Mulan is a classic tale for all that champions women for their wisdom, strength, and courage, and whether you reference the original cartoon or 2020 live-action film, many Mulan quotes remind us that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.

Ballad of Mulan is an ancient Chinese folk story, which both the original animation and live adaptation are based on. In Chinese, “mùlán” means magnolia flower. 

Mulan is successful in its attempt to empower young women and redefine the gender stereotypes set upon them, especially Chinese women who feel oppressed by China's patriarchal structure. 

It teaches us that in order to develop as a society, we must resist the brutal confines it traps us in. 

There is a misconception that in order to become a warrior, you must be a man. Men fight and protect, while women sit around, waiting to be saved. Mulan is just one woman who does everything in her power to resist these negative stereotypes. She protects and serves her country and reminds us that our gender is not what determines our strength.

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Here are some empowering Mulan quotes that will remind you to always believe in yourself. 

1. "Maybe I didn’t go for my father. Maybe what I really wanted was to prove I could do things right, so when I looked in the mirror, I’d see someone worthwhile. But I was wrong. I see nothing." — Mulan (Mulan, 1998)

2. "Whoa, one moment. You seemed to be missing something. This represents discipline. And this represents strength. You need both to reach the arrow." — Shang (Mulan, 1998)

3. "A single grain of rice can tip the scale. One man may be the difference between victory and defeat.” — The Emperor (Mulan, 1998)

4. "No matter how the wind howls, the mountain cannot bow to it." — The Emperor (Mulan, 1998)

5. "The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all." — The Emperor (Mulan, 1998)

6. "Now I see, that if I were truly to be myself, I would break my family's heart." — Mulan (Mulan, 1998)

7. "The truth is, we're both frauds. Your ancestors never sent me, they don't even like me. But you risked your life to help people you love. I risked your life to help myself. At least you had good intentions." — Mushu (Mulan, 1998)

8. "I'm travel-size for your convenience!" — Mushu (Mulan, 1998)

9. "We're in a war, man! There's no time for stupid questions!" — Mushu (Mulan, 1998)

10. "A life for a life. My debt is repaid." — Shang (Mulan, 1998)

11. "My powers are beyond your mortal imagination. For instance, my eyes can see straight through your armor." — Mushu (Mulan, 1998)

12. "The greatest gift and honor is having you for a daughter." — Mushu (Mulan, 1998)

13. "Just because I look like a man doesn’t mean I have to smell like one." — Mulan (Mulan, 1998)

14. "You said you trust Ping. Why should Mulan be any different?" — Mulan (Mulan, 1998)

15. "What beautiful blossoms we have this year. But look, this one's late. But I'll bet that when it blooms, it will be the most beautiful of all." — Fa Zhou (Mulan, 1998)

16. "You don't meet a girl like that every dynasty." — The Emperor (Mulan, 1998)

17. "There is no courage without fear." — Zhou (Mulan, 2020)

18. "When employed correctly, four ounces can move a thousand pounds." — Mulan (Mulan, 2020)

19. "Some say the phoenix is consumed by flame and emerges again. I think she can survive a broken wing." — Zhou (Mulan, 2020)

20. "My ideal woman is courageous." — Mulan (Mulan, 2020)

21. "Your job is to bring honor to the family. Do you think you can do that?" — Hua Zhou (Mulan, 2020)

22. "It is my duty to protect my family." — Mulan (Mulan, 2020)

23. "When they find out who you are, they will show you no mercy." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

24. "Crush these murderers." — The Emperor (Mulan, 2020)

25. "You are a war hero — you’ve already made many great sacrifices." — Hua Li (Mulan, 2020)

26. "My father cannot fight so I will take his place." — Mulan (Mulan, 2020)

27. "The fiercest winter wind could not destroy this makeup." — Mulan (Mulan, 2020)

28. "Beautiful tool for terrible work." — Hua Zhou (Mulan, 2020)

29. "To hide amongst them then she must become one of them." — Hua Zhou (Mulan, 2020)

30. "Not witch. Warrior." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

31. "You can turn your back on me, but when the time comes do not turn your back on them." — Chen Honghui (Mulan, 2020)

32. "If gold is not enough I will give you blood." — Bori Khan (Mulan, 2020)

33. "Your chi is powerful, Hua Jun, why do you hide it?" — Commander Tung (Mulan, 2020)

34. "You will die pretending to be something you’re not." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

35. "Merge your path with mine. We will be stronger together." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

36. "I know my place, and it is my duty to protect my kingdom and fight for the Emperor." — Mulan (Mulan, 2020)

37. "Your loyalty and bravery are without question." — Commander Tung (Mulan, 2020)

38. "Your deceit weakens you. It poisons your chi." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

39. "Rise up. You are a mighty warrior. Rise up like a phoenix." — The Emperor (Mulan, 2020)

40. "Devotion to family is an essential virtue." — The Emperor (Mulan, 2020)

41. "A woman leads their army and she’s no scorned dog." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

42. "Take your place, Mulan." — Xian Lang (Mulan, 2020)

Izzy Casey’s work is published in or forthcoming from Corriere della Sera, The Iowa Review, Bennington Review, Gulf Coast, Black Warrior Review, BOAAT, NY Tyrant, and elsewhere. She received her MFA from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop.