Hong Kong Central Library | Monthly Literary Talk 2026 : Enjoy the Moment with Jin Yong's Martial Arts Novels - Touch and Taste

Description

Lecture One: The Tragedy of a Hero, a Tragic Hero: A Study of Xiao Feng

Speaker: Prof. TAN Mei-ah

Introduction:

There are many tragic figures in Jin Yong's martial arts novels, but the epitome of a tragic hero is Xiao Feng. From his very first appearance, he is the revered and admired Master of the Beggars' Sect, a hero of unparalleled prowess. However, his misfortune also begins here. The one thing that people have no control over is their birth and origin. Xiao Feng's tragedy stems from the whims of fate, but his temperament also seals his doom. This lecture will unravel the Buddhist thoughts within the story and explore their role in character development and plot progression.

Lecture Two: Sword Tips and Tongue Tips: Foodscapes in Jin Yong's The Smiling, Proud Wanderer

Speaker: Dr. CHAU Tsz-yan, Emily

Introduction:

In Jin Yong's novels, food often weaves its way through the clash of swords, not just in the 'Discussion of the Sword' on Mount Hua, but also in the 'Gourmet Feast' on the same mountain, creating classic foodscape after classic foodscape in the martial arts narrative. This lecture takes The Smiling, Proud Wanderer as its focal text, introducing the rich foodscape within the novel, and exploring the spatial experiences, sensory stimulations, emotional responses, and ethical relations that arise from food for the characters; showcasing the taste-filled world of martial arts novels through vegetables, poisoned wine, watermelon, and ginseng soup.

Remarks:

• Conducted in Cantonese.

• Free admission on first come, first served basis.

• Please arrive 15 minutes Please arrive 15 minutes before commencement of the talk.

• If Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8 or above or a Black Rainstorm Warning Signal or "extreme conditions" announced by the Government is in force 3 hours before the talk commences, the talk will be cancelled.