The Mountain of Gold and the Price of Greed is a traditional folktale about two couples whose choices lead them to very different fates. Set near a forest and a cornfield, the story shows how honesty and contentment bring unexpected rewards, while greed turns opportunity into disaster. Through a simple but powerful narrative, this tale reminds readers that true wealth is shaped by character, not desire for more.
Long ago, there lived a poor farming couple who cleared a small field at the edge of the forest to grow corn. When the corn began to form young ears, monkeys came every day to eat it, forcing the couple to guard the field tirelessly from morning to night.
The King’s Precious Cat is a story about Quynh, a clever courtier who teaches a lesson about wisdom and patience. When the king’s beloved cat goes missing, Quynh shows how clever thinking can reveal the truth and solve problems.
The king had a very precious cat, chained with a golden collar and fed only the finest food. Everyone in the palace knew this cat was treated like royalty, enjoying delicacies that no ordinary cat could dream of. Quynh, a clever and mischievous courtier, noticed this and decided to teach the cat a lesson while also demonstrating his own ingenuity. One day, while attending court, he secretly took the king’s cat, replaced its golden chain with a simple iron one, and prepared its meals in a very unusual way. He set out two bowls of food: one filled with meat and fish, as the cat was used to, and the other with plain rice, vegetable scraps, and shrimp heads. When the cat, expecting its usual luxury, ran straight to the fancy bowl, Quynh stood beside it with a rod and whipped the cat every time it tried to eat. Starving and frustrated, the cat had no choice but to eat the plain vegetable bowl. Over time, it learned to ignore the luxury food, and Quynh finally released it, satisfied with the lesson he had taught.
The Legend of Damb'ri, the Fireborn Hero is a powerful folktale from Vietnam’s Central Highlands that tells of a young man who rose from tragedy to protect his people. The story centers on Damb'ri, a humble villager who gains extraordinary strength after discovering a sacred lake, allowing him to stand against the cruelty of King Prum. Through courage, sacrifice, and unbreakable spirit, Damb'ri becomes a symbol of resilience and the fierce love of the M’nông people for their homeland.
Long ago in the Central Highlands, the Buk So waterfall roared day and night. Its sound brought life to the forest, but King Prum, who lived nearby, despised it. He claimed the waterfall’s constant thunder made him restless, ruined his appetite, and kept him awake. Angered by something as natural as the sound of falling water, the king ordered his soldiers to destroy the rocks and silence the waterfall so he could sleep peacefully. His command unleashed disaster across the land.
The Legend of the Red Earth Highlands is a traditional tale from Vietnam’s Central Highlands that explains why the soil in this region carries its deep, distinctive red color. Passed down through generations, the story blends nature, emotion, and cultural belief to portray how love, sacrifice, and tragedy shaped the land. Though simple, this legend reflects the spirit of the highland people and their connection to the earth they call home.
Long ago, there lived a young man with strength so extraordinary that people believed he was born from the mountains themselves. He could lift a massive boulder with one hand as easily as someone lifts a small pebble. Because of his incredible power, everyone simply called him Strong. Despite his strength, he lived a quiet, hardworking life. He spent his days tending the fields, growing crops, and caring for his elderly mother. People respected him not just for his strength but for his gentle heart and devotion to his family.
The Path to Heaven is a Vietnamese folktale about a kind and hardworking young man who seeks answers from the heavens about why life is unfair. Along his journey, he helps others, receives magical gifts, and learns the rewards of courage, generosity, and selflessness.
Long ago, there was a kind and strong young man who worked tirelessly in the fields and collected firewood in the forest faster than anyone else, yet he remained poor and hungry. Despite his strength and hard work, life seemed unfair, and he could not understand why he suffered so much while others prospered. Determined to find answers, he decided to journey to the heavens to ask why hardworking people like him had to endure hardship. He traveled from sunrise to sunset, crossing forests and hills, before stopping to rest at a house at the foot of a mountain. The kind hostess asked him why he was on such a long journey, and he spoke honestly. He explained that he wanted to understand why strong and diligent people like himself still lived in poverty and struggle.
The Sacred Stone is a Vietnamese folktale about a poor but kindhearted family whose fate changes after they discover a mysterious stone with extraordinary power. The story has been passed down through generations, reminding readers about the value of honesty, gratitude, and using blessings wisely.
A long time ago, a poor couple named Mr. Lam and his wife worked tirelessly to support their five young children. No matter how early they woke up or how late they stayed in the fields, their income was never enough. When a devastating drought struck the region, famine spread everywhere and jobs disappeared. With no food left in the house, Mr. Lam took his hoe into the forest, desperate to find wild yams to keep his children alive. But after digging for hours under the burning sun, he found nothing. Exhaustion and fear overwhelmed him. Thinking about his starving children, he sat down and cried helplessly.
In this folktale, a clever traveler named Cuoi outwits a greedy local lord who tries to claim everything as his own. Using quick thinking and a bit of humor, Cuoi teaches the arrogant man an unforgettable lesson by turning a flock of wild ducks into the perfect trick.
One day, Cuoi traveled to Muong Vang. After a long walk, he stopped to rest beside a large, quiet lake. In the middle of the water, a flock of wild ducks swam freely. Cuoi counted them one by one. There were so many that he eventually lost track. While he was watching the ducks, the sound of horse bells suddenly rang behind him. Startled, Cuoi turned around and saw a proud local lord sitting high on a red horse. The lord glared at him and shouted, “What are you doing here? Move aside. Do you not know who owns this land?”
In an old forest ruled by a cruel gray tiger, the animals lived in constant fear. When the white rabbit’s turn came to be eaten, he chose not to surrender. With courage and a quick mind, he crafted a clever plan that would challenge the tiger and protect the entire forest.
In an ancient forest, all the animals lived peaceful, happy lives. Everything changed when a gray tiger from another region suddenly appeared. It stormed through the trees, roaring so loudly that the entire forest trembled. Terrified by its power, the animals had no choice but to follow its demand: every day, one animal had to sacrifice itself so the tiger could eat. Deer, antelope, weasels, peacocks, and even the clever fox eventually became its meals. Many other creatures fled to distant parts of the forest to survive.
The Three Magical Flowers is a classic folktale that tells the story of a young boy who discovers three magical flowers, each granting a single wish. Through his adventures, the tale explores themes of desire, curiosity, and the search for true happiness. It is a timeless story that uses simple yet imaginative storytelling to teach valuable life lessons.
Once upon a time, in a small village, there was a boy named Rít. Orphaned at a young age, he was taken in by the village blacksmith, who raised him as his own. Soon, Rít learned to help at the forge, assisting his adoptive father in crafting hoes, knives, and other tools for the villagers.
The Clever Rabbit and the Patient Crocodile is a folktale about intelligence, careful thinking, and survival. The story uses animals to reflect human traits and teach important life lessons. It is loved for its simple yet meaningful message, passed down through many generations.
During a dry season, a wild rabbit ventured out of the forest, weakened by hunger. He crept into a vegetable garden at dusk but was caught and injured by the farmer, leaving him with a lame leg. Limping toward the river, he met a young blind deer grazing nearby. The deer was strong and fast, but constantly at risk because it could not see the dangers around the riverbank. The rabbit proposed a partnership: he would be the eyes, spotting danger early, while the deer would provide speed and strength. Recognizing the advantage of cooperation, the blind deer agreed.
Who Deserves More Praise is a gentle moral story that focuses on obedience, kindness, and true goodness. Through the actions of two siblings given the same task, the story shows that doing good is not about seeking praise, but about thinking of others and helping when help is needed.
In a quiet home, two Gray Rabbit brothers lived with their mother. Their father worked far away, so both brothers wanted to prove they were the most loving and obedient child. The older brother was more mature and often gave in to his younger sibling. The younger one, however, always wanted more praise from their mother and tried to stand out.
The Brave Purple Toad is a traditional Vietnamese folktale that celebrates courage, intelligence, and quick thinking. The story shows how a small and seemingly weak creature outsmarts a powerful tiger, teaching a timeless lesson that wisdom can overcome strength and bravery does not depend on size.
Deep in the forest lived a fierce and cruel tiger. Every animal feared him, and he believed himself to be untouchable. One day, as the tiger passed by the cave of Purple Toad, the toad decided it was time to teach the arrogant tiger a lesson using intelligence instead of strength.
This story explores the timeless theme of loyalty, kindness, and the true measure of character. It highlights how actions reveal a person’s heart, showing that wealth or status does not determine who is genuinely good. Readers of all ages can reflect on the importance of integrity, family bonds, and recognizing true virtue in others.
Long ago, there were two brothers who lost their parents at a young age. They lived together in the same house, shared everything, and worked side by side. Life was simple and peaceful, and their bond was very strong.
This story is a well-known Vietnamese folktale that highlights cleverness, honesty, and the consequences of greed. It shows how quick thinking and integrity can outsmart those who are selfish and arrogant. Readers of all ages can enjoy the humor and moral lessons it offers.
Long ago, there was a wealthy man who was extremely greedy and miserly. When the Lunar New Year approached, he craved some wine but refused to give any money. He ordered his farmhand, the plowman, to go to the market and buy a bottle without paying for it.
This story comes from a classic collection of Vietnamese folktales. It explores timeless lessons about choices, consequences, and the value of living with honesty and integrity. Readers of all ages can appreciate the wisdom it offers about life, responsibility, and moral guidance.
Long ago, there was a wealthy merchant family known for their cunning and deceit. The father had crafted a special scale filled with mercury, cleverly designed so that it would weigh heavier or lighter depending on his benefit. When selling goods, the scale tipped to his advantage, making the products appear lighter and the money larger. When buying, the scale worked the opposite way. Through this trickery, he always profited, and his wealth grew quickly. The family was blessed with two handsome and intelligent children who excelled in their studies, and people admired them as a household of great fortune.
This story comes from a traditional Vietnamese folktale. It highlights values that have been admired for generations, such as hard work, intelligence, and gratitude. It is a timeless tale that shows how personal effort and respect for others are celebrated in culture and society.
Long ago, there was a young man from a very poor family who spent his days gathering firewood to earn money for food and schooling. He was intelligent, hardworking, and deeply passionate about learning. That year, the king announced a royal examination to select the brightest minds in the kingdom. The young scholar studied day and night, often forgetting to eat, completely absorbed in his books. Sometimes, when mealtime came, he would wait until his neighbors finished eating and then borrow their cooking pot to cook his food, always returning it spotless after use.
In this traditional Vietnamese tale, two brothers face very different fates after one chooses greed and the other chooses kindness. At the heart of the story is a humble starfruit tree, a mysterious golden bird, and a journey that reveals the true cost of selfishness and the quiet strength of generosity.
Long ago, two brothers lived together after losing their parents when they were still very young. The older brother grew up with a greedy and selfish nature. He always wanted more for himself and rarely cared about anyone else. The younger brother was very different. He was gentle, honest, and ready to make sacrifices if it meant helping others.
This is a well-known folktale that highlights the values of kindness, gratitude, and family love. Although the story is simple, the message it carries is powerful and timeless. It reminds readers that true generosity often appears in the quietest moments and that the strongest bonds are built through actions rather than words.
Two brothers once inherited a rice field after their parents passed away. The older brother was married with several children, while the younger brother lived alone in a small house by the edge of the village. When harvest season came, they worked side by side under the sun, cutting the rice, tying the stalks into bundles, and stacking everything into two piles of equal size in the middle of the field. Both were tired, but they felt grateful that the season had been generous to them.
This simple classroom story follows a talkative boy named Son who learns an important lesson about paying attention. After disrupting the class one too many times, his teacher pauses the lesson to explain why people have two ears, two eyes, but only one mouth. Through a gentle but meaningful conversation, Son begins to understand the value of listening more and speaking less.
Son was a bright but mischievous student who loved to talk. During class, instead of focusing on the lesson, he kept turning from side to side, whispering and chatting with his classmates. His constant talking distracted the entire row and even caused a few students to get scolded along with him. Although Son found it fun, the others were clearly annoyed.
During the Lê dynasty in Vietnam, at the foot of Mount Hồng Lĩnh, there lived a poor man. In his youth, he had learned just enough literacy to sign contracts when borrowing money, but his family’s land and home were eventually lost to debt. As he grew older, he earned a living herding cattle for villagers. Each morning he led the cows into the hills and each evening returned them to their owners. While the animals grazed, he often waded into streams to catch eels for food.
