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Prompt: Based on the information provided in the textbook excerpt and your own understanding, please write an introduction to Trương Hán Siêu and his famous Bach Dang River Ode.
Introduction to Trương Hán Siêu and his renowned Bach Dang River Ode
Task Submission:
Trương Hán Siêu emerges as a major literary figure of the Tran dynasty era. His epithet, Thăng Phủ, reflects his illustrious career serving four successive emperors, holding esteemed positions such as Hanlin scholar and Minister. Renowned for his political acumen, Siêu earned royal favor and posthumously received the titles of Imperial Advisor and Vice Chancellor. He became a celebrated luminary of medieval Vietnamese literature, with his poem 'Ode to the Bach Dang River' becoming a seminal work synonymous with his name.
Trương Hán Siêu was known for his integrity, forthrightness, and patriotism, making significant contributions to the anti-Yuan resistance. A scholar of profound erudition, he left behind a legacy of renowned poetic works such as 'A Hundred Verses on the Chrysanthemum Flower,' 'Verse Composition in Hua Prefecture,' and 'Dục Thuý Mountain Elegy.' Siêu also composed the Linh Tế Tower Inscription, solidifying his status as a cultural luminary of his time. His works exude a deep love for the homeland, pride in Vietnam's glorious history, and reverence for nature. Siêu's poetic language is characterized by its subtlety, emotional depth, evocative imagery, and persuasive rhetoric.
The 'Ode to the Bach Dang River' is hailed as a masterpiece of Trương Hán Siêu, representing the pinnacle of Vietnamese literature. This poem, written in a blend of poetry and prose, utilizes Classical Chinese characters. Composed after the victorious resistance against the Mongol invaders, the poem eloquently expresses patriotism and pride in the nation's heroic traditions. It holds significant importance in commemorating the victories of the Bach Dang battles of that era.
'Guest at hand:
Sails raised, dancing with the winds,
Gliding across the sea, enchanted by the moonlight.
Early, the boat taps the shores of Nguyên Tương,
Evening, it visits the Vũ cave.
Cửu Giang, Ngũ Hồ,
Tam Ngô, Bách Việt.
Wherever one travels,
All is known.
In the Vân Mộng Marsh, hundreds are concealed within the mind,
Yet the longing for the four directions remains fervent.
Amidst the river, the oars are gently released,
The Scholar Tử Trường indulges in leisurely drifting.
Past the Great Than Gate,
Upstream of the Eastern Court,
Arriving at the Bạch Đằng River,
A one-way journey on a boat.
The waves stretch endlessly for miles,
The heron's tail sways in unison.
The water and sky blend into one hue,
The scenery speaks of autumn thrice over.
The shores are lined with reeds,
The docks whisper softly.
The riverbed hides broken oars,
The hills are strewn with dry bones.
Melancholy for the tragic scene,
Standing silent for hours.'
The guest emerges with the beauty of a soul untamed by great dreams. Their wanderings not only admire nature's beauty but also enrich their own understanding. Each place visited evokes a mix of emotions, of joy and sorrow, pride and regret.
The venerable elders
They bow and say:
'This is the battlefield where the two saints captured Ô Mã,
Also the land of old, where the Ngô lords conquered Hoằng Thao.'
At that time:
The boats in countless fleets,
Dancing gracefully on the waters.
Six valiant armies,
Their swords gleaming brightly.
The battle remains undecided,
Forts in the north and south stand firm.
The sun and moon seem dimmed,
The heavens and earth on the brink of change.
Behold:
Mighty warriors and cunning strategists,
Once thought to conquer all,
Yet the heavens favor the righteous,
Evil finds no refuge.
At the Battle of Xích Bích, Cao Cao's troops scatter like ashes,
In the Battle of Hợp Phì, Bokien's forces utterly destroyed.
Even now, the rivers flow incessantly,
But the shame of the enemy remains indelible.
The venerable elders warmly welcome their guest with utmost sincerity and hospitality. Their reverent demeanor allows them to recount the fierce battles on the Bạch Đằng River with grandeur and fervor, encapsulated in concise yet vivid poetry.
The guest continues the song:
'Two saintly kings in glory shine,
This river has cleansed foes countless times.
Enemies dispersed, peace reigns divine,
From whence came danger, arose virtues sublime.'
The author extols the valor of the Tran kings, praising their glorious feats while affirming the profound role of human excellence.
