initially seen as an enemy, she proves that moral decisions do not depend on background but on personal principles.
The love between Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min transcends traditional boundaries and becomes a symbol of the shift in values toward more open and flexible ideals.
Forbidden Love: A Challenge to Social Norms
One theme that connects the three novels is forbidden love and how each couple faces rejection from society.
Guo Jing and Huang Rong: Their love is viewed as a violation of rigid morality due to Huang Rong's controversial background.
Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü: Their love is a rejection of binding traditions and shows a struggle for personal freedom.
Zhang Wuji and Zhao Min: Their love is more complex, involving social and political power changes that push both of them to form their own moral values.