The Top 7 essays analyzing and evaluating the themes and unique features of the best storytelling narratives.

The legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh is one of the oldest legends in Vietnam's rich folklore tradition, having accompanied countless childhoods. The story reflects the people’s deep desire to master nature and their fears of annual natural disasters like floods and storms.

The legend addresses the annual occurrences of natural calamities and the people's determination to combat them. The tale takes place during the reign of the 18th Hung King, who had a beautiful and virtuous daughter named Mị Nương, of marriageable age. The king sought a suitable husband for her, and two extraordinary suitors, Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, emerged. Sơn Tinh, the “lord of the mountains,” and Thủy Tinh, the “king of the deep waters,” competed to win her hand. Sơn Tinh triumphed by delivering a legendary dowry of “nine tusked elephants, nine cocks with spurs, and nine horses with red manes” before Thủy Tinh. Enraged by his defeat, Thủy Tinh summoned storms and floods to try and drown Sơn Tinh. Yet Sơn Tinh, representing the resilience of the people, moved mountains to hold back the rising water. Thủy Tinh, symbolic of nature’s destructive forces, waged a battle against Sơn Tinh, who embodied the people’s indomitable spirit and cleverness in resisting nature’s fury.

Through this myth, the author skillfully conveys both the natural disasters and the Vietnamese people’s collective strength in facing them. Written in the style of a Vietnamese myth, the tale uses magical elements to explain natural phenomena. From the king’s demand for an unusual dowry—items that could only be found in mountainous areas—the myth reveals that mountains, not seas, are prioritized. Sơn Tinh had a clear advantage. The supernatural elements, such as Thủy Tinh’s summons of wind and rain and the image of Sơn Tinh raising mountains to block the floodwaters, paint a vivid picture of natural disasters. As the floodwaters rise, the people’s determination to fight grows stronger, highlighting their unity and resilience in the face of calamity.

The Sơn Tinh - Thủy Tinh myth, through its magical details, successfully portrays the people’s struggle against the wrath of nature. The story has remained a timeless part of Vietnamese culture, continuously reminding us of the importance of unity in overcoming adversity.

The mysteries of nature have always been a profound question for ancient humans. To answer these questions, they created stories. For example, reading 'The God Who Holds Up the Sky' provides insight into the division between heaven and earth, while 'Prometheus and Humankind' explains how the gods created the world and humanity. In contrast, 'The Earth Leveling' offers a simpler explanation, telling the story of how humans worked together to flatten the earth for cultivation, without the intervention of gods. This story stands out for its unique theme and artistic expression.

'The Earth Leveling' focuses on the process of land reclamation and natural transformation by the ancient Lô Lô people, a process that required the collective effort of all the people at the time. The Lô Lô people had a simplistic view of the universe and were conscious of their role in shaping their environment. When the earth was still wild and untamed, they banded together to transform it. The time period of this event is unclear, as described in the story:

"Long ago, from very long ago...

The elders can no longer remember

How many years, how many millennia

Long ago, from very long ago...

The young ones don’t even know"

The vague timeline makes it impossible to pinpoint the exact moment, and the lifestyle of the people was simple. Before starting the task of leveling the earth, people lived together, sharing food and shelter. The Lô Lô people utilized their natural surroundings to grow corn and drink water from the 'stone bellies.' They lived in a world that was not yet flat, where 'the sky was not yet level, and the earth still uneven.' Therefore, they worked urgently to reshape the world.

To flatten the earth and the sky, the Lô Lô people relied on the strength of the animals around them:

"They searched for the curved-horned buffalo

And the buffalo with long horns"

They chose strong, capable buffalo for plowing the land and leveling the earth. With the help of these animals, the task of transforming the land was quickly accomplished. However, since the work of leveling the earth and sky was a communal effort, the people called upon animals like rats, moles, and frogs. But the animals, reluctant to help, avoided the call. Unable to rely on them, the people gathered their strength and completed the task together: "No animal would come/ People called one another to do it themselves." The story of 'The Earth Leveling' not only explains the flatness of the earth and sky but also reflects the Lô Lô people’s understanding of the world’s creation. According to their beliefs, the earth and sky became flat through the collective effort of humans, who were conscious of their role in reshaping nature for their survival.

The story also stands out for its artistic features. The Lô Lô people creatively crafted this myth in the form of poetry with a light, playful tone, which adds to its charm. Moreover, the use of personification and simple, vivid language enriches the narrative. The animals are humanized, behaving like people, which makes the story more lively and engaging. The language is straightforward and relatable, making the story accessible to readers of all ages.

'The Earth Leveling' is one of the most distinctive myths of the Lô Lô people. It illustrates their early explanations of the universe and the world through five-character verse and artistic techniques. The story deepens our admiration for the creativity and imagination of ancient people in shaping their cultural values.

Folk legends have always been a rich spiritual food for our nation, passed down from one generation to the next. As children, we grew up with the stories told by our grandmothers and mothers, and as adults, we continue to lull our children to sleep with those same captivating tales. Many of these stories have become deeply familiar, such as 'Tam Cam,' 'Son Tinh Thuy Tinh,' or 'Saint Giong.' These myths, in essence, reflect the people's desires for a better, more virtuous life, the domination of nature, and resistance against foreign invaders, all with a hopeful outlook. The legend of the Sword Lake (Ho Guom) is one such myth. The story takes place during the period when the Ming dynasty occupied Vietnam. Though Lam Son's rebellion had begun, the resistance was still weak and frequently defeated. Seeing the bravery of the resistance, Long Quan decided to lend them a divine sword. However, this act was carefully designed as a challenge for Le Loi, for that which is easily gained is often not appreciated. The sword's loan served as a test and helped Le Loi gain a valuable general, Le Than.

Le Than, initially a fisherman, likely caught the attention of Long Quan for his potential and heroic qualities, so the god chose to entrust him with the sword. After repeatedly fishing up the same strange black sword at different points in the river, Le Than decided to keep it, sensing its hidden significance. Eventually, he joined Lam Son's resistance and became a trusted aide. During a visit to Le Than's house, Le Loi noticed that the once dull sword now shimmered with a strange glow. Upon inspecting it, he discovered the words 'Thuan Thien,' which seemed to indicate that the rebellion led by Le Loi was in harmony with the will of heaven. However, the miraculous nature of the sword was still not fully understood.

It wasn't until one fateful day when the resistance was struggling, and Le Loi had to flee into the forest to escape the enemy, that he stumbled upon a mysterious light from a tree. Climbing up, he found a beautifully inlaid sword hilt. Quick-witted, Le Loi immediately linked this discovery with the sword at Le Than's house and brought the hilt back. Sure enough, when he matched the hilt with the blade, they fit perfectly, signaling that heaven had entrusted him with the task at hand. This alignment also symbolized an important lesson from Long Quan: to achieve great things, unity is essential. Without the hilt, the blade is useless, and vice versa. The hilt represents Le Loi, the wise and strong leader, while the blade symbolizes the soldiers, like Le Than, who would fight and defeat the enemy. The fitting together of the hilt and blade represents the harmonious cooperation between Le Loi and his army, forming the strength that led to victory.

With the divine sword's help, the Lam Son army began winning battles, and the enemy was ultimately driven out in disgrace. This victory was partially due to the sword's supernatural properties, but more importantly, it gave the resistance a renewed sense of confidence and power.

After Le Loi became king, during a boating trip on Lake Tả Vọng (now known as Sword Lake), a divine turtle appeared and demanded the return of the sword to Long Quan. The reason for this was twofold: first, there was the principle of 'borrowing and returning,' as Le Loi had triumphed over the Ming, and peace had been restored, so the sword no longer served its purpose. Secondly, Long Quan wanted to remind Le Loi that divine assistance was just a small part of the equation; to ensure long-term prosperity, the ruler must govern wisely. This served as a cautionary tale, drawing on the lessons of King An Duong, who had relied too heavily on supernatural powers. Thus, Long Quan's demand was justified. The story of the sword's return also explains why Sword Lake is sometimes called Hoan Kiem Lake.

The legend of Sword Lake is not only rich in content but also in artistic value. The myth intertwines two distinct stories: the lending of the sword and its return. These stories stand on their own but complement each other. The narrative blends real historical elements with magical and mythical ones in a balanced and coherent manner. With its combination of fantasy and historical accuracy, the Sword Lake legend not only explains the origin of the lake's name but also celebrates the righteousness and people-powered nature of the Lam Son rebellion. The story marks the victory of the Vietnamese people and reflects their longing for peace.

The Sword Lake legend is a deeply meaningful tale that embodies the strong belief and determination of our people in the power to overcome foreign invaders. Our struggle was one of righteousness, aided by divine forces, and guided by heaven's will. The oppressors, in the end, were destined to fail. This myth also provides a fascinating explanation for the other names of Sword Lake.

In the cultural heritage of the Vietnamese people, for generations, our ancestors have passed down magical and mysterious mythological stories to explain the origins of our homeland. These stories served to explain to future generations the formation of the heavens and the earth, and the majestic mountains and rivers. Among these mythologies, our ancestors explained the creation of the universe, with the 'Thần Trụ Trời' (Heaven's Pillar) myth marking the beginning, followed by others like the God of Rain, the God of the Sea, and the Gods of the Sun and the Moon. These creation myths paved the way for further tales of deities that brought life to all creatures.

The 'Thần Trụ Trời' myth explains how the heavens and earth were separated. The God of the Pillar of Heaven had to dig the earth, carry stones, and build a pillar to prop up the sky. It was from this act that other gods, including the God of Rain, emerged to govern the newly formed universe, which would now sustain life. The God of Rain, specifically, played a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance and ensuring life for the creatures created by the other gods.

At the beginning of the myth, it is explained that the God of Rain takes the form of a dragon. The dragon flies down to the earth, absorbing water from the seas and rivers into its belly, before ascending to the heavens to release it as rain. This act provides water for crops, animals, and plants, ensuring the survival and growth of all living things. However, this god has a tendency to forget, and there are regions that go without rain for years, leading to droughts. Plants wither, and animals suffer from thirst. The story mentions that the creatures of the earth were so dissatisfied with the God of Rain's neglect that they even filed a complaint to the heavens: “The God of Rain has forgotten us, causing drought in some areas and floods in others.”

Later, the myth also explains the reason for the God of Rain's negligence: “The task of distributing water across the land is so overwhelming that the God of Rain, alone, struggles to fulfill it.” The god’s forgetfulness and the vastness of the earth make this task difficult to manage. To alleviate the burden and calm the anger of the creatures, the heavens decided to hold a competition to select a water-dwelling creature capable of assisting the dragon in its task of creating rain. The contest was held at Vũ Gate, in the present-day Hà Tĩnh province, where the creatures were tested to prove their worth in aiding the dragon and the God of Rain.

“On the third day, the fish swore an oath to help,”

“On the fourth day, the fish returned, crossing the Vũ Gate.”

These lines show the importance of the contest. In the beginning, when the heavens and earth were first created, it was the sole duty of the heavens to bring rain for the survival of all life. But as the universe expanded, the work became too great for one being to handle, and so the task was assigned to the dragon. However, there were too few dragons to do the job, and thus the heavens called upon the creatures of the water world to assist.

The author, through the detailed narrative, portrays the mythical nature of the story. Each line breathes life into the myth, making it vivid and engaging, allowing the reader to feel its depth.

The myth also incorporates elements of legend, such as the King of the Sea sending out word for all creatures in the sea to compete. The contest had three stages, each progressively more difficult. Each creature had to pass a series of waves, and only those that overcame all three would be chosen to become dragons. This shows how difficult the contest was—only the most determined creatures could win. A section of the text describes the intense competition among various sea creatures, all trying their best but failing to pass the waves. The use of 'waves' at the end of each line highlights the tough nature of the contest. Many creatures sacrificed their lives in the process, such as the loach, which managed to pass one wave but was disqualified. Another creature, the shrimp, managed to pass two waves, but in the final stage, it became exhausted and fell, unable to complete the transformation into a dragon.

After many trials, it seemed no creature could succeed. Then, the carp entered the contest, and to everyone's surprise, it was highly successful. The author uses the word 'ào ào' to describe how the carp, with its natural advantages, managed to pass all three stages and enter the Vũ Gate. As described, the carp emerged victorious, its tail, whiskers, and horns turning into those of a dragon. With this transformation, the carp joined the God of Rain in their duty to bring rain to the earth.

Vietnam’s rich history is intertwined with a vast collection of myths, like the story of the God of Rain, which continues to inspire future generations. These myths carry with them timeless values, reflecting the aspirations and dreams of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness, symbolized by the carp's transformation. Through these stories, our ancestors hoped to pass down important cultural and spiritual messages, encouraging the preservation and continuation of our national heritage for future generations.

"Thần Trụ Trời" (The Pillar of Heaven) is an ancient folk tale of the Vietnamese people that has been passed down orally since ancient times and still exists today. It was collected and transcribed by the cultural researcher Nguyễn Đổng Chi in his book "Lược khảo về thần thoại Việt Nam." This mythological story seeks to explain natural phenomena, such as why there is a sky and earth, why they were separated, why the earth is not flat, and why there are rivers, mountains, seas, and islands.

The Vietnamese ancestors, like many other cultures, sought to understand their surroundings. Although they did not have scientific knowledge to explain these mysteries, they were determined not to give up. Instead, they created a colossal god to explain the universe in a wonderfully innocent and imaginative way. Modern readers can sense the pure soul and aspirations of the ancient Vietnamese as they tried to explain the natural world around them. Every detail describing the God of the Pillar of Heaven evokes an aura of mysticism, highlighting the extraordinary nature of this deity. The myth humanizes the universe, transforming it into a god-like entity.

The first action of the God of the Pillar of Heaven, as it appears in the myth, is described as "stretching its body, standing up, lifting its head to the sky, and stomping its feet to the earth…" This action is typical of many other deities in world mythology who are credited with the creation of the heavens and the earth. For example, the Chinese myth of Pangu features a similar creation story. However, there is a key difference: after appearing in the chaotic void, Pangu splits the cosmic egg in two, with the top half becoming the sky and the bottom half becoming the earth. He then pushes the sky higher and lowers the earth. In contrast, the God of the Pillar of Heaven builds a column to prop up the sky.

This shows that the creation stories of the God of the Pillar of Heaven in Vietnam and Pangu in China share similarities but also have unique differences. This blend of shared and unique features is a hallmark of different cultures' mythologies. From the beginning, the ancient Vietnamese, like other cultures, continually innovated and enriched their artistic and literary traditions. One can also assess how the vast collection of Vietnamese myths contributes to the country's artistic heritage. Through the use of exaggeration, mythological characters acquire timeless qualities, transcending generations to remain part of the cultural legacy today. Vietnamese mythology has shaped the mindset and worldview of its people, filled with grand imagery and expansive ideas.

The "Thần Trụ Trời" myth not only provides insight into the creation of the earth, sky, rivers, mountains, and stones, but also reflects the creativity of the ancient Vietnamese. While the myth contains fantastical and exaggerated elements, it also carries a kernel of truth—showing how the ancient people cultivated, built, and shaped the land they called home.

When discussing the folk tales of our country, one cannot overlook the story of 'The Starfruit Tree.' This tale is considered one of the most remarkable folk stories in our rich literary heritage.

The story revolves around two orphaned siblings who grew up depending on one another. Their parents left them a starfruit tree and a small piece of land. Though not wealthy, the two siblings lived contentedly. However, when the elder brother married, he became lazy, leaving all responsibilities to his younger brother and his wife. In an act of greed and to avoid sharing the inheritance, the elder brother took all the wealth for himself, forcing the younger couple into a small hut with only the starfruit tree left from their parents. The younger couple worked diligently, nurturing the starfruit tree, and birds came to feast on its fruits. As a reward, the birds gave them gold and silver. Upon hearing this, the greedy elder brother tried to trade his wealth for the tree. The birds came again but, seeing the elder's greed, cast him into the deep sea. Although the plot is simple and concise, it contains profound life lessons that resonate deeply.

'The Starfruit Tree' reflects the conflict between two types of characters within a family: the humble and hardworking younger couple, and the greedy, selfish elder brother and his wife, who only care about money. Through this familial conflict, the story condemns greed and selfishness, while praising those who are diligent, kind-hearted, and know the value of enough. The story also serves as a cautionary tale for those who disregard family ties in pursuit of fleeting material gains. Although the theme of the story isn't new, it remains relevant not only to folk tales but also to modern society.

In addition to the valuable lessons and themes, the artistic elements of the story also contribute greatly to its success. These elements help to highlight the themes, making them more impactful and engaging for the reader.

The first artistic technique to note is the creation of key situations. The division of inheritance is a common motif in folk tales. This situation reveals the elder brother's greedy nature. Another important situation is the appearance of the magical birds that feast on the starfruit tree. The birds reward the younger couple's kindness, while they also punish the elder brother for his greed. The birds act as supernatural beings, fulfilling the wishes of the people, a common trope in Vietnamese folk tales.

Creating symbolic characters is another characteristic feature of Vietnamese folk tales. The elder brother represents greed and the pursuit of wealth, while the younger brother embodies innocence, misfortune, and humility. These characters mirror the societal class divides of the time.

Finally, the way the story depicts characters through language and action is noteworthy. Though folk tales often lack complex psychological depth, the characters' behaviors and dialogues reveal their distinct personalities. For example, the elder brother's actions, such as eagerly stuffing gold into his sleeves and pants, clearly illustrate his greed. In contrast, the younger brother's humble words and actions, such as only taking enough gold to survive, reflect his virtuous character. These character traits emerge strongly through their actions and dialogue.

The analysis above shows that 'The Starfruit Tree' is a classic folk tale that carries a timeless message about greed and the value of family. The author skillfully combines plot, language, and action to reveal the characters' personalities and to emphasize the moral of the story. This tale serves as an important lesson for those who prioritize material wealth over family and relationships, teaching that such greed leads to inevitable misfortune.

When talking about foreign fables, one cannot overlook the tale of The Fox and the Grapes by the renowned Greek writer Aesop (circa 620-564 BCE). This is considered one of the finest and most distinctive fables, offering not only a compelling theme but also remarkable artistic techniques.

The story follows a fox who, while wandering down a hillside, spots a bunch of plump, ripe grapes hanging from a vine, which makes him crave them desperately. However, despite numerous attempts to reach them—jumping from tree to tree—he fails to grasp even the lowest cluster. After trying and failing, the fox gives up, concluding that the grapes must be unripe, sour, and inedible. This simple and brief plot carries profound life lessons.

Upon reading The Fox and the Grapes, one can easily recognize the value of the story through its theme and the life lesson it imparts. The fox symbolizes individuals who are quick to justify their failures and indulge in self-pride. The message conveyed is a warning against arrogance and self-deception: when faced with failure, one should acknowledge their limitations, learn from mistakes, and not blame circumstances. As a fable, The Fox and the Grapes uses animals to subtly comment on human behavior. The theme is universal, not limited to the Greek context but relevant to everyone: we should not be like the fox, thinking we are superior, and instead, when facing failure, we should not blame others or circumstances but rather work on our strengths and learn from our mistakes in order to achieve success.

In addition to the profound theme and lesson, the story's success is also due to the unique artistic elements it incorporates. These artistic techniques enhance the depth of the theme, making it more impactful and engaging to readers.

The first artistic element to mention is the creation of a situation. Authors of fables often place their characters in specific scenarios to showcase their behavior or personality. In this case, Aesop has the fox encounter the tempting grapes and struggle to reach them, allowing readers to observe his reactions to failure. This situation highlights the central theme from the very beginning.

Another key artistic element is the use of symbolic characters. The fox represents those who believe they are always right, quick to blame external factors rather than confront their own shortcomings. The grapes symbolize external obstacles. In the story, when the fox is unable to reach the grapes, he convinces himself that they are unripe and sour, suggesting that external factors—rather than his own inadequacies—are to blame.

Finally, a distinctive technique in the story is the portrayal of character through self-dialogue. Aesop allows the fox to speak to himself, revealing his personality through his words. When the fox fails to reach a lower bunch of grapes, he proudly declares that nothing can stop him, yet ultimately, he gives up, saying: “Why should I even bother with these grapes? They’re still green, probably sour and inedible.” This dialogue emphasizes the fox's self-righteousness and tendency to place blame on external factors, highlighting both his strengths and weaknesses.

The analysis above demonstrates that The Fox and the Grapes is a classic fable within Aesop's collection. The story's theme serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of self-deception and misplaced pride. Through masterful use of situation, language, and self-dialogue, Aesop reveals the true nature of his characters and reinforces the fable's moral lessons.

Reading this story, I sometimes feel that I am like the fox, and perhaps it’s time for me to change and remove such negative traits.