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

Description

Lecture One: A Golden Promise: The Spirit of Xia in Jin Yong’s Martial Arts Novels

Speaker: Dr. LAM Wing-kin

Introduction:

The Biographies of Rogues and Ruffians in Records of the Grand Historian praises the rogues and ruffians, saying that 'they keep their words and are trustworthy'. In Jin Yong's novels, even a philanderer like Tian Boguang or a cruel person like Yue Laosan values promises and always keeps their words. This shows that 'faith' is the basic principle for survival in the jianghu (martial artists' community). However, is there a higher moral value than 'faith' in the jianghu? Where is the line between keeping one's word and being stubborn? This lecture will explore the meaning and value of 'faith' through the plots of Jin Yong's novels.

Lecture Two: Ode to Gallantry and the Poetic Life of Li Bai

Speaker: Dr. LING Chung-wing

Introduction:

Jin Yong's medium-length novel The Gallant Knight Errant (1965) was inspired by the poem of the same name by the Tang dynasty poet Li Bai. It transforms a classical work into a martial arts manual, presenting the wonderful integration of literature and martial arts. In fact, if we examine Li Bai's life closely, we can see that in addition to his reputation as the 'Immortal Poet', his spirit of martial arts and grand ambitions were also important aspects of his life. This shows that Jin Yong's imagination was not without reason. This lecture will use The Gallant Knight Errant as a foundation to re-examine the original poem and Li Bai's poetic art life through the content of the novel.

Remarks:

• Conducted in Cantonese.

• Free admission on first come, first served basis.

• 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.