Top 10 Best Essays on the Legend of 'The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake'

When mentioning Hanoi, we think of a land rich in historical and cultural legends. Hanoi is continually growing, embracing new achievements in culture, economy, and social politics. Anyone who has visited Hanoi knows that the first landmark to visit is none other than Hoan Kiem Lake or the 36 streets of the Old Quarter. The Vietnamese know that Hoan Kiem Lake has a legend embedded in its name, Hoan Kiem, or 'Returned Sword Lake.'

Our folk literature would be incomplete without mentioning the legend of Hoan Kiem Lake. Using mythical and fantastical elements, the legend adds drama and intrigue, especially through the two episodes of Le Loi receiving and returning the sacred sword. The image of the magical sword used to defeat invaders, and the golden turtle symbolizing the righteous cause, implicitly teaches us that any force invading Vietnam will meet its inevitable defeat. The story is like a heroic song about the Lam Son uprising against the Minh invaders and tells a beautiful tale of the origin of Hoan Kiem Lake.

Set during the reign of King Le Loi, when the Minh invaders relentlessly sought to conquer the country, the legend unfolds in two distinct parts: when the king receives the sacred sword and when he returns it to the Dragon King. Long Quan, a mythical figure, represents the divine protection and support given to the people's righteous fight for freedom. After being temporarily defeated, the king retreats to the forest to protect his life and continue fighting. There, he stumbles upon the hilt of a sword, noticing the unusual light emanating from a tree. He remembers the sword that Le Than had retrieved from the sea and brings it to Le Loi, who finds that the hilt and blade fit perfectly together.

These two key moments—the retrieval of the sword and Le Loi finding the hilt—are not mere coincidences but represent the harmony between Heaven and Earth. The king's devotion and the people's patriotism are acknowledged by both the heavens and the earth. The people, united, stand by their leader, from the northern hills to the southern plains, showing that no matter how difficult the struggle, they will always stand together with their king to defend their land.

Everything must be entrusted to someone capable and virtuous to accomplish great deeds. The sacred sword given to Le Loi was a manifestation of the collective will of the Vietnamese people, symbolizing the mission to defend the country, defeat invaders, and unite the land. Le Loi's mission was in line with the people's desires and earned their unwavering trust. When the nation faced grave danger, only through unity could the mission be fulfilled.

The Dragon King's order to the golden turtle to retrieve the sacred sword serves as a reminder to King Le Loi: violence may be necessary to defeat invaders, but in peacetime, the ruler must govern with benevolence and justice to earn the people's loyalty. Although Le Than received the sword in Thanh Hoa, it was returned in the Tả Vọng River in Hanoi. This final act echoes the origin of the name Hoan Kiem Lake and Hoan Kiem, emphasizing the importance of the location. If the sword were returned in Thanh Hoa, the symbolism would have been limited.

The name 'Hoan Kiem' serves as a warning to the greedy who attempt to undermine and seize Vietnam. Vietnam has always valued peace, and the tradition of fighting to protect and build the nation is a precious legacy that must be preserved and upheld.

Among the legends of our country, the Legend of the Sword Lake is perhaps the least fantastical, the most grounded in history. Reading this story is like reliving the heroic and glorious years of our nation during the resistance against the Ming invasion. It deepens our admiration for the great hero Le Loi, who brought independence and freedom to the nation.

The Ming invaders, under the pretext of exterminating the Hồ dynasty, were actually there to invade and colonize our country. The lives of the people were filled with suffering under the oppression and cruelty of the Ming forces. In response to the plight of the people, Le Loi led a revolt. However, in the beginning, the insurgents were weak and often driven back. Seeing this, the Dragon King decided to lend Le Loi a magical sword. But the way the Dragon King offered the sword was very special; he did not hand it to Le Loi directly but made him undergo a challenging process.

The sword became entangled in Le Than’s fishing net three times. Each time, Le Than would pull the sword from the water, only to throw it back in. Yet, when he cast the net again, the sword would appear once more. Seeing this as unusual, Le Than took the sword back to shore. The sword's hilt was found by Le Loi on an ancient banyan tree. This process shows that the sword was not just any ordinary weapon but a divine one. It couldn’t be easily handed over, and only through perseverance could one claim it. Moreover, the sword's blade and hilt were found in two different places – one underwater, one in the forest – symbolizing that unity was essential for victory. It teaches that the strength to defeat the enemy comes from the unity of the people.

This detail evokes the myth of the Dragon and the Fairy, where their 50 sons were sent to the mountains and the sea to govern. When necessary, they would unite to assist each other. Thus, it was inevitable that the sword's blade was found in the water and the hilt in the forest. When they fit together perfectly, it symbolized the unity and solidarity of the people from the mountains to the plains. Moreover, Le Loi's ability to find both parts of the sword represents the wisdom and foresight required of a leader. Le Loi, as the hero, embodied those qualities.

With the divine sword, the strength of the rebels grew rapidly, and soon they defeated the enemy, forcing them to retreat. The sword’s power also symbolizes the strength that comes from the unity of the people. Under Le Loi’s brilliant and wise leadership, with the unity of the people, no challenge was too great, and no enemy was unbeatable.

The Ming forces were defeated and returned to their homeland, and our people enjoyed peace and prosperity. A year later, the Dragon King sent a golden turtle to retrieve the magical sword. This was not done immediately after the victory but a year later, when the country had stabilized and its economy and military strength had been restored. The golden turtle appeared in the lake, took the sword, and dove into the depths, leaving ripples on the water. This scene is magical and mystical, adding a sacred element to the legend. It also explains the name of the lake – Hoan Kiem Lake (the Lake of the Returned Sword). The lake’s connection with this mystical detail adds a divine aspect to this historical site.

The Legend of the Sword Lake is not only remarkable in content but also rich in artistry. This legend contains two intertwined yet distinct stories: one of borrowing the sword and one of returning it. These stories, while separate, complement each other in meaning. Furthermore, the text harmoniously blends real historical events with elements of fantasy, creating a balanced and logical narrative.

By blending mysterious and fantastic elements with historical aspects, the Legend of the Sword Lake not only explains the origin of the lake's name but also celebrates the righteousness and humanity of the Lam Son uprising. The name Hoan Kiem Lake serves as a symbol of the nation’s victory and reflects the people's hope for peace.

When people mention Hanoi, they often think of landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, and of course, Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake. The name 'Hoan Kiem Lake' has become synonymous with Vietnamese culture, and the folktale 'The Legend of Sword Lake' is one of the most beloved stories in our nation's literary heritage. It explains the origins of the name through historical characters and events connected to the formation of our nation.

This story revolves around the mystical sword given to Le Loi and its return to the lake, intertwining magical elements with historical truths to create a thrilling narrative. The story highlights virtues such as justice, humanity, and the glorious victory of our people over the Ming invaders, led by Le Loi.

The tale is divided into two main parts, which are tightly interwoven. The first part recounts how the Dragon King lent a magical sword to the army to aid in the fight against the invaders, while the second part tells of the golden turtle coming to retrieve the sword after the victory, symbolizing the return of peace to the nation.

At that time, the Ming forces had invaded Vietnam, and the people, under the leadership of Le Loi, rose up to fight back. Despite their initial weakness, they were repeatedly defeated. The Ming army, cruel and oppressive, viewed our people as insignificant and were determined to wipe out the resistance. Their evil deeds could never be forgiven.

Realizing the struggles of his troops, the Dragon King decided to lend Le Loi a divine sword to aid in the battle. With the help of the people and divine forces, the army swiftly defeated the invaders and captured their food supplies. This brought prosperity and peace to the people.

The magical sword appeared in a unique way. During a fishing trip, Le Than repeatedly caught a strange piece of metal. Curious, he heated it and discovered it was the sword's blade. Meanwhile, Le Loi, while escaping from the enemy, found the sword's hilt in a tree. When the hilt and blade were brought together, they fit perfectly. With the help of this sword, the army drove the enemy away wherever they went.

The fact that the sword's blade was found in the water and the hilt in the forest symbolizes the unity of the Vietnamese people. Regardless of where they came from—whether from the plains or the mountains—the Vietnamese could rise up to defend the nation. The perfect match of the blade and hilt signifies that the people, united, could overcome any enemy.

After defeating the Ming forces and restoring peace, the Dragon King sent the golden turtle to retrieve the sword. Once the sword was returned, the lake was renamed Hoan Kiem (Sword Lake). Through magical elements and captivating storytelling, the author has crafted a tale that is not only engaging but also imparts valuable lessons for future generations.

'The Legend of Sword Lake' gives us deeper insight into the era of nation-building and defense. It reminds us of the importance of unity and determination in protecting and advancing our country.

In the treasure trove of Vietnamese folktales, one story stands out for its deep meaning and cultural significance: 'The Legend of Sword Lake'.

At that time, Vietnam was under the rule of the Ming invaders. Le Loi, leading the Lam Son army, raised the flag of rebellion, but as a newly formed army, they were weak and suffered many defeats. To turn the tide, the Dragon King decided to lend the army a magical sword to aid in their fight. One day, a fisherman named Le Than cast his net three times and each time pulled up a strange iron piece. Upon closer inspection, it was revealed to be the blade of a sword. Later, as Le Loi was fleeing from the enemy into the forest at night, he saw a mysterious glow on top of a tree. Upon investigation, he found the hilt of a sword, encrusted with jewels.

Recalling Le Than’s discovery of the blade, Le Loi tried fitting it with the hilt, and to his amazement, it was a perfect match. The discovery of the sword’s blade in the water and the hilt in the forest carries profound symbolism, representing the harmonious union of the forces of nature—earth and sea—and the unity of the people from both the lowlands and highlands, coming together to fight foreign invaders. The fact that the blade and hilt, though found in different places, fit together perfectly, represents the spirit of unity and determination to protect the nation.

Le Loi, a talented and patriotic leader, was chosen by the Dragon King to wield the sacred sword. The glow of the inscription 'Heaven’s Will' that illuminated the forest signified that his cause was just, in harmony with the will of heaven. This divine support encouraged him to rise up and led him to victory, with the people’s wishes behind him. Beyond the magical elements, this also reflected the responsibility placed on him by the people, showing their faith in his leadership to defeat the invaders.

The divine sword was entrusted to the right person, and with it, the forces of the invaders were defeated. Every battle saw the enemy fall, their forces crushed under the power of the sword, bringing glory and strength to the people. The sword symbolized the unity of the Vietnamese people and their indomitable will, bringing independence and self-reliance to the nation.

Once the mission was complete, Le Loi returned the sword. After defeating the enemy and ascending to the throne, Le Loi made his way to Thang Long. One day, while sailing on a royal boat at Hoan Kiem Lake, the Dragon King sent the Golden Turtle to retrieve the sword. Le Loi, understanding the message, released the sword into the lake, where the turtle surfaced, took the sword, and submerged into the water. The act of returning the sword to the turtle after the country was free from enemies symbolized the people’s desire for peace, rejecting the need for weapons, and the hope for a peaceful future.

The sword’s return at Hoan Kiem Lake led to the lake being named Hoan Kiem, meaning 'Returned Sword', serving as a reminder to stay vigilant against any foreign threat. Hoan Kiem Lake marks the victory of the Lam Son Rebellion and highlights Le Loi’s leadership and the triumph of the Vietnamese people.

Folktales are an integral part of our nation's cultural heritage, carrying the dreams, thoughts, and feelings of the Vietnamese people from ancient times to the present day. These stories offer valuable lessons, passing on wisdom that can guide future generations.

'The Legend of Sword Lake' is one of the most beloved and widely known tales in our folklore. It tells the story of King Le Loi, who, with the help of a magical sword provided by the Golden Turtle, defeats foreign invaders. The magical and mystical elements in the story are what have kept it captivating across generations. The story is set in the 15th century, during the time when the Ming forces invaded Vietnam, bringing death and suffering to innocent civilians, treating the people as mere slaves and the land as worthless.

According to the story, one night, a fisherman named Thuan was casting his net and felt something heavy. He thought he had caught a large fish, but when he pulled it up, he found only a piece of iron. He threw it back into the water. However, after several attempts, he found the same piece of iron each time. Curious, Thuan decided to inspect it carefully and discovered that it was actually a sword.

When war broke out, Thuan joined King Le Loi’s army to fight the invaders. Though the forces were few and weak, Thuan bravely offered his sword to Le Loi during a critical moment of retreat.

Le Loi took the sword and engraved the words “Heaven’s Will” on it. As soon as he grasped the sword, it began to glow and became sharper, no longer a rusty piece of metal. Wherever the sword was swung, the enemy’s heads fell, and the invaders, terrified of Le Loi’s power, fled back to their homeland. The Vietnamese forces were finally free from invasion.

One day, in a peaceful moment after the war, Le Loi was sailing on a royal boat along the river, enjoying the prosperity of the nation. At that moment, a turtle surfaced and requested the return of the sword. Understanding the request, Le Loi removed the sword from his side and handed it over to the turtle. The turtle took the sword in its mouth and sank back into the river, leaving behind a trail of glowing light. From that point on, the lake became known as Sword Lake, or Hoan Kiem Lake, symbolizing the place where King Le Loi returned the precious sword to the Golden Turtle.

This story highlights the patriotic spirit of the people, and the belief that even the Dragon King would lend a helping hand to right the wrongs. It also portrays the invading Ming forces as unjust plunderers, whose war of aggression was punished by heaven.

Folklore has always been a rich spiritual food for our people, passed down from generation to generation. In our childhood, we grew up listening to stories told by our grandmothers and mothers, and as we grew older, we used these very stories to lull our children to sleep. Many stories have become deeply familiar to each of us, such as the tales of Tam Cam, So Dua, Son Tinh Thuy Tinh, and Saint Giong, to name a few. In essence, these legends reflect the deep desires of our people for a beautiful and virtuous life, the control over nature, and the defense against foreign invaders, all fueled by a hopeful spirit. The Legend of the Sword Lake is one such tale.

The setting of the legend takes place during the time when the Ming army occupied our country. Although the Lam Son rebels had raised the banner of revolt, they were still weak at the beginning and often faced defeat. Seeing the rebels’ courage and selflessness for the country, the Dragon King decided to lend them his magical sword. However, this act of lending the sword was cleverly designed as a challenge for Le Loi, as things that are easily obtained are often not appreciated. Moreover, the challenge served another purpose, helping Le Loi gain a talented general, Le Than.

Le Than, originally a fisherman, was perhaps noticed by the Dragon King for his heroic qualities and potential. Thus, the magical sword was intentionally entrusted to him. After fishing three times in three different parts of the river, each time pulling up the same strange black sword that looked no different from a mere piece of iron, Le Than decided to keep it in his home. His wise intuition told him that the sword held a secret and that it might one day be useful. As fate would have it, Le Than joined the Lam Son rebels, becoming a trusted assistant and making significant contributions in battle. On one occasion, Le Loi visited Le Than's home, and it seemed that the sword recognized its true master, as it suddenly gleamed brightly. When Le Loi held the sword, he saw the two words 'Thuan Thien,' signaling that the revolt he led was in accordance with the will of heaven, with divine support. However, at this point, ordinary people could not yet perceive the miraculous nature of this sword.

Only after the rebels faced defeat and Le Loi had to escape into the forest to avoid the enemy did he discover the strange light coming from a tree in the forest. Curious, Le Loi climbed the tree and found a beautiful jeweled sword hilt. A quick-witted man, he immediately thought of the sword at Le Than’s house. He took the hilt and, when reunited with the sword, the two pieces fit perfectly. After several trials, the hilt and the blade were united, and it became clear that heaven had entrusted Le Loi with a great task.

The matching of the hilt and the blade also served as an important lesson from the Dragon King: to achieve great things, unity is key. A beautiful sword hilt alone cannot defeat the enemy, nor can a blade without a hilt be used. The hilt represents Le Loi, the wise and strong leader, while the blade represents the army, exemplified by the generals under his command, like Le Than, who would help him strike down the enemy. Thus, the perfect match between the hilt and the blade symbolizes the harmonious coordination between Le Loi and his army, creating the collective strength that led to their victory.

With the help of the magical sword, the rebel forces began to win battles, driving the enemy out in disgrace. The victory was partly due to the magical sword lent by the Dragon King, which instilled faith and morale in the rebels, greatly boosting their strength.

Later, when Le Loi ascended the throne, while boating on the Lake of the Returned Sword (now known as Hoan Kiem Lake), a divine turtle appeared and demanded the return of the sword to the Dragon King. This had several meanings: first, there is a principle of borrowing and returning, since Le Loi had triumphed over the Ming forces and the country was at peace, the sword no longer had a role and should be returned to its rightful owner. Second, the Dragon King wanted to convey the message that divine assistance is only a small part of the success, and to ensure the long-term prosperity of the country, Le Loi must rely on his own governance and not be complacent with divine gifts. The lesson of An Duong Vuong still resonates to this day. For whatever reason, the Dragon King’s demand for the sword was fully justified. This story explains why the lake is also known as Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Returned Sword.

The Legend of the Sword Lake carries deep meaning, reflecting the strong faith and aspirations of our people to overcome all foreign invaders. The war of our people was a righteous one, aided by divine forces, in accordance with heaven’s will, and those who were cruel and oppressive were bound to fail. The legend also provides an interesting explanation for the other names of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The Legend of the Sword Lake is a tale that praises the heroism of Le Loi in defending against foreign invaders while also explaining the origin of a famous landmark in Vietnam—Hoan Kiem Lake. Along with an analysis of the legend, students can read other related works: a summary of the content and artistic value of the story, recounting the story as Le Than, sharing thoughts on the story, or telling the story from the perspective of the Golden Turtle.

Anyone who has set foot in Hanoi cannot miss visiting Hoan Kiem Lake. The lake is like a beautiful bouquet nestled in the heart of the city. The legend of Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as the Lake of the Returned Sword, has been intertwined with nearly a thousand years of history in Thang Long.

The legend of Hoan Kiem Lake is a beautiful folk tale in the treasure trove of Vietnam’s folklore. In the story of receiving and returning the magical sword, the elements of reality and fantasy blend together, creating a captivating attraction. With striking symbols such as the Golden Turtle and the sacred sword, the tale praises the righteousness, the people’s spirit, and the glorious victory of the Lam Son uprising led by Le Loi against the invading Ming forces. The story also explains the origin of the lake's name and honors the heroic, unyielding tradition of the Vietnamese people in defending their land.

The structure of the tale consists of two parts: Long Quan lending the sword to the insurgents to fight the enemy, and after the country is free from invaders, the Dragon King demands the sword back. The setting of the story is in the 15th century when the Ming army invaded our land. They treated the people like weeds, committing many brutal acts that stirred immense anger across the nation. Their crimes were truly unforgivable.

At that time, in the Lam Son region of Thanh Hoa province, the insurgents raised the flag of rebellion. However, due to their weak forces, they suffered consecutive defeats. Seeing this, Long Quan decided to lend them a magical sword to fight the enemy. The Lam Son rebellion was supported by the ancestors, the gods, and the enthusiastic participation of the people.

Le Loi and Le Than did not receive the magical sword from some distant land but from their very homeland. Le Than went to fish at a riverbank and, three times, pulled up a piece of metal. The third time, he carefully examined it and realized it was a sword blade. The number three in folk belief symbolizes abundance and is meant to create a situation that increases the story’s appeal. Le Than took the sword blade home, kept it in a corner of his house, and later joined the Lam Son insurgents, becoming Le Loi’s trusted companion. One day, when visiting Le Than’s house, Le Loi saw the sword blade gleaming with the two words Thuận Thiên (Heaven’s Will), picked it up to examine it, yet did not recognize it as a magical sword.

Once, when they were being chased by the enemy, Le Loi and his officers fled into the forest. Suddenly, he saw an unusual light shining from the top of a tree. He climbed up and found a sword hilt adorned with jewels. Remembering the sword blade at Le Than’s house, Le Loi retrieved the hilt and brought it back. When he placed the blade into the hilt, they fit together perfectly.

It was no accident that Le Than found the sword blade in the river, and Le Loi found the sword hilt in the forest. These two details emphasize that the sacred sword was formed from the spiritual energy of the land. The sword blade from the water symbolizes the lowlands, and the sword hilt from the mountains symbolizes the highlands. When these two elements come together, they suggest that all people across Vietnam, from the rivers to the mountains, have the ability to fight invaders and protect the country. Everyone, united in patriotism, is ready to rise up and defend the nation from foreign invaders.

Although the blade and hilt were found in different places, when they were combined, they fit perfectly. This represents the unity of the insurgents, the entire nation’s commitment to defend the homeland, and the shared resolve to expel foreign invaders. The sacred sword must be wielded by someone virtuous, with a passionate love for the country and a strong will to save it. Thus, the tale includes an intriguing detail: Le Than’s three attempts to fish and finding a sword blade; only Le Loi, among the fleeing soldiers, could see the mysterious light from the tree; and one day, when Le Loi and his companions visited Le Than, the sword blade mysteriously shone in the corner of the house. The sword’s light and the words Thuận Thiên engraved on it served as divine encouragement, a sign from the heavens that the right course was to act in defense of the country, as it aligned with the will of Heaven. What is in accordance with Heaven will naturally be in harmony with the people, and success is assured.

Behind the seemingly fantastical images is the will of the people. The will of the people is the will of Heaven. When Heaven entrusted Le Loi with a great mission, it also signified the people’s trust in him, handing him the flag of revolution. The sword chose the person, and that person, having received the sword, also took on the responsibility to the nation and its people. Le Than’s words when offering the sword to Le Loi clearly reflect this: 'Heaven has entrusted you with this great task. We are ready to follow you, with this sword, to repay our country.'

Thus, the sacred sword was placed in the hands of the worthy, and it brought out its full power. Since receiving the sword, the morale of the Lam Son insurgents grew, and they won every battle, causing the enemy to flee in terror. The strength of the people, combined with the magic of the sword, led to glorious victories. The depiction of Long Quan lending the sword is skillfully told by the folk author. If Le Loi had received both the hilt and blade at once, it would not have conveyed the idea of nationwide unity and collective determination in our struggle. The sword Le Loi received was a symbol of unity, embodying the thoughts, feelings, and strength of the entire nation.

When at Le Than’s house, the sword blade shone brightly in the corner of a dark room, just as the Lam Son uprising against the Ming invaders began in the hearts of the people. The sword’s light urged everyone to join the struggle. The glowing light from the magical sword could symbolize the light of righteousness, the eternal desire for freedom and independence. The sword’s brilliance gathered the people, guiding the insurgents until no trace of the Ming forces remained on our land.

After defeating the invaders, peace was restored to the country. Le Loi ascended the throne, and the capital was moved to Thang Long. One day, King Le sailed on a royal boat around the Tả Vọng Lake near the capital. On this occasion, Long Quan sent the Golden Turtle to reclaim the magical sword, and Le Loi, understanding the will of the heavens, returned the sword to the Turtle. Long Quan had lent the sword to Le Loi to fight the invaders, and now that the land was at peace, it was time to return it.

The Golden Turtle opened its mouth to receive the sword and dived into the water. The sword and the Turtle sank to the bottom, but people still saw something shining under the surface of the green lake. This light symbolized the glorious victory and the unyielding determination to defend the homeland. These mythical images left a beautiful impression on everyone’s mind. This detail holds deep significance: When the nation’s fate hung by a thread, the gods and ancestors entrusted the sword to the people to safeguard the land. Now, as the country entered a peaceful phase of rebuilding, the sword, a symbol of ancestral strength, returned to the divine realm.

The image of Le Loi returning the sword reflects the nation’s yearning for peace. The Vietnamese people love peace, not war. However, anyone who threatens the independence and sovereignty of this country will face the wrath of the people. Long Quan’s act of lending and reclaiming the sword serves as a lesson from our ancestors to King Le Loi: Use force to punish enemies, but rule over the people with kindness and wisdom.

Le Loi received the sword in Thanh Hoa but returned it at Tả Vọng Lake in Thang Long. If Le Loi had returned the sword in Thanh Hoa, the meaning of this legend would have been limited, as he was already king, and Thang Long symbolized the entire country. The act of returning the sword here fully represents the spirit of peace and vigilance of the entire nation.

After Le Loi returned the sword to Long Quan, Tả Vọng Lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (Lake of the Returned Sword). The name Hoan Kiem (Returned Sword) signifies that the sacred sword still remains and serves as a reminder of vigilance. The lake’s name marks the complete victory of the Lam Son uprising over the Ming invaders and reflects the Vietnamese tradition of peace-loving values. The name Hoan Kiem is forever linked to this historical legend, immortalized through the admiration of generations of patriotic Vietnamese.

There are historical works that make us love and be fascinated by them, and a big part of that fascination comes from the myths and legends woven into these stories. These elements are essential, adding allure to literary works that recount the history of our people from past times.

The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake is a truly beautiful tale within the rich collection of Vietnamese folklore. The story of King Le Loi receiving and then returning the magic sword blends reality with fantasy, creating a mesmerizing effect. With captivating symbols such as the Golden Turtle and the sacred sword, the story praises the righteous cause, the people's spirit, and the victorious outcome of the Lam Son uprising led by Le Loi against the invading Ming forces. This legend also explains the origin of the lake's name and honors the heroic and resilient tradition of our nation in defending the homeland.

This narrative is divided into two parts: the first describes the Dragon King lending Le Loi the magic sword, and the second part tells of the return of the sword once the country has been freed from foreign invaders. Initially, when the Dragon King lent the sword, the setting is in the 15th century, during the Ming invasion of Vietnam. The enemy saw our people as insignificant and committed many cruel acts that stirred intense anger in the hearts of the people. Their crimes were so heinous that heaven could not forgive them, and the earth could not let them go. In such dire circumstances, the Dragon King decided to lend Le Loi the magic sword to help defeat the invaders.

It took three attempts to catch the sword. The way in which the Dragon King lent the sword was cleverly indirect, done through the act of fishing. Engraved on the sword were the words "Thuan Thien" meaning "Heaven's Will". Once, while being pursued by the enemy, Le Loi and his generals took refuge in the forest. Unexpectedly, he noticed a strange light in the trees and climbed up to investigate, discovering a jeweled sword hilt. Remembering the sword blade his officer Le Than had found in the water, Le Loi took the hilt and brought it back. When he placed the blade into the hilt, they fit perfectly together. The two separate parts, one from the water and one from the forest, symbolized the harmonious spirit of the land and people. With the sword, Le Loi was able to defeat the invaders and clear the land of the enemy.

Later, after the enemy was completely defeated, while leisurely sailing on the lake, Le Loi encountered a golden turtle that emerged from the water and demanded the return of the sword. This turtle is now known as the Kim Quy god. Le Loi returned the sword, and from then on, the lake was called Hoan Kiem Lake or the Lake of the Returned Sword.

Thus, the way the folk author portrayed the story of the Dragon King lending the sword is quite skillful. Had Le Loi received both the hilt and the blade at once, it would not have conveyed the theme of unity and the collective effort of the people in the resistance. The sword Le Loi received was a symbol of unity, a powerful representation of the spirit, thoughts, and strength of the entire nation.

After Le Loi returned the sword to the Dragon King, the lake known as Tả Vọng was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake (or Lake of the Returned Sword). The name of the lake carries the message that the sacred sword remains, serving as a reminder for the people to stay vigilant and deterring any ambitions to threaten our country. It marks the total victory of the Lam Son Uprising against the Ming invaders and reflects the peaceful spirit that has become a tradition of our nation.

When visiting beloved Hanoi, everyone at least once wants to visit the beautiful Hoan Kiem Lake, a place that has witnessed countless historical ups and downs, with its landscape now touched by the passage of time. Yet, the lake remains crystal clear, like a jade mirror, peacefully nestled in the heart of the capital, deeply embedded in the memories of the locals through the story of the Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake.

With its captivating and intriguing narrative, the Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake concisely summarizes the struggle against the invading Ming army, while praising the heroic spirit, the courage to fight valiantly, and the deep national pride of our people at that time. The detail of the gift of the sword symbolizes the long-standing belief in following the will of Heaven, a belief that has existed for thousands of years. Heaven, with its sharp insight, always supports righteous causes and aids those who fight for justice, ensuring their ultimate victory despite facing many hardships. This motif is a common feature in Eastern literature, distinct and compelling, making historical knowledge resonate deeply with the reader and leaving a lasting impression, providing us with valuable moral lessons.

At that time, the Minh army, taking advantage of the chaotic rule of the Hồ dynasty, used the pretext of an invasion to turn our country into a colony. Under their brutal oppression and exploitation, the lives of the people were miserable and painful. The Lam Son insurgents, led by their commander Lê Lợi, rose up to fight back, but in the early years, they faced many difficulties. Their forces were weak, lacking skilled leaders, military supplies, and weapons, always having to hide and avoid detection by the Ming army while waiting for a better opportunity.

Understanding the dire situation and admiring the patriotism and heroism of the insurgents, especially Lê Lợi, Long Quân decided to lend them a magical sword to aid in the fight. However, to achieve success, one must face trials. Instead of handing the sword directly to Lê Lợi, Long Quân cleverly had it passed through Lê Thận, a fisherman who worked tirelessly year-round. After retrieving the sword three times, Lê Thận noticed its mysterious nature and decided to keep it, knowing it would eventually be useful. His foresight paid off. Although it’s unclear whether retrieving the sword influenced Lê Thận’s resolve, soon after, he joined the insurgent army and became one of Lê Lợi’s top generals, contributing greatly to the success of their cause.

On one occasion when visiting Lê Thận’s house, Lê Lợi discovered a glowing sword blade in a corner, inscribed with the words “Thuận Thiên” (The Will of Heaven). This phrase indicated that the sword was a divine gift to help carry out a righteous cause. In that dark room, the sword shone brightly, perhaps recognizing the great leader Lê Lợi, and that glow symbolized encouragement from the gods and ancestors, indicating the difficult yet promising path to defeat the invaders. This mystical moment could be seen as the first omen of the success of the resistance. Although the sword was imbued with mystical significance, it still lacked a hilt, and so it waited for the right time.

Not long after, during a battle in which the insurgents were forced to retreat, Lê Lợi accidentally discovered an ornate hilt glowing in the forest. With his sharp mind and memory, Lê Lợi immediately recognized it as the hilt to the “Thuận Thiên” sword he had seen at Lê Thận’s house. Once reunited, the sword and hilt formed a powerful weapon, leading the insurgent forces to victory after victory, sending the Ming army into panic and eventually forcing them to retreat in disgrace. The sword symbolized the perfect combination of “heavenly timing, favorable circumstances, and harmony with the people.” The sword blade found in the river and the hilt found in the forest reflected the unity of the elements of land and sky, symbolizing “favorable circumstances,” as well as the harmony between the people and the insurgent forces. The complete sword also represented unity, mutual support, and the unbreakable bond between the army and the people, as the whole nation stood together to drive the Ming invaders out.

The journey to acquire the sword mirrors the challenges faced in the war against the invaders. As the saying goes, “haste makes waste,” everything requires a clear path and strategy. Anything gained too easily is often not lasting, as we tend not to value it. This can be seen as a lesson that Long Quân wished to convey through the gifting of the sword to help the insurgents triumph, bringing peace and independence to Đại Việt.

After the invaders were defeated, Lê Lợi ascended to the throne. A year later, when the country had stabilized, Long Quân sent the divine turtle to ask for the return of the sword. This symbolized the divine protection that had helped defend the country and signaled that the future of the kingdom now depended on the wisdom and efforts of the wise ruler Lê Lợi and his loyal officials. The faint light at the bottom of the lake, after the turtle disappeared with the sword, represented the glorious victory and became a bright milestone in the history of our nation, forever engraved in the hearts of the people of Đại Việt.

Lê Lợi’s return of the sword symbolized his desire for peace, the wish to live in tranquility and prosperity, and to ensure the country’s future without the suffering of war. The return of the sword to its sacred place expressed hope for divine protection for the nation’s prosperity and the avoidance of bloodshed. The Legend of Hoan Kiem Lake is a magical tale intertwined with the history of our people’s struggle against the Ming invaders, filled with elements of fantasy, yet deeply tied to the spirit of heroism and patriotism in defending the homeland. It is a source of national pride and serves as a reminder of our people’s indomitable spirit during the fight against foreign invaders. The renaming of Hồ Tả Vọng to Hồ Gươm serves as a reminder to never forget the glorious pages of our history and reflects our longing for peace, along with an unwavering vigilance against threats to our nation.