The Legend of King Helu and the Sword Testing Stone

In the annals of Chinese martial arts there are many stories of heroes and heroines wielding their swords, and also tales of magical swords. Some of these stories are clouded in myth and legend, but they have been transmitted from generation to generation, and many have survived in modern times.

During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-404 BC), one legend tells of Wang Helu (王阖闾), King Helu of Wu. Helu, as a prince, participated in numerous wars with the neighboring kingdom of Chu.

In his quest for supremacy, Wang Helu sought out the most renowned swordsmiths of the time to forge an indestructible sword for him. He summoned Gan Jiang (幹將), and his wife Mo Ye (莫邪), and assigned them with the task of smithing a sword by a certain date.

When the predetermined day arrived, Gan Jiang and Mo Ye met King Helu on Hu Qiu Shan (虎丘山), Tiger Hill Mountain. Here Helu tested the sharpness of the sword by striking a stone, splitting it into two parts. This gave rise to the legend of the Sword-Testing Stone, which can still be seen to this day.

Tiger Hill Mountain is located just over two miles from the ancient city of Suzhou (蘇州市), in Jiangsu Province (江蘇省). Tiger Hill Mountain and the surrounding area contain some of the most stunning scenery in all of China and is one of the most visited sights.

I had heard of King Helu and the legend of the Sword-Testing Stone long ago. Recently one of my students, Greg Todd, visited the area and sent me photos, which inspired me to write this brief post.

I believe that this type of cultural background about China and its past is relevant for all serious students of Chinese Martial Arts. In the future I hope to share more such stories with you.