The Legend of Saint Gióng

The story of Saint Gióng is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most beloved legends, symbolizing patriotism, courage, and the extraordinary spirit of the Vietnamese people. Long ago, during the reign of the sixth Hung King, there lived a kind and hardworking elderly couple in a small village named Gióng. Despite their prayers and efforts, they remained childless. One day, while working in the fields, the wife discovered a giant footprint. Curious, she placed her foot into it, and miraculously, she soon became pregnant.

The Legend of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy

The story of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy is a well-known Vietnamese legend about love, betrayal, and tragedy. It tells of Mị Châu, a princess who falls deeply in love with Trọng Thủy, a man whose deception leads to heartbreaking consequences. Their tale symbolizes the devastating impact of deceit and explains the origin of precious pearls in Vietnamese culture.

The Legend of the Dragon Descendants

One of Vietnam’s most treasured origin stories is the legend of the Dragon and Fairy. This timeless tale explains the roots of the Vietnamese people. It speaks of strength, sacrifice, and a powerful sense of unity that still shapes the nation's identity today. This legend has become a symbol of national pride, reminding every Vietnamese of their deep, ancient bond as one people.

The Coconut Shell Story

Once upon a time, in a quiet village, lived an elderly couple who had worked hard and treated others with kindness all their lives. Yet, despite their good hearts, they remained childless. One day, the wife went into the forest to collect firewood. The blazing sun left her exhausted and desperately thirsty. As she searched for water, she found a coconut shell filled with rainwater lying at the base of a tree. Without hesitation, she drank it. What seemed like a simple act of survival marked the beginning of a miracle. She became pregnant.

The Toad Sues Heaven

Long ago, a devastating drought swept across the land. For years, not a single drop of rain fell. Rivers dried up, trees withered, crops failed, and the ground cracked beneath the burning sun. People and animals alike suffered terribly from thirst. In the midst of this endless misery, a small but determined creature, the Toad, decided that something had to be done. With a brave heart, he made a bold decision: he would journey to Heaven and plead with the Jade Emperor, ruler of the skies, to send rain and save the world.

This is My Intelligence

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of a dense forest, a mighty Tiger wandered into a nearby field. There, he saw a Farmer working under the blazing sun, guiding a large Water Buffalo as it pulled a heavy plow through the soil. The sight puzzled the Tiger because the Buffalo was clearly strong and powerful, yet it quietly obeyed the Farmer and endured his whip without resistance.

The Legend of Chưng Cake and Giầy Cake

Long ago, after King Hùng defeated the invading Yin forces, Vietnam entered a period of peace and prosperity. As the king grew older and weaker, he decided it was time to choose a successor among his sons. To do this, he made an unusual announcement: "On the day of the Ancestor Worship Ceremony, whichever son brings me the most pleasing food offering will inherit the throne."

The Legend of Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Long ago, during a brutal period when the Ming Dynasty invaded Vietnam, the Vietnamese people suffered deeply under foreign oppression. They were treated like expendable tools, enduring extreme exploitation and cruelty. Amidst this hardship, a brave leader named Lê Lợi rose to lead the Lam Sơn Uprising against the invaders. However, at first, Lê Lợi’s forces were weak and suffered repeated defeats against the powerful Ming army. Witnessing the struggles and unwavering spirit of the Vietnamese people, the Dragon King, Long Quân, decided to intervene by granting them a powerful weapon, a magical sword capable of turning the tide of war.

The Legend of Cuội on the Moon

Once upon a time, in a peaceful village, there lived a humble woodcutter named Cuội. Every day, he ventured deep into the forest to gather firewood and earn his livelihood. One fateful day, while wandering through the woods, Cuội stumbled upon a tiger’s den. To protect himself, he quickly killed the cubs inside. But just as he was about to flee, the mother tiger returned. Enraged by the loss of her cubs, she let out a terrifying roar that echoed through the forest. In fear, Cuội scrambled up a nearby tree to hide.

The Hundred-Knot Bamboo Tree

Once upon a time in a small village in ancient Vietnam, there lived a humble, hardworking farmer named Khoai. He worked tirelessly for a wealthy but miserly landowner, never once complaining about his difficult life. Recognizing Khoai’s honesty and dedication, the landowner came up with a deceitful plan to take advantage of him without offering any true reward. One day, he said to Khoai, “If you work hard for three years, I will give you my daughter’s hand in marriage.” Trusting the promise, Khoai committed himself wholeheartedly. He plowed fields, harvested crops, and brought in abundant rice, enriching the landowner’s fortune.

The Legend of Betel and Areca

In the heart of ancient Vietnam, twin brothers named Tân and Lang lived so alike that even their family found it hard to tell them apart. Their father, Cao, had once been honored by King Hùng with the family name "Cao," which means "high" or "elevated." After their parents passed away, Tân and Lang relied on each other, working tirelessly to create a simple yet fulfilling life. Their close bond caught the attention of a local girl from the Liêu family. To decide which brother she would marry, her father devised a clever test by serving only one pair of chopsticks at a meal. Lang, showing respect, invited Tân to eat first, revealing that Tân was the elder brother. The girl then married Tân.

The Legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh

In Vietnamese folklore, an ancient legend has been passed down through generations to explain the yearly floods that sweep across the country’s lowlands. This is the powerful and poetic tale of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, the Mountain God and the Water God, and their fierce rivalry for the love of a princess. Long ago, during the reign of the 18th King Hùng, a beautiful princess named Mị Nương captured the hearts of many. Two extraordinary suitors came forward to ask for her hand: Sơn Tinh, the God of the Mountains, with the power to raise mountains, command animals, and shape the earth itself, and Thủy Tinh, the God of Water, who controlled rivers, summoned rainstorms, and ruled the vast aquatic realms.

The True Origins of Vietnam’s Lunar New Year: Tết Nguyên Đán

Tết Nguyên Đán, commonly known as Tết, is the most important holiday in Vietnam, marking the arrival of the Lunar New Year. As a time for family reunions, honoring ancestors, and celebrating the coming of spring, Tết holds profound cultural and spiritual meaning. Although the exact origins of Tết are debated, historical evidence suggests that Tết has been celebrated in Vietnam for thousands of years, potentially even before Chinese influence reached the region.

Vietnamese Ancestors: Origins and Legacy

Understanding the ancestors of the Vietnamese people offers valuable insights into the roots and evolution of a resilient nation. Questions like "Who were the first Vietnamese?" and "Where did we come from?" have long fascinated historians and geneticists alike. Through mythology, archaeology, and modern genetic studies, we are piecing together a clearer picture of Vietnam’s ancient beginnings.