Disney’s Mulan (1998) is one of the most well-known animated films worldwide. Countless people are familiar with its strong heroine, memorable music, and unique storyline. However, many may not realize that this beloved movie originated from an ancient Chinese folk ballad.
Ancient Legend: The Ballad of Mulan
The Ballad of Mulan is the oldest known version of Mulan’s story. This poem was most likely composed during the era of Northern Wei around 400 AD. Because stories were often passed down orally, the ballad was not preserved in written form until during the Tang dynasty, resulting in mysteries about the author and whether or not this story was real or fiction.
In the ballad, Mulan discovers her father is being conscripted since there are no other men in the family. She decides that she will take her father’s place and goes to fight in the war, disguised as a man. Eventually, they win the war and return to see the Emperor who gives out rewards and promotions. Mulan rejects the offered promoted position and instead requests to return to her hometown and family. She returns to her feminine appearance and her comrades are shocked since they had never suspected that Mulan was a woman. The ballad ends with the quote, “When a pair of rabbits run side by side, who can distinguish male from female?”
The ballad embodies and demonstrates one key Confucian principal: familial piety. Confucius (551-479 BC), a Chinese philosopher, emphasized social harmony through respect and integrity. These values further promote the importance of respect for family and duty to the state—central themes in Mulan’s actions in the ballad.
Reinterpreting Mulan: Disney’s Adaptation
Unlike the ballad, which highlights Confucian values of duty and familial loyalty, Disney’s Mulan includes other themes such as romance, supernatural elements, personal growth, and self-identity. While the core premise of a young woman stepping up to take her father’s place in war is maintained, the adaptation gives Mulan “more depth.” Mulan’s motivations and actions are slightly different in the adaptation. In the original ballad, Mulan does not struggle with her place in society—rather, she seems to understand her position in society and what she must do to uphold filial piety, duty, and honor. In contrast, Disney’s Mulan is portrayed as a young woman struggling to conform to societal expectations of femininity. This Mulan questions her worth and place in the world, making her a more introspective and emotionally complex character.
Her matchmaking experience for marriage failed miserably—a disaster at the time since women’s value was measured by their marriageability.
By taking her father’s place in the war, not only is she practicing filial piety, but she is also asserting her own individuality and worth beyond the traditional gender roles. This decision aligns with Western themes of feminism, self-empowerment, and breaking societal constraints, making Mulan a relatable figure to (mainly) Western modern audiences.
Disney also introduces characters not found in the original story: Mushu, a comedic guardian dragon, and Captain Li Shang, the romantic interest. These additions provide the story with greater opportunities for Mulan’s character to undergo change and make the story more accessible to a younger audience while simultaneously reinforcing themes of friendship, mentorship, and personal transformation.
New Meaning for a Global Audience
There are mixed feelings about Disney’s adaptation and whether or not it oversimplifies the complexities of Mulan’s cultural roots. Although concepts such as filial piety, honor, and the balance between individual desires and social expectations are included in the narrative, some argue that this adaptation simplifies or Westernizes the story. Despite these feelings, this adaptation has promoted Mulan’s story to a worldwide audience. It has broadened the appeal and introduced elements of Chinese history and philosophy to a global audience. Additionally, the changes made in the adaptation, including the shift from the main focus on Confucian ideals to a more individualistic narrative helped to open the cultural conversation to broader topics such as gender roles and personal agency.
Despite debates over accuracy and adaptation, Mulan remains an enduring symbol of courage and resilience. Both the ballad and Disney’s versions depict a woman who defies societal expectations and proves her worth through her actions. Ultimately, Disney’s Mulan transforms a historical legend into an inspirational tale of self-discovery and perseverance, spreading the story to a much more global audience. Whether one prefers the original ballad’s emphasis on duty and honor or Disney’s focus on identity and empowerment, Mulan is a reflection of changing cultural values and evolving ideas about heroism, gender roles, and personal identity.
English Paraphrase of the Ballad of Mulan
The sound of creaking.
Mulan sits in the doorway in front of her loom.
When the loom grows silent,
We can only hear the sound of her sighs.
Girl, who are you thinking about?
Girl… who do you long for?
(Mulan replies)
“There is only one man I think about
There is only one man I long for
Last night I saw the conscription notice,
The Khan is issuing a great draft –
A dozen volumes of battle rolls,
Each one with my father’s name.
My father has no son old enough to take his place,
I, Mulan, have no elder brother.
I’m willing to buy a horse and saddle,
I will take my father’s place in battle.”
She buys a fine steed at the east market;
A saddle and blanket at the west market;
A bridle at the south market;
And a long whip at the north market.
At dawn, she leaves her parents’ home
and camps beside the Yellow River before dusk.
From far away, she cannot hear the sounds of her parents calling for her
Only the rushing waters of the Yellow River.
She leaves the Yellow River at dawn,
And reaches reach Black Mountain before dusk.
From far away, she cannot hear the sounds of her parents calling for her
Only the cries of the enemy cavalry in the Yàn hills.
She traveled ten thousand li,
She flew over mountains and through mountain passes
The sound of a war gong pierces the air,
The winter sun shines brightly on her coat of steel.
The general dead after a hundred battles,
The warriors return after ten years.
They return to see the Son of Heaven,
Sitting in the royal court
He unrolls the scroll of merit a dozen times
Giving hundreds and thousands of rewards
The Khan asks Mulan what she desires
(Mulan replies)
I have no need to be promoted to a prominent position
I only ask for a camel that can travel a thousand li
That can take me back to my hometown
Her parents hear that their daughter has returned,
They welcome her at the entrance to the town.
When Elder Sister hears of Mulan’s return,
she stands in the doorway wearing a beautiful dress
When Little Brother hears that his sister has returned,
He sharpens his knife to slaughter a pig and a lamb.
(Mulan speaks)
“I open the door to my eastern chamber,
And sit on the bed of my western chamber.
I take off my military robes
And put on my old clothes.
I sit in front of the window as I comb my long flowing hair
And look into the mirror as I apply makeup
I go outside to see my comrades
They are all shocked and astounded.
“We traveled together for twelve years,” (they say),
“But we never suspected that Mulan was a woman!”
Most people tell the gender of a rabbit by its movement:
The male runs quickly, while the female often keeps her eyes shut.
But when the two rabbits run side by side,
Can you really discern whether I am a he or a she?