1. Analysis of the tragedy of losing the country and the tragedy of love in the story of An Duong Vuong - Essay 4
"The story of An Duong Vuong, My Chau - Trong Thuy" is the most original explanation of the loss of the Au Lac kingdom. Within it, two major tragedies stand out: the tragedy of losing the country and the tragedy of love.
The story recounts how after building the fort of Co Loa and receiving a magical claw from the Golden Turtle God to create a divine bow, King An Duong Vuong used it to defeat the invading forces from the North. When Trieu Da was defeated, he withdrew but soon sent his son, Trong Thuy, to marry My Chau, the king's daughter. After gaining My Chau's trust, Trong Thuy stole the divine bow and returned it to his father. With the bow in hand, Trieu Da launched an attack on Au Lac. Although King An Duong Vuong saw the enemy approaching, he remained overconfident because of the divine bow. In the end, the king lost the battle, fled with My Chau, and faced the enemy at the sea. Desperate, he sought the Golden Turtle God, who revealed that the enemy was behind him: "The enemy is at your back." King An Duong Vuong then realized his mistake, killed My Chau, and threw himself into the sea. Trong Thuy, following the trail of goose feathers, found My Chau’s body, felt regret, and took his own life. The well where this occurred is now known as Trong Thuy’s Well, and legend says that after My Chau's death, her blood flowed into the sea, and oysters would produce pearls, which, when washed in the well’s water, would glow with a strange light.
First, the tragedy of losing the country began with King An Duong Vuong's decision to trust in the divine bow. Initially, he was a wise ruler who built a strong kingdom and was helped by the Golden Turtle God to create the bow that drove out the invaders. But overconfidence led him to lose the kingdom. The key mistake was agreeing to the marriage of My Chau to Trong Thuy, which allowed the enemy to infiltrate and steal the secrets of the divine bow. Trieu Da then used the bow to attack Au Lac, and despite being warned, An Duong Vuong relied too much on the weapon, leading to his defeat.
Secondly, there is the tragedy of love between My Chau and Trong Thuy. My Chau, a naive princess, caused the downfall of her kingdom because she was blinded by love. She failed to recognize her responsibility to her country and only thought about her personal happiness. Meanwhile, Trong Thuy, who came to her under false pretenses, grew to love her but ultimately chose loyalty to his father over his love for her. His betrayal led to the stealing of the divine bow, which set in motion the destruction of Au Lac. After My Chau's death, Trong Thuy felt deep remorse and ended his life at the well. Their tragic love story symbolizes the conflict between personal desires and national duty, and it is a cautionary tale about the consequences of betrayal.
In conclusion, the story of An Duong Vuong, My Chau - Trong Thuy serves as a painful lesson on the importance of vigilance in protecting one's country and the complexity of personal and public duties in relationships.


2. Analysis of the tragedy of losing the country and the tragedy of love in the story of An Duong Vuong - Essay 5
"I love the folk tales of my country, both kind and wonderfully profound."
This line from Lam Thi Vy Da captures the author's deep affection for the ancient folk stories of the nation. Each tale is rich with life lessons and human philosophies about life and people. Through the story of "An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau - Trong Thuy," folk tradition brings forward the poignant tragedies of losing the country and tragic love, echoing deeply in the hearts of readers.
The tale of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau - Trong Thuy intertwines two tragedies that create a dramatic and intense narrative filled with sorrow. Both King An Duong Vuong and Princess Mi Chau fall into tragedy due to their blind trust. They made a tragic mistake by trusting the very person who deceived them to steal the magic bow, invade the land, and betray their marital bond. The folk artists skillfully portray unique and thought-provoking characters that are both artistically valuable and deeply humanistic.
The tragedy of losing the country stems from the conflict of interests and ambitions between Trieu Da and An Duong Vuong. With strategic foresight, An Duong Vuong saw Co Loa as a fertile and prosperous land, well-suited for trade and commerce. Thus, he decided to relocate the capital to Co Loa and continue the work of his ancestors. With the help of the Golden Turtle, he constructed Loa Thanh with nine solid rings, ensuring safety and security. Especially, the Golden Turtle helped An Duong Vuong defeat his enemy, Trieu Da, who sought to invade and steal the land. The bright and prosperous landscape of Vietnam appeared vibrant under the wise and far-sighted leadership of the king. However, soon after, the entire nation, including An Duong Vuong, was caught in the tragedy of losing the country.
The tragedy of losing the country began when the king agreed to the proposal of Trieu Da, marrying his daughter, Mi Chau, to Trieu Da’s son, Trong Thuy. Trieu Da, a cruel and vindictive man, could not accept his defeat at the hands of An Duong Vuong. He used every tactic, sweet words, and appeasing gestures to send his son, Trong Thuy, to ask for Mi Chau’s hand, while secretly planning to use his son as a spy. Despite being a wise king, An Duong Vuong, hoping for peace, was overly confident and underestimated his enemy. He agreed to the marriage without suspicion, unknowingly paving the way for the tragedy of losing his kingdom.
Trusting her father’s decision, the beautiful Mi Chau never doubted her husband, Trong Thuy. Living together under one roof, she loved him deeply and fulfilled all her duties as a wife. Meanwhile, Trong Thuy kept his true nature hidden, using his position to steal the magic bow and wait for the right moment to defeat An Duong Vuong.
When Trieu Da’s army invaded again, An Duong Vuong, confident in the power of the magic bow, continued playing chess, believing no one could defeat it. The enemy stormed the city violently, and the people suffered greatly. When the king finally sought the magic bow, it was no longer functional. Little did he know that it had long been replaced. In panic, An Duong Vuong fled with his daughter, Mi Chau, but the enemy pursued them relentlessly. Reaching the sea, cornered, the king could only ask the Golden Turtle for help. Unfortunately, the water could not save them, and the king discovered a shocking secret. It turned out that Trong Thuy had been a spy for Trieu Da, stealing the magic bow with Mi Chau’s help, even leaving goose feathers along the escape route to lead the enemy straight to them. Overcome with grief and late realization, An Duong Vuong killed his daughter and followed the Golden Turtle into the sea. It was the price paid for the king’s mistakes and betrayal of his people.
The legend also tells of the tragic love between Mi Chau and Trong Thuy. Mi Chau was a naive and innocent princess, sheltered in luxury and the care of her father. Her life took a new turn when she followed her father’s advice to marry Trong Thuy. During their years together, love blossomed between them, and they developed a deep connection as husband and wife. Mi Chau experienced happiness, enveloped in love, and believed in the unwavering loyalty of her husband. Perhaps these were the happiest days of their lives.
However, Trong Thuy’s love for Mi Chau was not as pure and innocent as hers for him. Originally, Trong Thuy had married Mi Chau to follow his father’s orders, with plans to steal the magic bow. But over time, he developed real feelings for the princess of Vietnam. He found himself torn between love and duty to his country. In the end, he sacrificed his love, betraying the wife he had lived with, to avenge his father. Trong Thuy deceived Mi Chau to steal the magic bow, secretly bringing it back to his homeland. When war broke out, Mi Chau, despite being in danger, never suspected her husband. Instead, she trusted him and scattered goose feathers in hopes that Trong Thuy would come to her rescue. Unfortunately, Mi Chau’s misplaced trust led to her tragic fate. She only realized the truth too late, when everything was lost. Her deep love turned into pain and lasting resentment. From a perfect couple to a tragic love story, their tale evokes immense sympathy.
To resolve the tragedy of love and convey a meaningful lesson, folk tradition introduced the motif of pearls and the well. After Mi Chau’s death, Trong Thuy, devastated, threw himself into the well. Mi Chau’s blood flowed into the sea, turning into pearls. When these pearls were washed with water from the well where Trong Thuy had drowned, they became even more beautiful. This detail symbolizes the enduring love between Mi Chau and Trong Thuy, even in death. Ultimately, love was not the fault, but the circumstances that led to their tragic separation. Trong Thuy, despite bringing benefits to his people, lost the love of his life—his beloved wife and the greatest love of his life. The image of the pearls and the well also clears Mi Chau’s name and represents the forgiveness of folk tradition toward her.
The story of An Duong Vuong and Mi Chau - Trong Thuy, although filled with two tragedies—losing the country and tragic love—leaves readers with profound life lessons about humanity and life.


3. Analysis of the Tragedy of Losing the Kingdom and the Tragedy of Love in the Story of An Dương Vương, Number 6
Every time we mention the magical crossbow, we inevitably think of the story of King An Dương Vương, Mị Châu, and Trọng Thủy. This tale feels both like a piece of history and a fable, reflecting the early days of nation-building by our ancestors. Reading the story, one cannot hide the sorrow over the tragedy of the loss of Âu Lạc and the heartbreaking love story of Princess Mị Châu.
In folk legends, An Dương Vương is depicted as a wise and capable ruler, deeply committed to defending the country against foreign invaders. With the help of the golden turtle, he successfully built Loa Fortress and created the magical crossbow – a powerful weapon that was guaranteed to hit its target every time, capable of killing thousands of enemy soldiers.
When the year came for Triệu Đà to invade the South, the invaders were defeated because of the magical crossbow, leading Đà to propose peace. Soon after, Đà sought to arrange a marriage between his son and An Dương Vương’s daughter. The king unknowingly married his beloved daughter Mị Châu to Trọng Thủy. Little did he know that Trọng Thủy used his charm to coax Mị Châu into revealing the secret of the magical crossbow. A trusting and naive Mị Châu told him all the details, from how to use the crossbow to how to shoot arrows, unknowingly giving Trọng Thủy the chance to create a counterfeit crossbow, swapping out the magical one. A short time later, Trọng Thủy left her, claiming that 'a wife should not forget her husband, and parents' love cannot be discarded,' and lied to Mị Châu about going north to visit his father. Delighted by the counterfeited crossbow, Đà sent his troops to attack. Meanwhile, King An Dương Vương, unaware of the swap, calmly sat playing chess as the enemy drew near, joking, 'Doesn't Đà fear the magical crossbow?' It was only when the enemy was almost at the gates that the king took out the crossbow, only to find that the magic had disappeared. With no other option, he fled. He placed Mị Châu behind him on the horse and rode south. According to the agreement, the goose feathers on Mị Châu’s coat marked the trail, guiding Trọng Thủy to follow. When they were cornered, the king cried out, 'Heaven has forsaken me, where is the divine turtle to save me?' The golden turtle rose from the water and shouted, 'The person behind you is the enemy!' In a moment of clarity, the king drew his sword and killed Mị Châu, and the turtle led the king into the sea.
How could such a brilliant man lose everything in a moment? Was it because the king became too overconfident with the magical crossbow? Indeed, the crossbow was a powerful weapon, and it helped An Dương Vương win battles. But it also led to his arrogance and overconfidence, causing him to underestimate the treacherous plans of the invaders. He also trusted Triệu Đà too easily when accepting the marriage proposal.
The loss of the kingdom also came from the king’s failure to understand his own household. He did not fully understand the character of his beloved daughter Mị Châu, a princess who was sincere, trusting, and naïve, never doubting her husband for a single moment. She truly loved Trọng Thủy, and because of her complete trust in him, Mị Châu unknowingly revealed the state secret. The tragedy of An Dương Vương’s fall cannot be fully understood without also exploring the tragic love story between Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy. Their love was a tragic one, intertwined with the fate of the kingdom, as the love between the two was the root cause of the downfall. It serves as a timeless lesson for those who place personal love above national duty and overlook the collective good for individual passions.
If we consider the relationship between Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy as a love story, it cannot be one of loyalty. While Mị Châu, with her innocence, was devoted to her husband, Trọng Thủy harbored plans to steal the secret of the magical crossbow. Trọng Thủy came to Âu Lạc with one goal: to obtain the crossbow. However, during his time in Âu Lạc, living with his beautiful and trusting wife, he genuinely fell in love with Mị Châu. This created a conflict between two ambitions: to conquer Âu Lạc and to be with the woman he loved. Thus, after stealing the crossbow and preparing for war, Trọng Thủy still wanted to find Mị Châu, guided by the goose feathers, hoping to live with her in a future where he ruled the land.
But how could these two ambitions coexist? Could Trọng Thủy conquer Âu Lạc and still live happily with the woman who unknowingly helped him betray her country? The path marked by the goose feathers once again led Mị Châu to unknowingly guide the enemy to her, causing both father and daughter to reach a dead end. She only realized the painful truth before her death, when the golden turtle condemned her as an 'enemy.' Mị Châu’s death signified the end of Trọng Thủy’s ambitions as well. After his victory, instead of celebrating his triumph, Trọng Thủy killed himself, grieving for Mị Châu, unable to reconcile his conflicting ambitions and torn by the impossible love story within him.
This death stirred feelings of sorrow. The tragic love story of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy was not merely the result of their actions, but the consequence of the invasion plot orchestrated by Triệu Đà. Had Đà truly sought peace, had both nations prioritized harmony, Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy’s love could have been a beautiful, pure love. The tragic ending of their relationship was deeply tied to the hidden motives of war and stands as a powerful condemnation of conflict.
Mị Châu possessed all the admirable qualities of a traditional woman, but it was these very qualities, when blinded by love, that led her to betray her father, her people, and her country. She cared only for Trọng Thủy and her own happiness. She wholeheartedly trusted and loved her husband. She gave him a love that was sincere and deep. Yet, Trọng Thủy – that treacherous man – trampled upon her love. He married her only to use her to conquer Âu Lạc. But why was Mị Châu so deceived? How could she overlook Trọng Thủy’s strange words when they parted: 'I will return to visit my father. If the two countries are at odds, I will find you. What will be the sign?' His words were a warning of the disaster that awaited her country. Yet, she innocently responded, 'As a woman, separation would break my heart. I wear a coat with goose feathers that I will scatter along the way to mark the path, and this may save us.'
In the feudal era, many Confucian scholars used the doctrine of 'three obediences' to defend Mị Châu, arguing that she was innocent for trusting her husband. However, they overlooked the fact that in a country at war, a princess who only followed the role of a wife without regard for her country’s fate was guilty. The divine turtle's condemnation of her – 'The person behind you is the enemy!' – reflects the people's anger and sorrow. Mị Châu, before her death, acknowledged her grave mistake and did not deny her guilt. She simply wished to clarify, 'If I had betrayed my country, I would turn to dust. If I was deceived while remaining loyal, I would become a gem to cleanse the shame.' She sought only to clear her name, not begging for mercy, but hoping the people would understand that she was deceived despite her loyalty. The people of Âu Lạc, both then and now, mourn her because she recognized her fault, accepted her punishment, and faced her death bravely. To defend Mị Châu by citing the 'three obediences' is to diminish the integrity and nobility of the princess of Âu Lạc.


4. Analysis of the Tragedy of Losing the Country and the Tragedy of Love in the Story of An Dương Vương, Number 7
The legend tells the story of historical events, figures, and local landmarks through artistic fiction, blending magical elements with the history of the nation's formation and defense. The story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu - Trọng Thủy is a notable Vietnamese legend, rich in historical and cultural value. It reflects the tragic loss of the country and the tragic love of people from ancient times.
The core historical element of the legend centers on the founding and fall of the Âu Lạc kingdom during the reign of An Dương Vương. This historical essence is vividly reimagined with a rich imagination and a tightly woven narrative, filled with magical elements that highlight the uniqueness of the legend.
The first part of the legend tells how An Dương Vương built a fortress and created a divine crossbow to protect the kingdom of Âu Lạc. The latter part tells the tragic love story between Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy, as well as the downfall of Âu Lạc to Triệu Đà. The legend intertwines these two stories, blending the tragedy of losing the nation with the tragedy of love. The loss of the country led to the tragedy of love, while the tragedy of love paved the way for the fall of the nation.
In the story, An Dương Vương is portrayed as a wise and brave king who continued the legacy of the Hùng kings by relocating the capital to Việt Thường. There, he ordered his army to build a wall day and night to protect the nation. This action demonstrated his farsightedness and leadership. However, despite his efforts, the soil used to build the wall kept sliding away, so he prayed to the gods for help. His concern for the nation moved the deities, and as a result, the Golden Turtle - the emissary of Thanh Giang - appeared and assisted in building the Loa Fortress. This shows how the people upheld the righteousness of the king’s mission to protect the land, with even the gods lending their help. But the king’s faith in the divine defense led him to neglect the dangers of external enemies. In his quest to safeguard the nation, he married his daughter Mị Châu to Trọng Thủy, the son of the enemy king Triệu Đà. This marriage, intended to forge peace, unknowingly opened the door for the enemy. This was the root cause of the kingdom's downfall. When the secret of the divine crossbow was revealed, Trọng Thủy returned to his homeland, and Triệu Đà launched an invasion. An Dương Vương remained oblivious, still engrossed in his own affairs, even as the country was on the verge of collapse. In the end, he witnessed the tragedy of losing his kingdom. However, his care for the country was recognized by the people, and he was taken away by the Golden Turtle to the sea, symbolizing his late but steadfast commitment to the nation. But the pain of losing the kingdom and having to kill his own beloved daughter remained.
The story also highlights the tragic love of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy. Trọng Thủy, under orders from his father, pretended to love Mị Châu in order to uncover the secret of the divine crossbow. Mị Châu, blinded by her love and trust, made a grave mistake by revealing the location of the crossbow to Trọng Thủy. Later, when he returned to his homeland, Mị Châu failed to notice the hidden meaning behind his farewell words. Even when the war broke out, she still clung to the hope of a personal reunion, ultimately leading her to contribute unknowingly to the fall of the kingdom. The people, though, felt sympathy for her, recognizing that her actions were driven by love, even though they led to the downfall of her country. Mị Châu’s tragic fate is symbolized by the pearls that formed in the ocean where her blood was shed, serving as a symbol of both her tragic love and the people’s forgiveness.
Trọng Thủy, on the other hand, experienced a more complex emotional journey. He initially deceived Mị Châu for the sake of his father’s ambitions, but over time, he genuinely fell in love with her. However, his loyalty to his father and his thirst for conquest led him to betray Mị Châu. The guilt he felt before leaving, torn between duty and love, is evident in his farewell to Mị Châu. After the conquest of Âu Lạc, Trọng Thủy realized the cost of his betrayal, and in his despair, he took his own life. The conflict between his ambition and his remorse for betraying Mị Châu demonstrates the deep emotional turmoil that ultimately led to his tragic end.
In essence, both Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy are victims of war. Their tragic love story is marked by a series of misunderstandings and betrayals. Mị Châu loved Trọng Thủy deeply, but her love led to her downfall, as she unknowingly aided the enemy. Trọng Thủy, who initially deceived Mị Châu, later regretted his actions but could not undo the damage. The magical elements of the story, like the pearls and the well, serve not as symbols of loyalty but as reminders of the purity of Mị Châu’s heart and the forgiveness of the people. The legend of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu - Trọng Thủy teaches us the painful consequences of war, the importance of guarding both the nation and personal relationships, and the dangers of being blinded by love and ambition.
The story is a poignant reminder that happiness and love cannot be achieved through deception and that we must always be aware of our duties to our country and the people around us. Through this legend, the Vietnamese people have learned vital lessons about vigilance, loyalty, and the complex relationships between the personal and the national.
In terms of artistic expression, the story is a prime example of the Vietnamese tradition of legends, blending historical truth with creative imagination. The characters of the Golden Turtle and the magical crossbow are emblematic of this fusion, showcasing the role of divine intervention and the importance of weapons in the defense of the nation. The story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu - Trọng Thủy serves as a timeless narrative, offering moral lessons that are relevant to every generation.


5. Analysis of the tragedy of losing the kingdom and the tragic love story in the tale of An Dương Vương No. 8
“I tell the story of Mị Châu from long ago
Her heart was misplaced, resting on her head
The sacred bow was unwittingly handed to the enemy.
Thus, the kingdom was lost to the depths of the sea.”
(Tố Hữu – Confession)
The legend of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy is a beautiful tale of the ancient people, focused on the themes of building and defending the nation, leaving a profound lesson on political vigilance for future generations. But is this story solely about the tragedy of losing a kingdom? In my opinion, this story intertwines both the tragic loss of the kingdom and the tragedy of love. It is the loss of the kingdom that created the tragedy of love, and the tragedy of love paved the way for the loss of the kingdom.
Both tragedies began when An Dương Vương allowed his personal feelings to overshadow his responsibilities as a wise ruler. The king brought Trọng Thủy to live at the palace without any suspicion, which allowed the enemy to subtly plant seeds of destruction within the capital, Loa Thành. His lack of caution led him to create the tragedy of losing the kingdom; but the consequences did not stop there. An Dương Vương also pushed his daughter, Princess Mị Châu, into the tragedy of love.
The legend, as passed down by later generations, is brief but clear in its depiction of the tragedy: the familial ties between two historically opposing houses carried inherent risks. Yet, An Dương Vương “carelessly” married his beloved daughter to the son of the enemy. The legend does not provide a deeper explanation for why Mị Châu assisted Trọng Thủy in stealing the magical bow from the sacred turtle, but it is evident that Mị Châu loved Trọng Thủy deeply and believed his love to be sincere. Because of this, she blindly followed his every word.
From the perspective of a subject, she was guilty of treason for revealing national secrets to an enemy, especially to the son of the enemy. What’s worse is that Mị Châu, blinded by love, failed to recognize the hidden dangers in Trọng Thủy’s words as he bid farewell, which should have served as a warning to her father. She could not see the impending disaster in his farewell message: “I will return to visit my father; if, in the future, our two nations are divided, what should I use to find you?” Mị Châu was so consumed by love that she never questioned the reason for their separation, only fixated on their eventual reunion. Even when the forces of Triệu Đà were closing in, she remained in denial, lost in her dreams, continuing to scatter goose feathers as a signal for Trọng Thủy to follow. Placing personal love above national duty was certainly a grave mistake, but from the perspective of a young girl in love, Mị Châu was simply fulfilling her emotional duty. Her love was pure and beautiful, despite her misguided actions. Thus, Mị Châu became the unwitting accomplice in the loss of the kingdom while also being the tragic victim of a love story gone wrong. She left behind no legacy but love.
Beneath the story of Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy’s love lies a deep political conspiracy orchestrated by Triệu Đà, and the one who executed this plot was none other than Trọng Thủy. From the moment he set foot in Loa Thành, he revealed his true nature as a treacherous spy. Even more despicable, he used his innocent wife as a tool to carry out his deceitful plans. At his core, Trọng Thủy was greedy and deceitful, traits that enabled him to fulfill his mission. He succeeded in both loyalty and filial piety, but tragically, he lost love. In contrast to Mị Châu, Trọng Thủy allowed his cold mind to control his heart. His calculated actions led to the downfall of Mị Châu’s family, but in the end, he too became a victim of the very love he betrayed.
An Dương Vương lost the kingdom due to his own lack of vigilance and his underestimation of the enemy. The king longed for peace between the two nations, hoping to end the conflict for the sake of his children’s love. Ironically, this desire for peace opened a gap through which Triệu Đà’s scheming could infiltrate. An Dương Vương was also forced to face the bitter reality of punishing his beloved daughter, a decision that prioritized the nation over personal feelings. The people respected the king for this decision, as shown in the folk tale: The golden turtle helped the king escape to the sea. Mị Châu had to pay the price for her recklessness, but in her final moments, she came to understand the tragedy. A young girl, innocent and loving, was betrayed, only to realize too late who the real enemy was. The people’s sympathy for Mị Châu was reflected when she was transformed into a precious stone and her blood became pearls in the East Sea. Mị Châu, though culpable, was also pitiable. The legend not only tells of a kingdom’s loss but also offers a compassionate view of the love story – when love faces political intrigue.
Trọng Thủy had to pay the price for his betrayal, ending up with only the corpse of Mị Châu to bury. For the one who betrayed the nation, the people ensured he could not continue to deceive Mị Châu. The story concludes with Trọng Thủy’s tragic death by drowning, and the final words: “Later generations found pearls in the East Sea, and the water from the well made them shine even brighter.” The deception of Trọng Thủy serves as a cautionary tale: only true love will be rewarded, and love cannot coexist with malicious schemes and ambitions to conquer a kingdom.
The story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy continues to hold immense value, offering lessons on vigilance and reminders on balancing public duties and personal desires. While the legend’s main theme is the loss of a kingdom, it also subtly conveys the tragic complexity of love, making the story not just a tale of national defeat but one of poignant emotional conflict.


6. Analyzing the Tragedy of Losing a Kingdom and the Tragedy of Love in the Story of An Dương Vương - Part 1
"The Story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu - Trọng Thủy" is one of the most prominent legends in the Vietnamese folklore tradition. The story addresses two key tragedies: the tragedy of losing a kingdom and the tragedy of love, each corresponding to different characters. Through these events, profound lessons are imparted for future generations.
King An Dương Vương continued his ancestors' legacy of building and protecting the nation. Upon taking power, he boldly relocated the capital to Cổ Loa, a flat and expansive area that would facilitate trade and create conditions for the country's development. With the help of the Golden Turtle, he constructed Loa Thành, a fortress with nine strong walls. Armed with the divine crossbow, he successfully repelled the invasion of Triệu Đà. An Dương Vương was regarded as a wise, far-sighted king, and it seemed the country was on the path to prosperity under his reign. However, a moment of carelessness led to the downfall of the nation.
The tragedy of losing the kingdom stemmed from An Dương Vương's decision to accept Triệu Đà's proposal of marriage. After his defeat, Triệu Đà, unable to match the might of An Dương Vương’s divine weapon, devised a strategy to delay the conflict by marrying his son Trọng Thủy to Mị Châu. This move was a precursor to his plan to conquer the kingdom of Âu Lạc. An Dương Vương, trusting and naïve, failed to anticipate the threat, following the customs of Âu Lạc, and allowed Trọng Thủy to live in the palace. This unknowingly exposed the kingdom’s military secrets.
The king’s unguarded actions were mirrored by Mị Châu’s innocent trust. When Trọng Thủy suggested they examine the divine crossbow, Mị Châu agreed without hesitation, forgetting her duty as a citizen of the country. Trọng Thủy seized this opportunity to swap the weapon. The danger to the kingdom grew ever closer.
When Triệu Đà’s forces launched a second invasion, An Dương Vương, confident in the divine crossbow’s power, remained calm and played chess, assuming victory was assured. He had no idea that the weapon had already been switched. His overconfidence, complacency, and failure to recognize the seriousness of the situation led to his downfall. Unable to correct his mistakes, he fled with Mị Châu, pursued by the enemy. In a moment of desperation, facing the vast ocean with the enemy behind, An Dương Vương called on the Golden Turtle for help. The enemy, however, was his own daughter, whom he was forced to kill in order to save the nation. This heartbreaking act, though tragic, became a lesson for future generations about the consequences of neglecting national defense.
The second tragedy is one of love, centered on Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy. Mị Châu, a naive princess, was the only child of An Dương Vương and was spoiled and pampered by her father. She was so absorbed in her love for Trọng Thủy that she neglected the greater affairs of the country. Trọng Thủy, in contrast, was a manipulative and cunning individual bent on uncovering the secrets of the divine crossbow. Yet, as time passed, Mị Châu’s genuine love and care for him began to affect Trọng Thủy. A conflict between love and duty arose within him.
This internal struggle was intense but ultimately unsolvable, and Trọng Thủy chose to fulfill his duty to his country over his love for his wife. He stole the secret of the divine crossbow and pursued An Dương Vương and Mị Châu. What did he gain in the end? Only the unbearable pain of seeing Mị Châu’s decapitated body. Having fulfilled his duty, he was left with nothing but the torment of his unrequited love, leading him to take his own life. Both Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy experienced this tragic reversal of love—when she loved him fully, he deceived her, and when he finally loved her, she could only harbor hatred. This is the tragic fate of Trọng Thủy, symbolizing the futility of war, where both victory and defeat bring untold pain.
Additionally, the symbolically rich detail of “pearls – the well of water” plays a crucial role. Mị Châu’s blood transformed into pearls in the ocean, which, when washed in the well where Trọng Thủy had taken his life, grew even more radiant. This could be interpreted as the eternal love between them, or perhaps as Mị Châu’s forgiveness after Trọng Thủy’s death. It also reflects her pure heart—she was not a traitor. The people’s sorrow and sympathy for her are clearly conveyed through this image.
The story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy ends in tragedy: a lost kingdom, shattered love. The tragedy of losing the kingdom serves as a cautionary tale for future generations about the dangers of underestimating the enemy. The love tragedy, on the other hand, teaches the importance of balancing personal and national duties, and the complex relationship between one’s personal identity and their role as a citizen.


7. Analysis of the Tragedy of Losing the Kingdom and the Tragedy of Love in the Story of An Dương Vương - Part 2
"Long ago, I tell the story of Mị Châu
The heart misplaced, placed on the head
The magical bow unknowingly given to the enemy
Thus, the kingdom sank deep into the sea"
(Tố Hữu)
These four lines of poetry remind us of the tragic folk tale "The Story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thuỷ", with the image of a brilliant king who, in the early days of establishing the nation, overcame fierce invasions by enemies but ultimately suffered a heartbreaking failure. In a moment of overconfidence, he lost his kingdom, leading to an unforgettable lesson.
Reading "An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thuỷ", it is hard to hide the sorrow over the tragedy of losing the Âu Lạc kingdom and the love tragedy of the princess Mị Châu. In this legend, An Dương Vương appears as a capable king, always carrying a strong spirit of resisting foreign invaders. With the help of the Golden Turtle God, he built the solid Loa Citadel and created the divine bow – a powerful weapon that could strike down thousands of enemy soldiers.
That year, Triệu Đà sent troops to invade the South, but because Âu Lạc had the divine bow, Đà's forces suffered a heavy defeat and asked for peace. Soon after, Đà sought to marry his son to An Dương Vương's daughter. The king, unsuspecting, married his beloved daughter Mị Châu to Trọng Thuỷ. Little did he know that Trọng Thuỷ, with his sweet words, had learned the secret of the divine bow from Mị Châu. The trusting princess unknowingly revealed all the secrets, from the bow's mechanism to the method of shooting arrows, allowing Trọng Thuỷ to create a fake bow and switch it with the real one. After a while, Trọng Thuỷ left, claiming to visit his father in the North. Triệu Đà, excited about the bow, sent troops to attack. The king, unaware that the divine bow had been swapped, sat calmly playing chess as enemy forces approached, laughing, saying "Đà does not fear the divine bow?". When the enemy was almost at the gates, he drew the bow to shoot, but realized it had been switched. With no other option, he fled. The king placed Mị Châu behind his horse and fled south. As per their agreement, the feathers from Mị Châu's dress marked the path for Trọng Thuỷ to follow. Cornered, the king cried out, "Heaven has abandoned me, where is Thanh Giang to save me?" The Golden Turtle emerged from the water, shouting, "Who is behind you is the enemy", and the king drew his sword to kill Mị Châu. The Golden Turtle then led the king into the sea.
Why did such a wise man lose everything in an instant? Was it because the king became too overconfident with the divine bow? Indeed, the divine bow was a deadly weapon, and it helped An Dương Vương defeat the invaders, but it also made him complacent, letting his guard down against the enemy's underhanded schemes. The king also trusted too easily when he accepted Triệu Đà's proposal of marriage.
The fall of the kingdom also came because the king did not understand his own daughter, Mị Châu. She was naive and trusting, never once suspecting her husband. She truly loved Trọng Thuỷ, and in her absolute trust, she unknowingly revealed the state's secret. The pain of losing the kingdom was immense, but we also grieve for the sincere love of the southern princess.
Mị Châu had all the virtues of a traditional woman, but these very qualities led to her downfall. In her blind devotion, she betrayed her father, her people, and her country. She only ever thought of Trọng Thuỷ and her own happiness. She gave him a deep, sincere love, and yet Trọng Thuỷ – that treacherous man – trampled on it. He married her not out of love but to exploit her to invade Âu Lạc. But why was Mị Châu so blind? Why did she overlook Trọng Thuỷ's strange, ominous words as they parted? "I am going back to visit my father. If one day our two nations fall apart, I will find you again and leave a mark for you to recognize me." His words seemed to warn her of the disaster to come, yet she naïvely replied, "I, a woman, would be in unbearable pain if we were to part. I have a robe made of goose feathers that I wear, and wherever I go, I will pluck feathers and leave a trail to mark the way, so we can be saved."
And that trail of goose feathers led her and her father to their doom. Why, in the face of danger, did Mị Châu still trust so blindly, scattering feathers to guide the enemy? In the end, she paid the price with her life – a painful death full of hatred, regret, and late realizations from both her father and herself. Did Mị Châu deserve such a fate? It is heartbreaking to consider how the king's sword, striking down his own daughter, represented the painful choice between love for the country and love for his daughter.
But by then, it was too late. The kingdom was destroyed, and all that remained were fleeting clouds of smoke. The fall of the kingdom wasn't just due to Mị Châu's blind trust; it was also the king's overconfidence, his failure to recognize the enemy's true nature. What lesson does the ancient tale "An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thuỷ" offer to future generations? It is a profound lesson in protecting the independence and sovereignty of the nation.
The story reminds us to always stay vigilant against all enemy forces to protect the happiness of our families. It is also a deep lesson for those who are in love or will fall in love. Do not let blind devotion lead to exploitation, deceit, and betrayal in love. Always live honestly with your heart, and offer love that is sincere and genuine. Never trample on another's love as Trọng Thuỷ did – a man driven by ambition and greed, who had no respect for true and eternal values in life.
The ancients created this moving, sorrowful legend. "The Story of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thuỷ" will forever remain a powerful tale and a great lesson about the tragedy of losing a kingdom and the tragedy of love that once occurred in history. This legend will continue to be passed down through generations so that we may all remember and be cautious in protecting our homeland, our sovereignty, and the happiness of every family.


8. Analysis of the Tragedy of Lost Country and the Tragedy of Love in the Story of An Dương Vương, Version 3
Whenever we mention the magical crossbow, we are reminded of the story of ‘The Legend of An Dương Vương and Mị Châu – Trọng Thủy.’ This tale is both a historical account and a work of fiction, reflecting the early days of nation-building by our ancestors. Reading the story, it’s hard to hide the sorrow at the tragedy of losing the Âu Lạc kingdom and the heartache of Mị Châu's love story.
In the legend, An Dương Vương is portrayed as a brilliant king, who always carried a strong spirit of resisting foreign invaders. With the help of the mythical Golden Turtle, he built the sturdy Loa citadel and created the divine crossbow – a powerful weapon that never missed, capable of killing thousands of enemy soldiers.
That year, Triệu Đà launched an invasion from the South, but due to the divine crossbow, his forces were defeated. He then sought peace. Shortly after, Đà arranged for his son to marry An Dương Vương's daughter. The king unwittingly married off his beloved daughter, Mị Châu, to Trọng Thủy. Little did he know that Trọng Thủy secretly befriended Mị Châu to learn the secrets of the crossbow. Mị Châu, being innocent and trusting, explained in detail the mechanics of the crossbow, giving Trọng Thủy the opportunity to create a replica and swap the original weapon. After some time, Trọng Thủy left with the excuse of visiting his father in the North, fooling Mị Châu. Triệu Đà, now equipped with the replica crossbow, eagerly prepared for war. The king, unaware that his divine weapon had been swapped, calmly sat down to play chess as the enemy advanced, laughing, ‘Does Đà not fear the magical crossbow?’ But when the enemy drew near, he attempted to use the crossbow, only to find it broken, and had no choice but to flee. He mounted Mị Châu behind him on horseback and fled south. As per the agreement, the feathers from her goose-feather coat marked the way for Trọng Thủy to follow. Cornered, the king cried, ‘Heaven has forsaken me, where is the god of Thanh Giang to save me?’ The Golden Turtle emerged, shouting, ‘Whoever sits behind you is the enemy,’ and the king killed Mị Châu before jumping into the sea with the turtle.
How could such a wise man lose his kingdom in an instant? Perhaps the king grew too complacent with the magical crossbow in his hands. Indeed, while the crossbow was a mighty weapon that helped him defeat invaders, it also made him overly confident, leading him to ignore the treacherous schemes of the invaders. The king also trusted Triệu Đà’s marriage proposal without suspicion.
The loss of the kingdom and the destruction of the family were also due to An Dương Vương’s failure to understand his daughter. He did not fully comprehend Mị Châu’s naive and trusting nature. She loved Trọng Thủy with all her heart and never doubted him, even for a moment. In her complete trust, she revealed the secrets of the kingdom.
Alongside the tragedy of losing the kingdom was the tragic love between Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy. Their love story is filled with sorrow, intertwined with the fate of Âu Lạc, and serves as a timeless lesson for those who place personal love above the fate of the nation.
If we can consider Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy’s relationship a love story, it certainly was not a faithful one. While Mị Châu wholeheartedly loved her husband, Trọng Thủy had his own ulterior motives to seize the crossbow’s secret. He came to Âu Lạc with only one goal. But during his stay, Trọng Thủy genuinely fell in love with Mị Châu, and this created a conflict between two opposing desires: to conquer Âu Lạc and to live a life with Mị Châu. Thus, after obtaining the crossbow, he still longed to reunite with Mị Châu, guided by the goose feathers, hoping to live together in Âu Lạc as its ruler. But how could these two ambitions coexist? Could he conquer Âu Lạc and enjoy a life with the woman who unknowingly betrayed her country? As the goose feathers pointed the way, Mị Châu unwittingly led the enemy to her, bringing the two to a tragic end. She only realized the painful truth moments before her death when the Golden Turtle condemned her as ‘the enemy.’ Mị Châu’s death led to Trọng Thủy’s ambition crumbling as well. After the victory, instead of celebrating, Trọng Thủy killed himself in sorrow for Mị Châu. He was torn by two conflicting ambitions, unable to resolve them, and his death reflected the tragic contradiction within him. The tragic love between Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy, filled with betrayal, is intertwined with Triệu Đà’s invasion. Had Triệu Đà genuinely sought peace, their love story might have been a beautiful one. The tragic ending of their relationship was deeply rooted in the plot of war, which also exposed the consequences of war.
Mị Châu embodies the traditional virtues of a woman. Yet, it was her deep trust and love for her husband that led to the downfall of her kingdom. She gave Trọng Thủy her sincere and devoted love, but he betrayed her, using her to conquer Âu Lạc. How could she have overlooked the strange, ominous words of Trọng Thủy when they parted? ‘I’m going back to visit my father, but if our two nations fall out, how will I find you again? What sign shall we leave?’ His words hinted at the disaster to come, but Mị Châu, ever so trusting, responded with, ‘I, a humble woman, will be heartbroken if we ever part. I have a coat made of goose feathers that I wear often, and I will scatter the feathers at crossroads to guide you if the time comes.’
During the feudal period, many Confucian scholars attempted to clear Mị Châu’s name by invoking the idea of ‘three obediences.’ They argued that Mị Châu was innocent, as she followed her husband’s wishes without hiding anything. However, they overlooked the fact that, in a time of constant war, the princess’s loyalty to her husband, without regard for the nation’s destiny, was a grave mistake. The Golden Turtle’s final words, ‘The one sitting behind you is the enemy,’ reflect the anger and disillusionment of the Âu Lạc people toward Mị Châu. Before her death, Mị Châu accepted her guilt and did not deny it. She simply wanted to explain, ‘If I were guilty of betraying my father, my death would turn to dust. But if I am loyal and deceived, my death will become pearls, cleansing the disgrace.’ She only wished to clear her name, but she did not plead for mercy. The people of Âu Lạc, and the Vietnamese people throughout history, have always sympathized with her because she recognized her mistake, accepted her punishment, and embraced her fate. Using the Confucian idea of ‘three obediences’ to justify Mị Châu’s actions only undermines the dignity and wisdom of this Âu Lạc princess.
The image of the ‘pearl and the well’ in the conclusion of the story is often interpreted as the essence of the tragic love between Mị Châu and Trọng Thủy. Some believe that the pearl (formed from Mị Châu’s blood flowing into the sea and absorbed by an oyster) becomes purer as it is washed in the well (where Trọng Thủy killed himself), symbolizing the purity of their love. Decades later, a modern poet reflected on Mị Châu’s fate:
‘Tears become the flip side of trust’
‘Love leads to death’s road’
‘But the beautiful one remains beautiful even after losing her head’
‘Love betrayed still retains its true form…’
Is love that’s been betrayed still love? Perhaps the image of the ‘pearl and the well’ symbolizes not an undying, faithful love, but the resolution of a tragic fate. The pearls, formed from Mị Châu’s blood, will not change because of any external force; instead, they become brighter and more beautiful through adversity.
The tragic ending of An Dương Vương and his family, as recounted in the legend, is a timeless lesson that reminds each of us of our civic responsibility to our country. The image of the ‘pearl and the well’ concludes the story, but it does not represent blind loyalty in love. It reflects a deep understanding of history and the empathy the people of Âu Lạc felt for Mị Châu.

