Glossary Guide for Wuxia and Other Terms

Wuxia (武侠)

Core Themes:

• • – Set in historical or pseudo-historical China, focusing on martial artists (heroes) and their adventures.
  • – Explores concepts like justice, loyalty, and personal honor in a morally ambiguous world.
  • – Jianghu (the martial arts world) is central, emphasizing martial arts rather than magic.
  • – Realistic martial arts with exaggerated physical abilities (e.g., Qinggong for lightness).
  • – Minimal supernatural elements; focuses on human potential through training and discipline.
  • – Philosophical undertones inspired by Confucianism, Taoism, and Buddhism.

• Examples:

  • “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” by Jin Yong (Louis Cha).
  • “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon” (movie adaptation).
    

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Xianxia (仙侠)

• Core Themes:

  • – A blend of Taoist, Buddhist, and Chinese folklore focusing on immortality, celestial beings, and cultivation of spiritual power.
  • – Often features protagonists striving to ascend to godhood or achieve eternal life.
  • – Heavy supernatural elements, including spells, magical artifacts, and mythical creatures.
  • – Cultivation of Qi (气) through various stages, leading to immortality or godlike power.
  • – Detailed world-building with multiple realms (mortal, immortal, demonic, celestial).
  • – Philosophical exploration of life, death, and morality.

• Examples:

  • > “Coiling Dragon” by I Eat Tomatoes.
  • > “The Untamed” (based on “Mo Dao Zu Shi”).
    

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Xuanhuan (玄幻)

• Core Themes:

  • – A broader fantasy genre with loose connections to Chinese culture or philosophy, often blending Eastern and Western elements.
  • – Unlike Xianxia, it doesn’t focus on immortality but retains magical systems.
  • – Alternative worlds or fictional universes inspired by Chinese mythology but less reliant on Taoism/Buddhism.
  • – Diverse protagonists, from warriors to mages, with varying goals and motivations.
  • – Magic, martial arts, and fantasy coexist with fewer restrictions from traditional Chinese philosophies.

• Examples:

  • > “Battle Through the Heavens” by Heavenly Silkworm Potato.
  • > “Tales of Demons and Gods” by Mad Snail.
    

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 Xianhuan (仙幻)

• Core Themes:

  • – A hybrid between Xianxia and Xuanhuan, combining immortality-focused cultivation with broader fantasy elements.
  • – Shares cultivation and spiritual growth themes with Xianxia.
  • – Expands the narrative to include elements like Western-style magic or sci-fi.

• Examples:

  • > “Against the Gods” by Mars Gravity.

Jianghu (江湖)

• Meaning: “Rivers and Lakes.”

• Focus:

  The martial arts world, filled with wandering heroes, sect rivalries, and philosophical conflicts.

Other Related Subgenres

Moqi (魔气)

• Meaning: “Demonic Energy.”

• – Themes of darkness, rebellion, and demonic cultivation; characters often walk the “evil” path.

Shuangwen (爽文)

• Meaning: “Feel-Good Novel.”

• – Fast-paced stories with overpowered protagonists achieving constant victories.

Dushi (都市)

• Meaning: “Urban Fantasy.”

• – Set in modern-day cities with martial arts or supernatural elements integrated into daily life.

Lingyi (灵异)

• Meaning: “Supernatural.”

– Focuses on ghosts, spirits, and other supernatural entities.

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