Wuxia Weapons: From Swords to Bows

Wuxia tales are filled with tales of characters displaying legendary skill, honor, and courage. One aspect that often brings these characters to life is their legendary weapons. Most types are commonly known but modified in design.

Yet the quintessential for any legendary Wuxia weapon is its history and often mythical properties. From the mighty Guandao to the elegant Jian, many Wuxia weapons influence their representation even in real life.

If this piques your interest, let’s walk through some notable weapons that have come to life in Wuxia novels.

Jian (剑) — The Gentleman of Weapons

The Jian, with its straight blade and balanced design, is a weapon that demands skill and grace from its wielder. It’s often seen as being beyond a tool for combat. Instead, the Jian is often associated with the literati and the noble ideals of a Wuxia hero.

In the pantheon of Wuxia weaponry, the Jian occupies a place of honor. Known as the “gentleman of weapons,” the Jian is a straight, double-edged sword that epitomizes the spirit of Wuxia: a blend of elegance, balance, and moral rectitude.

Famous Jian in Wuxia

Dragon Spring Sword: This legendary Jian is a staple in Louis Cha’s Wuxia novels. Known for its unparalleled sharpness and supposedly forged with the waters of a dragon-infested spring, the Dragon Spring Sword is often at the center of intricate plot twists and epic battles.

Heavenly Sword: Another iconic Jian from classic Wuxia tales, the Heavenly Sword is revered not just for its lethal prowess but also for its symbolic representation of justice and heroism in the face of adversity.

Notable Users of the Jian

Linghu Chong: A central figure in the Wuxia novel “The Smiling, Proud Wanderer,” Linghu Chong’s mastery of the Jian is a reflection of his inner strength and his unyielding pursuit of justice, embodying the true spirit of the Wuxia hero.

Yang Guo: In the novel “The Return of the Condor Heroes,” Yang Guo’s use of the Heavenly Sword is a testament to his skill and his complex character arc, navigating the turbulent waters of love, loss, and the burdens of legacy.

Dao (刀) — An Unyeilding Nature

The Dao is a single-edged saber renowned for its power and versatility. Unlike the balanced Jian, the Dao is known for its aggressive and practical application in battle, symbolizing many Wuxia warriors’ raw and unbridled spirit.

The Dao stands out with its broad, curved blade, making it ideal for slashing and chopping motions. Its design is less about elegance and more about efficiency and adaptability in combat. In the hands of a skilled practitioner, the Dao becomes a whirlwind of steel, embodying the fierce and relentless nature of Wuxia’s martial conflicts.

Famous Dao in Wuxia:

Heavenly Reliance: This formidable Dao, featured in various Wuxia novels, is known for its overpowering presence on the battlefield. Its name signifies the wielder’s reliance on the weapon as a heavenly protector amid chaos.

Frost Wave Saber: Another celebrated Dao, the Frost Wave Saber, is famed for its unique ability to ‘sing’ in the wind, creating a chilling melody as it cuts through the air. This weapon often appears in stories where the Dao is as much a character as the hero who wields it.

Notable Users of the Dao:

Dugu Qiubai: A legendary figure in Wuxia lore, Dugu Qiubai is said to have mastered the Dao to an unparalleled degree. His association with the Heavenly Reliance reinforces the Dao’s reputation as a weapon of formidable strength.

Xiao Feng: The protagonist of “The Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils,” Xiao Feng’s use of the Frost Wave Saber reflects his tumultuous journey. His mastery of the Dao mirrors his struggle to navigate the complex world of martial arts and honor.

Qiang (槍) — Discipline and Strength

The Qiang, an ancient and versatile spear, holds a special place in the pantheon of Wuxia weaponry. It symbolizes the traditional warrior, embodying the virtues of discipline, strength, and strategic combat.

In Wuxia tales, the Qiang is often the weapon of choice for characters skilled in both martial arts and the art of war. With its long shaft and pointed blade, the Qiang is designed for reach and versatility.

It allows a warrior to engage foes at a distance, combining thrusting, sweeping, and even blocking techniques. The Qiang’s design varies from simple and practical to ornate and symbolically decorated, reflecting the status and skill of its wielder.

Famous Qiang in Wuxia

Frost Fair Blade: A legendary spear associated with famed strategist Zhuge Liang. The Frost Fair Blade, often depicted in Wuxia novels, is celebrated for its balance and precision and the tactical genius of its users.

Dragon Tongue Spear: This Qiang is named for its flame-shaped blade and is revered for its agility and lethal effectiveness in skilled hands. It’s a weapon that combines elegance and deadliness, much like the mythical creature it’s named after.

Notable Users of the Qiang

Xiao Yuanfeng: A central character in the Wuxia novel “The Dragon Chronicles,” Xiao Yuanfeng wields the Dragon Tongue Spear with unparalleled skill. He makes strategic use of the spear in both offense and defense.

Lu Buwei: In “The Legend of the Condor Heroes,” Lu Buwei is depicted as a master of the Qiang, notably the Frost Fair Blade. His proficiency with the spear makes him a formidable opponent in the Wuxia universe.

Guandao (关岛) — Strength and Integrity

Similar to the western halberd is a weapon known as the Guandao. Sometimes called the Reclining Moon Blade, the guandao is characterized by its massive blade mounted atop a long handle.

This weapon combines the grace of tradition with the power of legend in Wuxia. The formidable weapon often embodies strength and integrity and is as much a work of art as a war tool.

Famous Guandao in Wuxia

Green Dragon Crescent Blade: Perhaps the most renowned Guandao in Chinese history, this legendary weapon is said to have been wielded by Guan Yu himself. The Green Dragon Crescent Blade is often depicted as an extension of Guan Yu’s righteous and indomitable spirit.

Frost Moon Blade: Another iconic Guandao from Wuxia literature is the Frost Moon Blade. Wielded by a noble warrior in a famous Wuxia novel, this blade symbolizes the delicate balance between elegance and power.

Notable Users of the Guandao

Guan Yu: One of history’s most famous Chinese icons, Guan Yu’s use of the Green Dragon Crescent Blade has become emblematic of his unyielding honor and formidable skill. It is rumored that this Guando weighed close to 100lbs (45kg).

Flying Dagger (飞刀) — The Hidden Strike of Wuxia

No Wuxia weaponry arsenal is complete without including the Flying Dagger, a weapon that embodies stealth, precision, and the element of surprise. Unlike the other more conspicuous weapons of the genre, the Flying Dagger is the choice of the shadowy assassin.

The Flying Dagger is typically a small, easily concealed weapon, often with an ornately decorated handle and a blade forged from the finest steel. Its size belies its lethality, as it is commonly poisoned or imbued with the inner energy of its wielder.

Famous Flying Daggers

Whispering Wind: Renowned for its silent strike, this Flying Dagger is as elusive as deadly. In the hands of a master, it is said to be able to change direction mid-air, confounding foes and striking from impossible angles.

Serpent’s Kiss: A dagger as beautiful as it is dangerous, often depicted with a blade that curves like a snake. It is known for its swift and vicious attack, leaving no trace except for the tell-tale sign of its deadly kiss.

Notable Users of the Flying Dagger

Li Huai: The protagonist of the novel “The Sentimental Swordsman,” Li Huai is as renowned for his poignant poetry as he is for his lethal accuracy with the Flying Dagger, using it not just to defeat foes but as an extension of his artistic soul.

Shui Sheng: A mysterious figure from “The Dagger Society,” Shui Sheng’s mastery of the Flying Dagger is unparalleled, turning a simple weapon into a tool of awe-inspiring feats and positioning her as one of the most feared assassins of the Jianghu.

Bow (弓) — The Silent Sentinel

The bow, an ancient weapon of grace and long-range precision, occupies a revered space in Wuxia lore. It represents the marriage of patience, foresight, and skill, often wielded by characters as wise as deadly.

In Wuxia, the bow is not merely a hunting tool but an instrument of justice, capable of delivering swift retribution from a distance. The bows are often crafted from rare materials and may carry enchantments that allow their arrows to find targets with almost supernatural accuracy.

Famous Bows in Wuxia

Heaven’s Arc: A bow said to be strung with the hair of celestial beings, Heaven’s Arc allows its arrows to pierce through the strongest armor, embodying the heavens’ might.

Wind Chaser: This bow, known for its unerring aim, is often associated with arrows that can turn corners with the breeze and strike unseen enemies, living up to its name.

Notable Users of the Bow

Yeung Wing: The stoic hero of “The Eagle-Shooting Heroes,” Yeung Wing is as renowned for his archery as his code of honor. His bow, Heaven’s Arc, symbolizes his connection to the spiritual world and his quest for justice.

Wai Siu-Bo: A mischievous and cunning character from “The Deer and the Cauldron,” Wai Siu-Bo’s use of the Wind Chaser is as unpredictable as his antics, often turning the tide of battle with a well-placed shot.

Conclusion

In the rich tapestry of wuxia lore, the weapons wielded by heroes and villains alike are not mere combat tools but extensions of the characters’ virtues, skills, and legacies.

From the elegantly swift jian to the formidable guandao, each blade and bow carries stories of honor, betrayal, and the eternal struggle between right and wrong. These weapons are as diverse as the martial artists, representing various fighting styles and philosophies.