Kiều Phong, also known as Tiêu Phong, is one of the most prominent characters in the martial arts novel “The Legend of the Condor Heroes” by the late writer Jin Yong. His life is a tumultuous journey from a Khitan orphan to a great hero of the Central Plains martial world.
Origins and True Identity of Kiều Phong
A Khitan Boy
Kiều Phong is actually a Khitan boy, son of the martial arts master Xiao Yanshan. However, due to political machinations, his family was betrayed at Yanmen Pass, resulting in the deaths of his parents. Fortunately, he survived and was adopted by a couple of woodcutters named Qiao Sanhe. Growing up in a Han Chinese environment, Kiều Phong was unaware of his true origins.
Kiều Phong is one of the greatest heroes in Jin Yong's martial arts novels.
Kiều Phong is one of the greatest heroes in Jin Yong’s martial arts novels.
Two Masters Who Shaped Kiều Phong
To become a respected martial arts master and earn the admiration of the Han people, Kiều Phong was taught by two talented masters: Huyền Khổ and Uông Kiếm Thông. They not only imparted their martial skills but also shaped his character and sense of righteousness.
Huyền Khổ
Huyền Khổ is a monk from Shaolin Temple, famous for his exceptional Sword Cutting Technique and Vajra Seal. He saved Kiều Phong when the young boy was attacked by a wolf and took him as a disciple. Huyền Khổ not only taught him martial arts but also instilled values of morality and righteousness in his heart.
However, tragedy struck when Huyền Khổ was severely injured by Xiao Yanshan, who had disguised himself as Tiêu Phong to seek revenge. Before dying, Huyền Khổ mistakenly accused Tiêu Phong of being the attacker, leading to Kiều Phong’s subsequent misunderstanding and persecution.
Uông Kiếm Thông
Uông Kiếm Thông is the former leader of the Cái Bang, renowned with the nickname “Sword Impression.” He participated in the ambush of the Xiao family at Yanmen Pass, an event that shaped Kiều Phong’s fate. Recognizing Kiều Phong’s martial prowess, Uông Kiếm Thông passed on the Dragon Subduing Eighteen Palms, helping him become one of the top martial artists in the江湖.
Before passing away, Uông Kiếm Thông entrusted a crucial letter to Mã Đại Nguyên, to be opened only in the presence of all the elders of Cái Bang. This shows that he foresaw potential complications related to Kiều Phong’s true identity.
Conclusion
Huyền Khổ and Uông Kiếm Thông are two pivotal figures in Kiều Phong’s life. Huyền Khổ planted the seeds of goodness and morality in Kiều Phong’s soul, while Uông Kiếm Thông helped him harness his talent and build his reputation in the江湖. Thanks to their guidance, Kiều Phong became a heroic figure, highly respected by the江湖. However, the secrets of his origins and misunderstandings made his life full of challenges.
