The Sword of Goujian

On one side of the blade, two columns of text are visible.

Eight characters are written in an ancient script, now known as Bird-worm seal script (literally “birds and worms characters”, owing to the intricate decorations of the defining strokes), a variant of seal script. Initial analysis of the text deciphered six of the characters, “King of Yue” (Chinese: 越王; pinyin: Yuèwáng) and “made this sword for [his] personal use” (Chinese: 自作用劍; pinyin: Zì zuòyòng jiàn).

The remaining two characters were assumed to be the name of the particular King of Yue.

Who is King of Yue

Goujian, the King of Yue (越王勾践), was a significant figure during China’s Spring and Autumn Period (770–476 BCE).

Known for his resilience and strategic wisdom, Goujian ruled the State of Yue and is most famous for his determination to rebuild his kingdom after being defeated by the State of Wu.

Following his capture, he endured humiliation as a servant to King Fuchai of Wu but returned to Yue and spent years strengthening his state through reform, alliances, and military preparation.

Eventually, Goujian led Yue to victory over Wu, cementing his legacy as a symbol of perseverance and resourcefulness in Chinese history.

His story gave rise to the idiom 卧薪尝胆 (“sleeping on firewood and tasting gall”), representing enduring hardships to achieve long-term goals.

This sword is generally believed to have been made by Goujian, the last King of Yue during the Spring and Autumn Period.

Now the real sword is displayed in Hubei museum China.

InHuibeiMuseum
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The King of Yue Story

There is a famous story about the King of Yue called “Sleeping on Firewood and Tasting Gall”

The story of 卧薪尝胆 (Wò Xīn Cháng Dǎn), or “Sleeping on Firewood and Tasting Gall,” is a well-known Chinese tale,

about perseverance and resilience.

It recounts the journey of Goujian, the king of Yue during the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BCE).

After being defeated and captured by the State of Wu, Goujian endured great humiliation,

even serving as a servant to the king of Wu.

Upon his release, Goujian dedicated himself to reclaiming his kingdom.

He adopted an ascetic lifestyle, sleeping on firewood and tasting the bitter gall daily, as a reminder of his defeat and his mission to seek revenge.

Through years of strategic planning, hard work, and rebuilding his army, Goujian eventually defeated Wu and restored Yue’s sovereignty.

The story symbolizes determination, humility, and the importance of enduring hardships to achieve success.