Question What is the difference between xianxia and xuanhuan?

Discussion in 'Novel General' started by ControlFreak, May 6, 2021.

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  1. ControlFreak

    ControlFreak Active Member

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    I've already looked it up myself, but somehow I can't figure it all out.
     
    Last edited: May 6, 2021
  2. Nimroth

    Nimroth Someone

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    It is probably easier to just think of xuanhuan as a broader genre of chinese fantasy in general, while xianxia is a more narrow genre focusing on daoism and immortals.
     
  3. Wakashii

    Wakashii Well-Known Member

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    Xianxia (仙侠 xiānxiá) – literally means “Immortal Heroes”. Fictional stories featuring magic, demons, ghosts, immortals, and a great deal of Chinese folklore/mythology. Protagonists (usually) attempt to cultivate to Immortality, seeking eternal life and the pinnacle of strength. Heavily inspired by Daoism.

    Xuanhuan (玄幻 xuánhuàn) – literally means “Mysterious Fantasy”. A broad genre of fictional stories which remixes Chinese folklore/mythology with foreign elements & settings.

    • Xuanhuan and Xianxia novels may sometimes seem similar on the surface. Look for the presence of Daoist elements (the Dao, Yin and Yang, Immortals, etc…) in the novel to easily distinguish the two – if they aren’t present, then it’s probably a Xuanhuan novel.
    Wuxiaworld has a lot of information on these subjects.
     
  4. powwder

    powwder Well-Known Member

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    Wuxia = Regular people who train and can become superhuman through internal force and martial arts.

    Xianxia = everything Wuxia has + magic, demons, ghosts, immortals, and a great deal of Chinese folklore/mythology. Protagonists (usually) attempt to cultivate to Immortality, seeking eternal life and the pinnacle of strength. Heavily inspired by Daoism

    Xuanhaun = Xianxia remake with foreign elements. Basically Xianxia but less chinese themed.

    for example the Dao, Yin and Yang, Immortals, etc are in Xianxia and are Chinese elements. ISSTH is a Xianxia novel.
    Super Gene is a novel about cultivation and pinnacle of strength but it uses genes and science and shit so it is Xuanhaun.
     
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