When combined, 武 (wǔ) + 侠 (xiá) creates the genre “Wuxia” – stories about martial heroes. Adding 剧 (jù) specifies that we are talking about a television drama or series in this genre.
The concept of a `wuxiaju` is deeply rooted in Chinese literary tradition and cultural values. It's not just entertainment; it's a reflection of certain societal ideals. The core of Wuxia is the concept of 侠 (xiá), or chivalry. This code of conduct often stands in direct opposition to the rigid, hierarchical structure of Confucian society and imperial law. The heroes of these stories operate in the 江湖 (jiānghú), literally “rivers and lakes,” a term for a parallel society of martial artists, sects, and wanderers living by their own rules. A `wuxia` hero's primary loyalty is not to the government, but to a personal code of righteousness (义, yì), brotherhood, and justice for the common person. A useful Western comparison is the legend of Robin Hood or the genre of the American Western. Like Robin Hood, Wuxia heroes often “rob from the rich and give to the poor,” defying corrupt authority figures. Like the lone gunslinger in a Western, they are often outsiders who bring their own brand of justice to a lawless or unjust land. However, unlike many Western heroes, Wuxia protagonists are part of a deeply interconnected `jianghu` with complex relationships, ancient sects, and a strong emphasis on the master-disciple bond.
`Wuxiaju` is a staple of Chinese television and a common topic of conversation.
For English speakers, the biggest challenge is distinguishing `wuxiaju` from other similar-sounding genres.