In the treasure trove of Chinese martial arts novels, there are numerous enchanting female characters who have captivated hearts over time. When it comes to a symbol of beauty that transcends time, Wang Yu Yan – the immortal goddess from Jin Yong’s “The Heaven Sword and Dragon Saber” undoubtedly tops the list. This character not only makes the protagonist, Duong Du, fall in love with her to the point of madness but also sets the standard for beauty that has left a lasting impression on readers.
Wang Yu Yan is depicted in Jin Yong’s stories with an ethereal beauty that seems to be untouched by the world: skin as white as snow, eyes like autumn water, and an aura of purity that makes hearts flutter at just a glance. She resembles a celestial being who has descended into the mortal realm, and her mere presence compels those around her to pause in admiration. Thus, Wang Yu Yan has become one of the quintessential “deity-like” roles for various actresses over the years.
From Tran Ngoc Lien (1982), Ly Nhat Dong (1997), Lu Duc Phi (2003), to Truong Mong (2012), and even Van Vinh San (2021), each actress brings a unique and memorable interpretation of Wang Yu Yan. Among them, Lu Duc Phi is still regarded as “Wang Yu Yan stepping out of the pages,” due to her incredible ability to embody the character’s ethereal charm and grace, making her portrayal legendary. Jin Yong once praised Lu Duc Phi, stating: “Without Lu Duc Phi, audiences would not believe that such a character could exist in reality, and to this day, she is still considered the most outstanding version of Wang Yu Yan in all time periods.” This role has also led to the rise of the 80s actress, who continues to be a beloved figure in pop culture.
Recently, the trend of using AI to recreate the faces of literary characters has brought Wang Yu Yan back into the spotlight. An AI-generated image circulating online has sparked interest, simulating the “real person” look of the character. This AI model features defined facial features, glowing skin, and an aura that aligns perfectly with the descriptions in Jin Yong’s novels. However, many netizens have commented that the AI portrayal does not capture the essence of the character as vividly as when reading the novels or watching films. The accurate depiction from the original Jin Yong narrative is what truly embodies Wang Yu Yan’s celestial qualities.
Nonetheless, it is crucial not to be too critical of AI-generated images. The concept of a divine being has always been broad and challenging to define. The ethereal and elevated feelings associated with Wang Yu Yan cannot easily be condensed into algorithms or image processing techniques. Her beauty lies not just in her physical appearance but also in her demeanor, character, and the way she captivates those around her through the pages of Jin Yong’s stories. Regardless of how many AI adaptations there may be, Lu Duc Phi’s portrayal of Wang Yu Yan remains the most profound image imprinted in the hearts of devoted fans.
