Legend of Mulan

Name of Chinese national intangible cultural heritage: Legend of Mulan

Applicant: Yucheng County, Henan Province

Item No.: 537

Project No.: i-50

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: Folk Literature

Region: Henan Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Yucheng County, Henan Province

Protection unit: Yucheng County Cultural Center

Introduction to Mulan legend:

Applicant: Yucheng County, Henan Province

Hua Mulan is a legendary female hero with far-reaching influence in ancient China. Mulan legends include Mulan's birth, young Mulan, joining the army for his father, meritorious service outside the Great Wall, farewell and reward, reunion at home and so on. The legend has been handed down for thousands of years, and its content is very rich, involving people, place names, buildings, products, customs, religion and many other aspects. It covers many fields of folk literature and is widely spread. It not only has many interpretations all over the country, but also has a wide influence abroad. Mulan legend is an excellent cultural heritage of the Chinese nation, which shows the concept of loyalty to the country, love for the family and respect for the elders, and the pursuit of equality. It has a certain historical, literary and folk research value.

There is Mulan mountain in Huangpi District, Wuhan City, Hubei Province, which is said to be the hometown of Hua Mulan. There are many famous places named after Mulan legend, such as Mulan mountain, Mulan Lake, mulanchuan, Mulan Tianchi, Mulan Shimen, Mulan Qingliang village, etc. In addition, there is a stone tablet inscribed with Mulan's life at yingkuo Mulan temple in Yucheng, Henan Province. It was erected in 1334, the second year of Yuantong in the Yuan Dynasty. The inscription is more than 3000 words, recording Mulan's birthplace, surname, deeds and family information in detail. The legend of Mulan is widely spread in both places.

The content and connotation of Mulan legend is very rich. It is only handed down by word of mouth, but now it is gradually lost and scattered. It is in urgent need of professional excavation, collation, protection and promotion.