Hua Mulan: Legend of a Cross Dressing Warrior

Hua Mulan A Legend of a Cross Dressing Warrior

The story of the fictional character Hua Mulan is well-known in western culture after it was brought to life by the Disney franchise. The legend of this heroine originatein China around 400 A.D., during a time of war. The original text of the legend does not specify the war nor Mulan’s adversary. The legend tells of a girl who took her father’s place when he had been conscripted.1 Mulan transitioned from woman to man in order to become a soldier.2 She released her foot bindings and sacrificed her most treasured womanly traits to answer to the higher purpose.3 She was motivated by a need to protect her father and a desire to bring honour to her family.4 In her twelve years at war, Mulan became a highly ranked soldier and fought in some decisive battles.5 Her heroism led to her being offered a prominent position, but she turned it down to keep her gender identity a secret.6 Eventually light was shed on the part she had been playing, her comrades were shocked to discover she was a woman, an identity that she had hidden well.7

This legend impacted the history China and continues to impact us today. The implications of Mulan’s story in China can be seen in the last line of The Ballad of Mulan which reads: “When a pair of rabbits run side by side, who can distinguish male from female?”8 This line describes the gender equality Mulan acted on by going to war,

and draws attention to the fact that she was able to play the part of a man perfectly, allowing her to rise through the ranks as an equal. This raises the question of the differences between men and women, and whether those differences are social constructions or biological imperatives. The very existence and popularity of the ballad is a testament to the public acknowledgment of strong female figures who challenge traditional roles.9 Today this story is told to children everywhere, reminding them that they can be whatever they want regardless of their gender identity. It shows that women can be heroes and considered among the ranks of men in foundational legends. Mulan has become an inspiration and a testament for the strength that is inside every woman.

Madeleine Wilk (she/her)

Education major