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.

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. Mị Châu, a princess, falls in love with Trọng Thủy, leading to a heartbreaking betrayal. Their tale symbolizes the impact of deceit and the creation of precious pearls in Vietnamese culture.

The Legend of the Dragon and Fairy

One of Vietnam’s most treasured origin stories is the legend of the Dragon and Fairy, a tale that explains the roots of the Vietnamese people and highlights their deep pride in unity and resilience.

The Story of Coconut Head

Once upon a time, there was an elderly couple who lived in a small village. Despite their years of hard work and kindness, they were unable to have children. One day, the wife ventured into the forest to collect firewood. The scorching sun made her incredibly thirsty, and while searching for water, she stumbled upon a coconut shell filled with rainwater at the base of a tree. Desperate for water, she drank from it, unknowingly leading to a miraculous event—she became pregnant.

The Toad Sues Heaven

Long ago, a severe drought plagued the world, lasting for years with no rain. Rivers ran dry, trees wilted, the earth cracked open, and both humans and animals endured great suffering from thirst. In the midst of this disaster, a small but brave creature, the Toad, decided to take action. Determined to end the misery, he resolved to journey to Heaven and ask the Jade Emperor, the ruler of the skies, to bring rain to the parched world.

The Tiger and the Farmer's Wisdom

Once upon a time, deep in the heart of a dense forest, a mighty Tiger wandered out to a nearby field. There, he saw a Farmer guiding a large Water Buffalo as it plowed the fields under the hot sun. The Tiger was puzzled. The Buffalo was clearly strong and powerful, yet it obediently pulled the plow and even endured occasional whips from the Farmer.

The Legend of Chưng Cake and Giầy Cake

Long ago, after King Hùng defeated the invading Yin forces, Vietnam entered a time of peace and prosperity. As King Hùng 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, treated like expendable tools under 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 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 and the Moon Tree

Once upon a time, in a peaceful village, there lived a woodcutter named Cuội. Every day, Cuội ventured into the forest to gather firewood and make a living. One day, while wandering the woods, Cuội stumbled upon a tiger's den and quickly killed the cubs inside to protect himself. Just as he was about to escape, the mother tiger returned and roared in fury upon discovering her lost cubs. Terrified, Cuội climbed up a nearby tree to hide.

The Legend of the Hundred-Joint Bamboo Tree

Once upon a time in a small village in ancient Vietnam, there lived a humble, hardworking farmer named Khoai. He worked diligently for a wealthy but miserly landowner. The landowner, seeing Khoai's honesty and dedication, devised a way to deceive him without paying for his labor.

The Legend of Betel Leaves and Areca Nut

In the heart of ancient Vietnam, there lived twin brothers named Tân and Lang. They resembled each other so closely that even their family struggled to tell them apart. Their father, Cao, was once summoned by King Hùng and honored with a new family name, "Cao," meaning "high" or "elevated."

The Legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh

In Vietnamese folklore, one ancient legend has been passed down through generations to explain the yearly floods that sweep across the country’s lowlands. It’s 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.

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.