Review the entire collection of Jin Yong's wuxia novels Knight-errant (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Jin Yong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 1998-08-01
Features: The true wonder of Ode to Gallantry lies not in its sheer eccentricity, as is common in martial arts novels, which often border on the absurd and riddled with loopholes. Many works rely on "magic" like hallucinogens and disguise to sustain their plots. The storyline of Ode to Gallantry is exceptionally ingenious, full of surprises at every turn. It can be said that nothing is ordinary in its narrative, opening our eyes to the wonders of reading and bringing us immense joy. Yet, upon finishing the book and reflecting, one is once again amazed by the author's rigorous artistic conception. Here, Jin Yong neither deifies nor demonizes anything; all the legends point to the depths of human appearances. Jin Yong's creative principle is to achieve truth through novelty and depth through ingenuity. Behind the strange and extraordinary surface lies a complete and profound allegorical world. Ode to Gallantry is a remarkable book. Among the legendary martial arts novels, it stands out as the most extraordinary. Because of its uniqueness, many love it and reread it repeatedly, unable to put it down. Yet, because of its strangeness, many also dismiss it, thinking it lacks significance. And because of its uniqueness, perhaps many haven't truly understood it. To call it extraordinary, first, it portrays the pure martial arts world and the Jianghu (martial arts community), all of which stem purely from the author's imagination and fiction. Second, it abandons the narrative thread of historical figures and events. On one hand, this indeed sacrifices the aforementioned advantages, but on the other, itly adds other strengths. The novel's extraordinary imagination, brilliant narration, and profound meaning owe much to this freedom and liberation. This book no longer follows the structure of "historical background – Jianghu legends – life stories," but adopts a new structure of "Jianghu legends – life stories – human nature allegories." This also reflects his new creative principles and artistic pursuits.