Condor Trilogy

Condor Trilogy
Traditional Chinese	射鵰三部曲
Simplified Chinese	射雕三部曲
Transcriptions Mandarin - Hanyu Pinyin Shè Diāo Sān Bù Qǔ Cantonese - Jyutping Se6 Diu1 Saam3 Bou6 Kuk1

The Condor Trilogy is a trilogy of three wuxia novels by Jin Yong.

The novels in the trilogy are:

• The Legend of the Condor Heroes (射鵰英雄傳) (1957)
• The Return of the Condor Heroes (神鵰俠侶) (1959)
• The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber (倚天屠龍記) (1961)

Plot

Book I

Book cover

The story is set in the Song Dynasty and at the beginning of the Jurchen Jin Dynasty's invasion of northern China. The first part of the novel revolves around the friendship of two men, Yang Tiexin and Guo Xiaotian, who become heroes in their own right as they fight the Jin invaders. The bond between the duo is so strong that they pledge to each other that their unborn children will become either sworn brothers (if both are of the same sex) or a couple (if they are of opposite sexes).

The story focuses on the trials and tribulations of their sons after Guo's death and Yang's disappearance. Guo Jing, Guo Xiaotian's son, grows up in Mongolia under the care of Genghis Khan. Yang Kang, on the other hand, grows up in Jin as a Jurchen prince's son. Guo is mentored by the "Seven Freaks of Jiangnan" in martial arts but he is a slow learner and only manages to master part of the skills he was taught. Yang is mentored by Qiu Chuji of the Quanzhen Sect and he learns the evil "Nine Yin White Bone Claw" from Mei Chaofeng secretly.

The boys' personalities differ largely from each other due to the difference in the manners they were raised. Guo is honest, loyal and righteous, but slow witted. Conversely, Yang is clever, but scheming and treacherous. They eventually meet one another and their respective lovers, Huang Rong and Mu Nianci. The main plot follows Guo and Huang's adventures and their encounters with the Five Greats. Meanwhile, Yang plots with the Jurchens to destroy his native land of Song. Yang refuses to acknowledge his ethnicity and is strongly driven to acquire wealth, fame and glory. His treachery is slowly unveiled throughout the novel through the encounters he has with the protagonists.

Assisted by Guo, the Mongol military destroys the Khwarezm Empire and Western Xia, leaving the Jin Dynasty with no ally left to turn to and its eventual destruction. The Mongols subsequently turn their attention towards Song. Guo is unwilling to aid the Mongols in conquering his native homeland and leaves Mongolia. Guo returns to Song and helps his countrymen in countering the Mongol invasion. On the other hand, Yang meets his retributive end, leaving behind Mu Nianci and their unborn son.

Book II

Book cover

The protagonist, Yang Guo, is the orphaned son of the antagonist Yang Kang from the first novel. He is raised briefly by the couple Guo Jing and Huang Rong before being sent to the Quanzhen Sect for better guidance in moral values and orthodox martial arts. At Quanzhen, Yang is often picked on and bullied by his fellow students and his teacher Zhao Zhijing is biased against him. Yang flees and ventures unknowingly into the nearby Tomb of the Living Dead, where the Ancient Tomb Sect is housed. He is saved by Xiaolongnü, a mysterious maiden of unknown origin, and becomes her disciple. They live together in the tomb for many years until Yang grows up. By then, Yang sees Xiaolongnü more than merely his highly-respected teacher, as he has gradually developed romantic feelings for her.

However, their love is forbidden by societal laws in the Confucianist society of that time. Throughout the story, their love meets with several trials, such as the misunderstandings that threaten to tear them apart and the encounter with Gongsun Zhi. Finally, after their reunion and marriage, Xiaolongnü leaves Yang again, owing to her belief she cannot recover from a fatal poison, and promises to meet him again sixteen years later. While Yang is wandering the land alone, he meets several formidable pugilists and a giant Condor. His adventures gradually mould him into a courageous pugilist, whose prowess matches the Greats of his age. Yang serves his nation by helping the Han Chinese of the Song Dynasty defeat the Mongol invaders, delaying their advances for another fourteen years. At the end of the novel, he is finally reunited with Xiaolongnü and they are recognized as heroes.

Book III

Book cover

Set in the late Yuan Dynasty, the story revolves around a pair of priceless and extremely powerful weapons, known respectively as the Heaven-reliant Sword (倚天劍) and Dragon-slaying Saber (屠龍刀), which many pugilists covet. Either or both of them are thought to allow their wielder to rule the wulin (martial artists' community), according to a widely circulating rumour in a repeated mantra, "Honoured by the wulin, the precious saber slays the dragon, it commands the world, who dares disobey? If the Heaven-reliant does not appear, who can challenge it?" (武林至尊，寶刀屠龍，號令天下，莫敢不從！倚天不出，誰與爭鋒？). The reason for that is lost at the beginning of the story. In addition, a subplot reveals the fates of the Guo and Yang families from the first two novels.

The protagonist, Zhang Wuji, is of mixed heritage: his father, Zhang Cuishan, hails from the righteous Wudang Sect under the master Zhang Sanfeng, while his mother, Yin Susu, is from the unorthodox Heavenly Eagle Cult. As a boy, he lives with them and his godfather, Xie Xun, on the isolated northerrn island where he was born. He returns to the Chinese mainland and loses his parents after they are cornered by several pugilists coveting the Dragon-slaying Saber. At the same time, he is wounded by the Xuanming Elders and survives after seeking medical treatment from Hu Qingniu.

His adventures further lead him to discover the long-lost Nine Yang Manual and he masters the skills within, becoming a formidable pugilist. Subsequently, he resolves the conflict between the Ming Cult and the six major orthodox sects, who are intent on destroying the cult. He earns the respect of the cult's members and becomes its leader after mastering the powerful skill "Heaven and Earth Great Shift". He reforms the cult and helps to improve its relations with the other sects. He becomes a key figure in leading the rebel forces to overthrow the Yuan Dynasty.

Throughout his adventures, Zhang finds himself entangled in a complex web of love relationships with four maidens. The first, Yin Li, is a horribly disfigured girl, who is actually his cousin. The second, Xiaozhao, is a Chinese Persian servant girl who understands him very well. The third, Zhou Zhiruo, is a childhood friend whom he develops a strong bond with. The fourth, Zhao Min, is a Mongol princess and his former arch-rival. Yin Li is apparently killed in the middle of the story while Xiaozhao returns to Persia after it is revealed that she is destined to lead the Persian Ming Cult.

Zhou Zhiruo only loves Zhang Wuji, but has to turn against him as she is bound by an oath to her teacher Abbess Miejue (who hates and distrusts Zhang). Miejue devises a vicious scheme for Zhou Zhiruo to seize the two weapons by exploiting Zhang Wuji's love for Zhou Zhiruo. Zhou Zhiruo also turns vicious after Zhang Wuji reneges his promise to marry her and she swears vengeance on him. Zhao Min is initially Zhang Wuji's rival as they are on opposing sides. However, Zhao Min gradually falls in love with Zhang Wuji after their various encounters and she even turns against her clan to help Zhang Wuji.

At the end of the novel, Zhang Wuji decides to retire from the jianghu after he mistakenly believes that the Ming Cult's members are intending to turn against him. He realizes that Zhao Min is his true love and they leave for a reclusive life far away from society. Zhang gives up an opportunity to become the emperor, as the Ming Cult eventually overthrows the Yuan Dynasty, and ideally he will become the new sovereign. Instead, Zhu Yuanzhang becomes the emperor and founds the Ming Dynasty.

Romanization of some common names

Characters
Chinese (Traditional / Simplified)	Mandarin (Pinyin)	Cantonese (Jyutping)	Hokkien
射鵰英雄傳 / 射雕英雄传	She Diao Ying Xiong Zhuan	Se Diu Jing Hung Zyun	Sia Tiauw Eng Hiong
郭靖	Guo Jing	Gwok Zing	Kwee Ceng
黃蓉 / 黄蓉	Huang Rong	Wong Jung	Oey Yong
楊康 / 杨康	Yang Kang	Joeng Hong	Yo Kang
穆念慈	Mu Nianci	Muk Nim-ci	Bok Liam-ci
王重陽 / 王重阳	Wang Chongyang	Wong Cung-joeng	Ong Tiong-yang
洪七公	Hong Qigong	Hung Cat-gung	Ang Cit-kong
黃藥師 / 黄药师	Huang Yaoshi	Wong Joek-si	Oey Yok-su
歐陽鋒 / 欧阳锋	Ouyang Feng	Au-joeng Fung	Auw-yang Hong
楊鐵心 / 杨铁心	Yang Tiexin	Joeng Tit-sam	Yo Tiat-sim
包惜弱	Bao Xiruo	Baau Sik-joek	Pauw Sek-yok
郭嘨天 / 郭啸天	Guo Xiaotian	Gwok Siu-tin	Kwee Siau-tin
李萍	Li Ping	Lei Ping	Li Ping
歐陽克 / 欧阳克	Ouyang Ke	Au-joeng Hak	Auw-yang Hok
梅超風 / 梅超风	Mei Chaofeng	Mui Ciu-fung	Bwee Tiauw-hong
一燈大師 / 一灯大师	Yideng Dashi	Jat-dang Daai-si	It-teng Tay-su
周伯通	Zhou Botong	Zau Baak-tung	Ciu Pek-thong
丘處機 / 丘处机	Qiu Chuji	Jau Cyu-gei	Khu Ci-kee
馬鈺 / 马钰	Ma Yu	Maa Juk	Ma Giok
華箏 / 华筝	Huazheng	Waa-zang	Go-chin
拖雷	Tuolei	To-leoi	Tu-li
裘千仞	Qiu Qianren	Kau Cin-jan	Kiu Cian-jin
柯鎮惡 / 柯镇恶	Ke Zhen'e	O Zan-ngok	Kwa Tin'ok
瑛姑	Yinggu	Jing-gu	Eng-kouw
完顏洪烈 / 完颜洪烈	Wanyan Honglie	Jyun-ngaan Hung-lit	Wan-yen Hung-lieh
傻姑	Shagu	So-gu	Sa-kouw
尹志平	Yin Zhiping	Wan Zi-peng	In Ci-peng
神鵰俠侶 / 神雕侠侣	Shen Diao Xia Lü	San Diu Hap Leoi	Sin Tiauw Hiap Lu
楊過 / 杨过	Yang Guo	Joeng Gwo	Yo Ko
小龍女 / 小龙女	Xiaolongnü	Siu-lung-neoi	Siauw-liong-lie
郭芙	Guo Fu	Gwok Fu	Kwee Hu
郭襄	Guo Xiang	Gwok Soeng	Kwee Siang
霍都	Huodu	Fok-dou	Ho-tu
李莫愁	Li Mochou	Lei Mok-sau	Li Mo-ciu
公孫綠萼 / 公孙绿萼	Gongsun Lü'e	Gung-syun Luk-ngok	Kong-sun Li
公孫止 / 公孙止	Gongsun Zhi	Gung-syun Zi	Kong-sun Tit
金輪法王 / 金轮法王 (金輪國師 / 金轮国师)	Jinlun Fawang (Jinlun Guoshi)	Gam-leon Faat-wong (Gam-leon Gwok-si)	Kim-loen Hoat'ong
程英	Cheng Ying	Cing Jing	Thia Eng
陸無雙 / 陆无双	Lu Wushuang	Luk Mou-soeng	Liok Boe-song
趙志敬 / 赵志敬	Zhao Zhijing	Ziu Zi-ging	Tio Ci-keng
耶律齊 / 耶律齐	Yelü Qi	Je-leot Cai	Yeh-lu Chi
耶律燕	Yelü Yan	Je-leot Jin	Yeh-lu Yen
完顏萍 / 完颜萍	Wanyan Ping	Jyun-ngaan Ping	Wan-yen Ping
武敦儒	Wu Dunru	Mou Deon-jyu	Bu Tun-ji
武修文	Wu Xiuwen	Mou Sau-man	Bu Siu-bun
倚天屠龍記 / 倚天屠龙记	Yi Tian Tu Long Ji	Ji Tin Tou Lung Gei	To Liong To
張無忌 / 张无忌	Zhang Wuji	Zoeng Mou-gei	Thio Bu-ki
趙明 / 赵明 (趙敏 / 赵敏)	Zhao Ming (Zhao Min)	Ziu Ming (Ziu Man)	Tio Beng
周芷若	Zhou Zhiruo	Zau Zi-joek	Ciu Ci-jiak
殷離 / 殷离	Yin Li	Jan Lei	In Li
小昭	Xiaozhao	Siu-ziu	Siao-ciao
張翠山 / 张翠山	Zhang Cuishan	Zoeng Ceoi-saan	Thio Cui-san
殷素素	Yin Susu	Jan Sou-sou	In So-so
謝遜 / 谢逊	Xie Xun	Ze Seon	Cia Sun
楊逍 / 杨逍	Yang Xiao	Joeng Siu	Yo Siauw
宋遠橋 / 宋远桥	Song Yuanqiao	Sung Jyun-kiu	Song Wan-kiauw
殷梨亭	Yin Liting	Jan Lei-ting	In Li-heng
張三豐 / 张三丰	Zhang Sanfeng	Zoeng Saam-fung	Thio Sam-hong
宋青書 / 宋青书	Song Qingshu	Sung Cing-syu	Song Ching-su
楊不悔 / 杨不悔	Yang Buhui	Joeng Bat-fui	Yo Put-hui
紀曉芙 / 纪晓芙	Ji Xiaofu	Gei Hiu-fu	Ke Siau-hu
范遙 / 范遥	Fan Yao	Faan Jiu	Hoan Yauw
殷野王	Yin Yewang	Jan Je-wong	In Ya'ong
王保保	Wang Baobao	Wong Bou-bou	Ong Po-po
成昆	Cheng Kun	Sing Gwan	Seng Kun
莫聲谷 / 莫声谷	Mo Shenggu	Mok Sing-guk	Boh Seng-kok
汝南王	Runan Wang	Jyu-naam Wong	Ji-lam Ong
俞岱巖 / 俞岱岩	Yu Daiyan	Jyu Doi-ngaam	Ji Thay-giam
俞蓮舟 / 俞莲舟	Yu Lianzhou	Jyu Lin-zau	Ji Lian-ciu
韋一笑 / 韦一笑	Wei Yixiao	Wai Jat-siu	Wi It-siauw
Miscellaneous
Chinese (Traditional / Simplified)	Mandarin (Pinyin)	Cantonese (Jyutping)	Hokkien
打狗棒法	Da Gou Bang Fa	Daa Gau Paang Faat	Tah-kauw Pang Hoat
胡家刀法	Hu Jia Dao Fa	Wu Gaa Dou Faat	Ouw Kee To Hoat
九陽真經 / 九阳真经	Jiu Yang Zhen Jing	Gau Joeng Zan Ging	Kiu Yang Cin Keng
九陰真經 / 九阴真经	Jiu Yin Zhen Jing	Gau Jam Zan Ging	Kiu Im Cin Keng
乾坤大挪移	Qian Kun Da Nuo Yi	Kin Kwan Daai No Ji	Kian-kun Tay-lo-ie
彈指神通 / 弹指神通	Tan Zhi Shen Tong	Taan Zi San Tung	Tan Ci Sin Thong
降龍十八掌 / 降龙十八掌	Xiang Long Shi Ba Zhang	Hong Lung Sap Baat Zoeng	Hang Liong Tsap Pue Ciang
易筋經 / 易筋经	Yi Jin Jing	Jik Gan Ging	Ih-kin-keng
一陽指 / 一阳指	Yi Yang Zhi	Jat Joeng Zi	It Yang Ci
玉女心經 / 玉女心经	Yu Nü Xin Jing	Juk Neoi Sam Ging	Giok-li Sim Keng
玉簫劍法 / 玉箫剑法	Yu Xiao Jian Fa	Juk Siu Gim Faat	Giok Siau Kiam-hoat
華山 / 华山	Hua Shan	Waa Saan	Hoa San
少林	Shao Lin	Siu Lam	Siauw Lim
武當 / 武当	Wu Dang	Mou Dong	Bu Tong
峨嵋	E Mei	Ngo Mei	Go Bie