The Many Tales Of Mulan. The Tale Of Mulan Was Originally Ju

The Many Tales of Mulan. The tale of Mulan was originally just a short poem in the Tang dynasty, but over the centuries the story grew in length and changed in content.

The story of Mulan has evolved significantly from its origins as a short Tang dynasty poem to various modern adaptations, including plays, films, and animated features. These transformations highlight changing cultural values and societal perspectives over time. This essay compares at least one classic textual version of Mulan with modern film adaptations, analyzing similarities and differences in characters, values, and plot elements.

Originally, the ancient ballad of Mulan, known as “The Ballad of Mulan,” depicted a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her father’s place in the army. The character of Mulan is portrayed as brave, filial, and resourceful, embodying virtues highly valued in ancient Chinese society, such as loyalty, honor, and filial piety. The plot centers on her enlistment, her bravery in battle, and her eventual return home without seeking fame or reward. This version emphasizes themes of filial piety and societal duty, portraying her as a self-sacrificing hero whose actions uphold Confucian virtues (Watson, 1981). The story's simplicity underscores the moral lesson about loyalty and filial piety, with less focus on individual emotion or personal agency.

Modern adaptations, notably Disney’s animated film “Mulan” (1998), expand and reinterpret many aspects of this classic tale. While maintaining the core plot of a young woman disguising herself as a man to serve in the army, the Disney version introduces a more developed character background, humor, and romantic elements. For example, Mulan is depicted as spirited, independent, and sometimes impulsive, highlighting qualities that appeal to contemporary notions of female empowerment and individualism (Brinker & Reddick, 2010). The character’s relationships with companions like Mushu the dragon and her fellow soldiers are emphasized, creating a more vibrant and emotionally engaging narrative.

The values conveyed in Disney’s adaptation differ somewhat from the original. Whereas the ancient ballad emphasizes filial piety, loyalty, and societal duty, Disney’s film also underscores themes of self-identity, personal growth, and breaking gender stereotypes. Mulan's journey is as much about discovering herself and defying gender norms as it is about fulfilling her filial obligations. The plot, while following the historical outline of military service and bravery, introduces comic relief and romantic subplotlines that serve to modernize the story and appeal to diverse audiences (Liu, 2002). Hence, the Disney film combines traditional themes with contemporary ideals, resulting in a version that celebrates individual agency alongside cultural values.

In terms of characters, the original story presents Mulan as a humble, anonymous heroine whose actions are driven by filial duty. In contrast, modern adaptations develop her character, giving her more personal agency and emotional depth. Her motivations shift from pure filial piety to encompass personal dreams and gender identity struggles, resonating with modern viewers (Luo, 2015). The supporting characters also vary; the original emphasizes camaraderie among soldiers and respect for ancestors, whereas modern portrayals often include heightened interpersonal dynamics and humor.

Similarly, the plots share core elements—disguise, battle, heroism—but differ in tone and complexity. The ancient tale is terse and moralistic, focusing on the virtue of loyalty. Disney’s version embellishes this with scenes of humor, dramatic tension, and romantic development, making it more accessible for contemporary audiences. These variations reflect shifts in societal values, from emphasizing collective duty and virtue to promoting personal empowerment and gender equality.

Analyzing points of comparison, a key element is the portrayal of gender roles. The original Mulan both challenges and reinforces traditional gender expectations—she performs acts of bravery that defy stereotypes but ultimately returns to her societal role. The film, however, advocates for gender equality more explicitly, portraying Mulan as a flawed but empowered individual who perseveres despite societal resistance (Miao, 2014). Another point is the depiction of patriotism; in classical stories, patriotic duty is a moral obligation, while in modern retellings, it often intersects with personal freedom and self-realization.

In conclusion, the story of Mulan exemplifies how cultural narratives adapt over time to reflect evolving societal values. The core heroism and themes of loyalty remain consistent, but characterizations, plot details, and underlying messages shift to resonate with contemporary audiences. The comparison between the ancient ballad and modern films illustrates a trajectory from emphasizing collective virtues to celebrating individual agency and gender equality, mirroring broader social transformations over centuries.

References

• Brinker, J., & Reddick, J. (2010). Understanding Disney’s Mulan: Culturalinnovations and gender representations. Journal of Popular Culture, 43(4), 695-711.
• Liu, Z. (2002). Modern adaptations of traditional Chinese stories. Asian Literature Review, 16(2), 45-60.
• Luo, Y. (2015). Heroic female characters in contemporary Chinese cinema. Cultural Studies Quarterly, 30(1), 23-35.
• Miao, L. (2014). Gender and modernity in Chinese storytelling. Journal of Asian Feminist Studies, 8(1), 120-135.
• Watson, B. (1981). The ballad of Mulan and its cultural significance. Chinese Literary Studies, 12, 101-115.