Ballad of Mulan Coloring Page

Are you used to movies just using snippets of the original material? Think again. The Ballad of Mulan is only 330 words, but they are rich--perfect for inspiring coloring material.

Like Homer's The Odyssey, The Ballad of Mulan is based in a long storytelling tradition, handed down from storyteller to storyteller through the ages. It was probably written in China's 6th century, recounting the adventures of a girl two hundred or so years earlier. Was Mulan real? Probably not--but what isn't there to like about a story that at its core is about a girl's love for her father? Growing up in war-torn China, Mulan would rather sneak away, going to war in her father's place than see harm come to him.

I gave up a spot at a competitive dental hygiene school in college so I could actively raise my first child. Sometimes I feel frustrated that I spent the time and credits on something that didn't pan out. Sometimes I wonder why I pushed through Human Anatomy courses that left me crying when I had to work with dead bodies, only for those science credits to expire. I can't say those feelings aren't real. But I can say that putting a loved one first changes you. I've invested my time and energy in keep my littles safe and healthy, and I don't regret it. I understand a little better why Mulan is so universal.

Give The Ballad of Mulan a read. Check off classic lit and classic poetry in one fell swoop. And maybe do something nice for a loved one today.

I had fun designing this coloring page for you! I went for a military-meets-beauty aesthetic. Print your own copy, then get creative with with crayons, colored pencils, or whatever medium makes you smile. Show everyone your unwind-time art! Post it online wherever you want or tag me in a Facebook or Twitter post so I don't miss it!

Scroll down to read The Ballad of Mulan in full, translated by Jack Yuan. Or read the translation on Wikisource here.

The Ballad of Mulan

6th Century Ballad, Author Unknown

The sound of one sigh after another,
As Mulan weaves at the doorway.

No sound of the loom and shuttle,
Only that of the girl lamenting.

Ask her of whom she thinks,
Ask her for whom she longs.

"There is no one I think of,
There is no one I long for.

Last night I saw the army notice,
The Khan is calling a great draft –

A dozen volumes of battle rolls,
Each one with my father's name.

My father has no grown-up son,
And I have no elder brother.

I'm willing to buy a horse and saddle,
To go to battle in my father's place."


She buys a fine steed at the east market;
A saddle and blanket at the west market;

A bridle at the south market;
And a long whip at the north market.

She takes leave of her parents at dawn,
To camp beside the Yellow River at dusk.

No sound of her parents hailing their girl,
Just the rumbling waters of the Yellow River.

She leaves the Yellow River at dawn,
To reach the Black Mountains by dusk.

No sound of her parents hailing their girl,
Just the cries of barbarian cavalry in the Yan hills.


Ten thousand miles she rode in war,
Crossing passes and mountains as if on a wing.

On the northern air comes the sentry's gong,
Cold light shines on her coat of steel.

The general dead after a hundred battles,
The warriors return after ten years.


They return to see the Son of Heaven,
Who sits in the Hall of Brilliance.

The rolls of merit spin a dozen times,
Rewards in the hundreds and thousands.

The Khan asks her what she desires,
"I've no need for the post of a gentleman official,

I ask for the swiftest horse,
To carry me back to my hometown."


Her parents hearing their girl returns,
Out to the suburbs to welcome her back.

Elder sister hearing her sister returns,
Adjusts her rouge by the doorway.

Little brother hearing his sister returns,
Sharpens his knife for pigs and lamb.

"I open my east chamber door,
And sit on my west chamber bed.

I take off my battle cloak,
And put on my old-time clothes.

I adjust my wispy hair at the window sill,
And apply my bisque makeup by the mirror.

I step out to see my comrades-in-arms,
They are all surprised and astounded:

'We travelled twelve years together,
Yet didn't realise Mulan was a lady!'"


The buck bounds here and there,
Whilst the doe has narrow eyes.

But when the two hares run side by side,
How can you tell the female from the male?

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When Yolenda wants to ride ahead of the caravan, Mum doesn't stop her. No, Mum promotes her. Racing headlong into an adventure would be Yolenda's dream come true—if tonight weren't a Shadow Beast Night.