"Courage. Family. Honor."
Mulan - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
Mulan's Hair
Mulan's long hair represents her connection to traditional femininity and the expectations placed upon her. The act of cutting it with her father's sword is a powerful symbol of her severing ties with that life and embracing a new, masculine identity to become a soldier. It's a pivotal moment of transformation and a visual declaration of her intent to forge her own destiny.
After deciding to take her father's place in the army, Mulan goes to her family's shrine. In a silent, powerful sequence, she uses her father's sword to cut her long hair short, leaving it in place of her comb on the dressing table, signifying the exchange of her old role for a new one.
The Emperor's Crest and Shan Yu's Sword
These two objects represent the highest forms of honor in the film. Shan Yu's sword symbolizes Mulan's victory over China's greatest enemy, an honor earned through her strength and strategic mind. The Emperor's Crest represents the official recognition and gratitude of the entire nation, an honor bestowed by the highest authority. When her father sets them aside to embrace her, it symbolizes that familial love is the ultimate honor, superseding even national acclaim.
After Mulan defeats Shan Yu, the Emperor bestows his personal crest upon her and gives her Shan Yu's sword as trophies of her victory in front of the entire Imperial City. She brings these items home to her father, who gently puts them aside, saying, "The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter."
Magnolia Blossoms
Magnolia blossoms symbolize Mulan herself. Her name, Mulan (木蘭), means "magnolia." Early in the film, her father compares her to a late-blooming blossom, suggesting she has unrealized potential. The Emperor echoes this at the end, stating, "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all," directly linking her to this symbol of strength and beauty flourishing under difficult circumstances.
The flower is first seen in the Fa family garden. Mulan's father uses a blooming magnolia to comfort her after her failure with the matchmaker. The symbol reappears throughout, culminating in the Emperor's final, iconic quote to Shang, cementing the metaphor.
Philosophical Questions
What is the true nature of honor?
The film explores whether honor is an external concept, bestowed by society and family, or an internal one, rooted in personal integrity. Initially, honor is tied to rigid traditions—a daughter's obedience, a soldier's duty. Mulan's journey challenges this. She breaks laws and traditions (dishonor) to do what is right (honor). The film suggests that true honor is not about conforming but about acting with courage, love, and self-sacrifice. The Emperor's final praise and her father's loving acceptance cement the idea that the greatest honor comes from being true to oneself and one's loved ones.
Does one's identity define their capability?
"Mulan" poses the question of whether societal labels—specifically gender—determine a person's potential. Mulan is initially deemed unfit for the role of a wife and, as a woman, is forbidden from being a soldier. However, by disguising herself, she proves that she is not only a capable soldier but a brilliant strategist who surpasses all her male counterparts. The film repeatedly shows that Mulan's ingenuity and courage are what lead to victory, not her gender. Her climactic question to Shang, "You said you trust Ping. Why is Mulan any different?", directly forces this issue, arguing that capability is based on character and skill, not on a socially constructed identity.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Mulan" revolves around the idea that true honor comes not from conforming to societal expectations or traditions, but from being true to oneself and acting with courage and love. The film challenges rigid gender roles and patriarchal structures, suggesting that strength, bravery, and worth are not defined by gender. Mulan's journey is one of self-discovery; she initially acts to protect her father but ultimately finds her own strength and proves that one person, guided by loyalty and love, can make a significant difference. The film champions the idea that breaking with tradition can lead to a more profound and authentic form of honor.