Retold by Lin Donn Illustrated by Phillip Martin Ancient China The True Story of Mulan   Retold by Lin Donn Illustrated by Phillip Martin

Mulan In Han times, or perhaps Sui times, but certainly before T’ang times, there lived a young girl named Mulan. Her father was a retired and famous general. He taught her to use a sword and ride a horse, which was most unusual. Boys were taught to fight and ride, not girls.  

Mulan One day, the military posted scrolls in the village. The scroll announced that each family had to send one man to the army. Mulan’s father was too old to fight, but too honorable not to go. Mulan had no older brother to send in his place. Her baby brother was brave and strong, but much too young to be selected.  

Mulan Girls did not fight in wars. If only she were a boy, Mulan thought to herself. It would be so simple. An idea grew in Mulan’s mind. Could she do it? She had to. Mulan knew her father would die if he went to war again. That day, she bought a horse.

Mulan The next morning, Mulan stole her father’s armor and crept silently from home. Disguised as a man, she reported for duty to the military leader. Mulan fought for many years, some say as many as ten years. In all that time, no one knew that Mulan was a woman.  

Mulan When the war ended, Mulan was called before the emperor to receive an award for her courage. The emperor offered Mulan a job that would make her rich. But Mulan wished to return to her family. She asked for a good horse instead, a request that was granted immediately.

Mulan Her family was happy to see her. Her brother had grown into a fine young man. Mulan gave him her warrior’s clothes. She dressed herself in woman’s clothes. She wrapped her hair in the style of the day. She added rouge to her cheeks.   When she joined her family to watch the sun set, Mulan had transformed into a beautiful young woman.

Mulan Not long after, friends who had served with Mulan came to visit. Their eyes grew large when they saw the beautiful woman before them. Her story spread across China, to inspire girls everywhere. If you love enough and have courage enough, you can accomplish anything, no matter how impossible it might seem.  

Comprehension Check: Where does this story take place? When does it take place? Who is the main character? What other characters are in the story? What is the problem in the story? Why is the Emperor calling for troops? Why is the health of Mulan's father an important factor in the story? What are the events in the story, in order? How is the problem solved? Why did Mulan's glory spread throughout the land?

Question Based on this story, do you think girls normally served in the army as soldiers in ancient China? Why or why not? (Justify your answer)  

MORE To read the Ballad of Mulan (translated into English), click here. It’s very short. Learn more about Ancient China Free Ancient China Clip Art

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