A Chinese Legend

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Retold by The Legendary Connection

TLC#00062

There was a girl named Mulan who lived with her family. One day, Mulan heard some very sad news. The emperor had ordered that men from every family must join the army to fight in a big battle. Mulan's father, though kind and brave, was too old to fight, and Mulan had no older brother to take his place.

Mulan knew what she had to do. She was brave and loved her family very much. "I will go in my father's place," she said. She put on armor, bought a strong horse, and set off on her journey.

Mulan traveled far and wide. She crossed rivers and climbed mountains. She fought in many battles, showing great courage. She wore heavy armor and carried a sword, just like the other soldiers. Though she was a girl, no one knew because she was brave and strong.

For ten long years, Mulan fought alongside her fellow soldiers. She rode through dangerous lands and faced many challenges. But through it all, Mulan never gave up. She kept fighting for her family and her country.

At last, the war was over, and Mulan returned home. The emperor was so grateful for Mulan's bravery that he offered her a reward. But Mulan didn't want riches or honors. All she wanted was to return to her family. The emperor gave her the fastest horse, and she hurried home.

When Mulan’s family saw her, they were so happy! Her parents hugged her, her sister dressed up to greet her, and her little brother prepared a feast. Mulan took off her armor and put on her old clothes, happy to be home again.

When her fellow soldiers visited her, they were amazed. "Mulan is a girl?" they said in surprise. "We fought with her for so long and never knew!"

Mulan smiled. She knew that it didn't matter if she was a girl. What mattered was her bravery and love for her family. She showed everyone that courage comes from the heart and that anyone can be a hero.

Original Source: Yuan, Jack. “Ballad of Mulan - Wikisource, the Free Online Library.” En.wikisource.org, 2006, en.m.wikisource.org/wiki/Translation:Ballad_of_Mulan. Wikisource