Top 13 Explanatory Essays on the Author Nguyen Trai (Grade 8) – Best Selection

Nguyen Trai was a devoted patriot, deeply in love with his country, a brilliant military strategist, and an esteemed writer and poet. He is undoubtedly a national literary giant, having made significant contributions to the nation, yet he also faced one of the most unjust and tragic fates in Vietnam's feudal history.

Nguyen Trai, whose pen name was Uc Trai, was born in 1380 and died in 1442. He hailed from Nhi Khe (Ha Tay) and was the son of Nguyen Phi Khanh and Tran Thi Thai, the granddaughter of Tran Nguyen Dan, a noble family. Nguyen Trai was exceptionally intelligent and diligent in his studies from a young age. At the age of 20, he passed the royal exams. His life, however, was marked by numerous hardships, starting with the loss of his mother when he was just six years old. He later passed the royal exams and began serving under the Ho Dynasty. In 1407, the Ming invaders arrived, and his father, Nguyen Phi Khanh, was captured and taken to China. Nguyen Trai followed to care for his father, but after a period, he returned and helped lead the nation to victory a decade later.

Once the country was at peace again, disillusioned by court life, he withdrew to live in seclusion. In 1440, King Le Thai Tong invited him to return to serve, and he assisted the king greatly in governing the nation. However, just as things were progressing well, the king suddenly died, and corrupt court officials falsely accused Nguyen Trai of plotting the king's murder. He was wrongfully sentenced to death, and his family suffered the same fate in 1442. The injustice lingered for 20 years until, in 1464, King Le Thanh Tong posthumously cleared his name and ordered the search for Nguyen Trai's surviving descendants, restoring his honor and conferring a government position upon them.

Despite this, Nguyen Trai left behind a vast literary legacy. Many of his works were ordered to be destroyed after the wrongful accusations, but over time, they were rediscovered and preserved. Among his most valuable contributions to Vietnamese literature are his works on military strategy and politics, such as the 'Quân trung từ mệnh tập,' a collection of letters and official documents dealing with the Ming invaders and the Le Dynasty court.

His masterpiece, 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo,' is considered a timeless literary gem, encapsulating the ten-year struggle against the Ming forces and heralding a new era for the country. Other historical texts like 'Lam Sơn Thực Lục' and 'Dư Địa Chí' provide valuable records of the Lam Son uprising and the geography of Vietnam at the time. In literature, Nguyen Trai authored 'Uc Trai Thi Tap' and 'Quốc Âm Thi Tap,' the latter being written in the Nôm script, marking the birth of the Vietnamese poetic tradition.

Nguyen Trai's works are imbued with the values of humanity, the philosophy of life, and a profound love for nature. His writings emphasize patriotism and compassion for the people, with a deep commitment to ensuring peace and prosperity for his fellow citizens. He saw nature not only as a source of inspiration but also as a lifelong companion.

He also left behind numerous works in Chinese poetry, rich in aesthetic value—combining lyricism, wisdom, heroism, and romanticism. As a pioneer of Nôm poetry, his works are filled with wisdom, deep reflections on life, and experiences, written in refined and clear language, following a classical form. Nguyen Trai was one of the first to incorporate proverbs into his works and created the unique poetic form of alternating seven-character and six-character lines, a departure from the traditional Chinese poetic structures. In summary, Nguyen Trai stands as a figure of immense intellect and virtue, excelling in both wisdom and bravery in Vietnam's feudal history.

Nguyen Trai was truly a towering figure in Vietnamese history, laying the foundation for the nation’s literature and making significant contributions to the establishment and defense of the country. He dedicated his life to the welfare of the people and the nation. In recognition of his monumental legacy, in 1980, UNESCO honored Nguyen Trai as a world cultural figure.

Uc Trai's heart resonates with the reverence of Khuê Táo.

Nguyen Trai was admired not only for his remarkable military talents but also for his deep patriotism and his unwavering love for his homeland. Mastery in both the arts of war and diplomacy, his literary works shine with a passion for the nation, making him a true hero of Vietnam. His military strategies were ingenious, his diplomatic speeches eloquent, and his literary style tender and heartfelt—truly marking him as a giant of Vietnamese culture. However, despite his contributions, he also faced one of the most tragic and unjust fates in Vietnamese feudal history.

Nguyen Trai was not only politically and militarily gifted but was also an honest and upright official who served his country with utmost dedication. Born in 1380 in Chi Linh (Hai Duong) and later moving to Ha Tay, his family was well-known for its patriotic and scholarly traditions. His father, Nguyen Phi Khanh, was a distinguished scholar, while his mother, Tran Thi Thai, hailed from a noble family. Nguyen Trai endured numerous hardships early in life, including the loss of his mother at the age of five and his grandfather at ten.

In 1400, Nguyen Trai passed the royal exams and, together with his father, began serving under the Ho Dynasty. However, in 1407, when the Ming forces invaded Vietnam, his father was captured and taken to China. Remembering his father's words, Nguyen Trai joined the Lam Son uprising, which culminated in victory by 1428. It was during this time that Nguyen Trai, on the orders of King Le Loi, wrote the famous 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo.' In 1439, as the court became increasingly unstable and corrupt, Nguyen Trai withdrew to the Côn Sơn mountains. In 1440, he was called upon by King Le Thai Tong to assist in governance once more, and he responded with zeal. But in 1442, he was falsely accused in the Lệ Chi Viên case and tragically executed, with his family suffering the same fate. It wasn't until 1464 that King Le Thanh Tong posthumously exonerated him, restoring his honor. Nguyen Trai is rightly celebrated as a national hero and a cultural icon. In 1980, UNESCO recognized him as a world cultural figure.

Nguyen Trai’s literary contributions to Vietnamese literature are vast and enduring. He wrote in both Classical Chinese and Nôm script, excelling in political essays as well as lyric poetry. His works encompass a wide range of genres, including political treatises, poetry, and historical accounts. His political essays, such as 'Quân Trung Từ Mệnh Tập' and 'Bình Ngô Đại Cáo,' are regarded as masterpieces of Vietnamese political literature. His key ideological themes are rooted in patriotism, humanity, and compassion for the common people. In terms of style, Nguyen Trai's political writing demonstrates an exemplary mastery of logical argumentation and rhetorical techniques, with his clear and concise structure reinforcing his powerful messages.

Nguyen Trai was also a gifted lyric poet. His two major poetic collections, 'Ức Trai Thi Tập' (in Classical Chinese) and 'Quốc Âm Thi Tập' (in Nôm), beautifully capture the heroic spirit and profound ideals of patriotism, humanism, and love for the nation. His poetry expresses intense passion, both for the country and for the common people, conveying an unyielding desire to foster peace and prosperity. The lines, 'Flowers may wither, but grass will always thrive,' exemplify his timeless philosophical reflections on life and nature.

His contributions to Vietnamese poetry are immense, both in terms of language development (especially in Nôm) and in the creation of new poetic forms, such as the seven-character lines alternating with six-character lines, which departed from the traditional Chinese-style poetry. Nguyen Trai's poetry is rich in symbolic imagery yet also deeply grounded in the realities of life, combining elegance with simplicity. He blended the wisdom of the Ly and Tran dynasties with a vision for the future of Vietnam's literary landscape. His poetry reflects the two central sources of national inspiration: patriotism and humanism, shaping the heart of Vietnamese culture.

Nguyen Trai’s legacy as a national hero, intellectual, poet, and cultural figure remains immortal. His soul and his work continue to shine brightly in Vietnamese history, forever honored in the words of King Le Thanh Tong, who conferred upon him the title 'Uc Trai Tâm Thượng Quan Khuê Táo.'

Nguyễn Trãi is one of the most monumental figures in Vietnamese history. A national hero, a philosopher, poet, and a profound cultural figure, he made remarkable contributions to the evolution of Vietnamese literature and thought.

Born in Thăng Long to a prestigious family, Nguyễn Trãi was the grandson of Trần Nguyên Đán, a high-ranking official. His father was Nguyễn Ứng Long, also known as Ức Trai (or Nguyễn Phi Khanh), and his mother, Trần Thị Thái, was the daughter of Trần Nguyên Đán. Nguyễn Trãi's mother passed away when he was only five, and shortly thereafter, his grandfather died as well. He moved to live with his father in the village of Nhị Khê.

In 1400, Hồ Quý Ly, aiming to save the collapsing feudal system, overthrew the Trần Dynasty and implemented a series of reforms, such as land redistribution, limiting slavery, and restructuring education, exams, and health systems. That same year, after ascending to the throne, Hồ Quý Ly conducted an imperial examination. Nguyễn Trãi passed the exam and became a Thái Học Sinh (Doctor) at the age of 20. Hồ Quý Ly appointed him to the position of official at the royal court, while his father, Nguyễn Phi Khanh, had passed the top exams in 1374 and was appointed to a prestigious position by Hồ Quý Ly in the court.

In 1406, the Ming Emperor sent General Trương Phụ to invade Vietnam. The Hồ Dynasty’s forces resisted but were defeated. Hồ Quý Ly and several court officials, including Nguyễn Phi Khanh, were captured and taken to China. Upon hearing of his father’s capture, Nguyễn Trãi and his brother Nguyễn Phi Hùng traveled to the border, intending to serve their father in prison. In a quiet moment, Nguyễn Phi Khanh spoke to Nguyễn Trãi:

– You are well-educated and talented. Seek a way to redeem the nation’s honor and avenge your father. That is true filial piety. Is following your father, crying like a woman, the true way to show respect?

Taking his father’s advice to heart, Nguyễn Trãi returned to seek a path to resist the invaders and save his country. He was captured by the Ming army in Thăng Long. The Ming official Hoàng Phúc, recognizing Nguyễn Trãi’s talents, attempted to convince him to join the enemy, but he refused. After being confined in Đông Quan (Thăng Long) for some time, Nguyễn Trãi managed to break through the enemy’s lines and fled to Thanh Hóa, where he joined Lê Lợi, the leader of the Lam Sơn rebels. He presented Lê Lợi with a strategic plan to drive the Ming forces out, known as the Bình Ngô Sách (Plan to Expel the Ming).

In the introduction to Ức Trai Di Tập, Ngô Thế Vinh writes that Bình Ngô Sách “proposes a strategy not focused on attacking fortresses but on winning the hearts of the people.” Lê Lợi praised Nguyễn Trãi’s plan as being correct, and applied it to his military campaign. From then on, Nguyễn Trãi was always by Lê Lợi’s side, advising him on military strategy. By late 1426, Lê Lợi set up his headquarters at Bến Bồ Đề (Gia Lâm), where he built a tall pavilion resembling Báo Thiên Tower in Đông Quan. Lê Lợi sat on the first floor, and Nguyễn Trãi on the second, constantly exchanging ideas.

During the resistance, Nguyễn Trãi emphasized the need to rely on the people to defeat the invaders and save the nation. After the war’s victory, he argued that to build the country, one must first care for the people. In a letter of gratitude after being appointed as an advisor, he wrote: “My goal is to focus on the people’s needs and to put their concerns above all.” In 1437, when King Lê Thái Tông tasked him with organizing court ceremonies, Nguyễn Trãi advised the king that the most important task was to care for the people first:

– I humbly ask Your Majesty to love and nurture the people so that no anger or suffering is heard in the villages and hamlets. This is the foundation for maintaining harmony and peace in the kingdom.

Nguyễn Trãi led a life of simplicity, frugality, and integrity, always putting the needs of the people above his own. His house in Thăng Long was a modest hut. Later, while overseeing military and civilian affairs in the northeast islands, his home in Côn Sơn was even more sparse, with “open on all sides, barren, and only books being its wealth,” as his friend Nguyễn Mộng Tuân poetically described it.

His Bình Ngô Đại Cáo is a timeless masterpiece, an immortal anthem of the nation. His Quân Trung Từ Mệnh Tập contains letters written during his diplomatic efforts with the Ming. These letters demonstrate the deft diplomacy of Lê Lợi and Nguyễn Trãi, which allowed the Lam Sơn forces to capture many cities without unnecessary bloodshed.

Nguyễn Trãi’s Quốc Âm Thi Tập is the earliest surviving work in Vietnamese, which is crucial for both the study of Vietnamese literature and the history of the Vietnamese language. In 1442, Nguyễn Trãi and his family were unjustly executed (his entire family was killed), which caused widespread grief among his contemporaries.

In 1464, King Lê Thánh Tông issued a decree to clear Nguyễn Trãi’s name, posthumously restoring his titles and searching for any surviving descendants. Nguyễn Trãi remains one of the most monumental figures in Vietnamese history. He is not only a national hero but also a profound thinker, poet, and cultural figure. His legacy and soul will forever shine brightly, as reflected in King Lê Thánh Tông’s tribute: “Ức Trai’s heart shines like the Khuê Star.”

Nguyễn Trãi is admired not only for his remarkable military talents but also for his deep patriotism and unwavering love for his homeland. A man of both intellectual and martial prowess, his lifelong contributions to the defense and restoration of his country make him a true hero of Vietnam.

With brilliant military strategies, eloquent political diplomacy, and heartfelt literary works, Nguyễn Trãi stands as one of Vietnam’s greatest literary figures. However, he also faced tragic injustices during the feudal era of Vietnamese history. Born Nguyễn Trãi (1380-1442) in Nhị Kê (Hà Tây), his father was Nguyễn Phi Khanh, and his mother was Trần Thị Thái, daughter of the influential official Trần Nguyên Đán. Raised in a family with two enduring traditions—patriotism and a passion for literature—Nguyễn Trãi passed the imperial exam and became a scholar at the age of 20 in 1400.

Nguyễn Trãi lived during a period of intense national turmoil. His mother passed away when he was just six, and by 20 he became a scholar. He and his father served under the Hồ Dynasty. In 1407, the Ming Empire invaded Vietnam, and Nguyễn Phi Khanh was captured and taken to China. Deeply moved by his father's words to “restore the nation's honor and avenge your father,” Nguyễn Trãi returned and joined Lê Lợi's resistance, playing a crucial role in the nation's eventual victory after more than a decade of struggle.

After the foreign invaders were driven out and peace was restored, Nguyễn Trãi, despite his key role in the national victory, became the target of court intrigues. He was no longer trusted and was sidelined. In 1440, Lê Thái Tông invited him back to serve in a major capacity, but during this time, a tragic miscarriage of justice unfolded (the Lệ Chi Viên incident in Bắc Ninh). Following the sudden death of the king, corrupt officials falsely accused Nguyễn Trãi of murder, leading to his family’s execution and the destruction of his lineage (1442). It wasn’t until 1464 that Lê Thánh Tông posthumously cleared his name, ordering the collection of his works and seeking his descendants.

Nguyễn Trãi was a brilliant figure, not only a politician, military leader, and diplomat but also one of the most eminent poets in Vietnam's literary history. His works, like his life, endured hardships. After his death, many of his works were ordered to be destroyed. Twenty years later, Lê Thánh Tông commanded the collection of his works, but they were still scattered and lost. It wasn't until the early 19th century that some were rediscovered, and by the latter half of the 19th century, they were finally published. His literary legacy is vast, including works on military strategy and politics such as “Quân trung từ mệnh tập”—a collection of letters and documents exchanged with the Ming and the Lê court. His “Bình Ngô đại cáo” remains a monumental historical document, encapsulating the victory over the Ming and marking the dawn of a new era.

In historical records, his “Lam Sơn thực lục” chronicles the Lam Sơn uprising, while “Dư địa chí” provides geographical insights into Vietnam during that time. As for literature, Nguyễn Trãi authored “Ức Trai Thi Tập” and “Quốc Âm Thi Tập,” the latter being the earliest collection of Vietnamese poetry written in chữ Nôm, marking a significant milestone in the development of Vietnamese poetry. He was a pioneer in the Nôm poetry movement during an era dominated by Classical Chinese literature.

Moreover, his poetry was infused with Confucian values, philosophical reflections on life, and a profound love for nature. Nguyễn Trãi’s works express his deep commitment to the nation, his people, and his belief that true humanity lies in ensuring peace and stability for the masses. His poetry also carries the wisdom of someone who endured personal suffering, yet remained hopeful and deeply connected to nature, which he regarded as his true companion, akin to a beloved family member.

Nguyễn Trãi’s literary contributions remain a pinnacle of Vietnamese cultural heritage. Through his poetry and official writings, he laid the foundation for Vietnam’s cultural and intellectual development. His Chinese poetry encompasses a rich aesthetic world, blending lyricism, intelligence, heroism, and romance. As for his Nôm poetry, Nguyễn Trãi was a trailblazer, leaving behind the oldest and most extensive collection, filled with wisdom, profound insights into life, and written in refined, classical language.

Nguyễn Trãi was one of Vietnam’s most accomplished figures—intellectually, morally, and heroically. His life story, filled with both brilliance and tragedy, encapsulates the complex history of Vietnam. Not only did he contribute to the nation’s struggle for independence, but he also laid the foundation for Vietnamese literature. His advocacy for humaneness, love of the country, and devotion to the people, along with his deep affection for the natural beauty of his homeland, shines through his works and continues to inspire generations.

Nguyễn Trãi (1380-1442) is a national hero of Vietnam, a world-renowned cultural figure, and a person of extraordinary talent who endured a tragic fate rarely seen in Vietnamese feudal history.

Born in Chí Linh, Hải Dương, and later residing in Nhị Khê (now part of Hanoi), Nguyễn Trãi was the son of the poor Confucian scholar Nguyễn Phi Khanh and Trần Thị Thái, a noblewoman from the Trần family, with her father being the high-ranking official Trần Nguyên Đán. Orphaned at an early age, Nguyễn Trãi faced numerous hardships. In 1400, he and his father both passed the imperial exams, and he began serving under the Hồ Dynasty. In 1407, when the Ming Dynasty invaded Vietnam, Nguyễn Trãi’s father was captured and taken to China. Following his father's wishes to avenge the national disgrace, Nguyễn Trãi stayed in Vietnam, determined to restore his country's honor. In 1417, he joined Lê Lợi in Lam Sơn, presenting his “Bình Ngô sách” and offering strategies to drive out the invaders. By 1427, when the Vietnamese resistance emerged victorious, Nguyễn Trãi was eager to contribute to the rebuilding of the nation. However, due to the intrigues of corrupt officials, he was sidelined and retired to Côn Sơn. He was later invited back in 1440 to assist in the administration, but during a royal inspection, King Lê Thái Tông unexpectedly passed away at Trại Vải. The corrupt officials falsely accused Nguyễn Trãi of causing the king’s death and sentenced him and his entire family to execution. It wasn’t until 1464, under King Lê Thánh Tông, that his name was cleared, and his works were collected.

Nguyễn Trãi was an outstanding writer in both Classical Chinese and Vietnamese Nôm scripts. He left behind a vast and invaluable body of work, including “Quân trung từ mệnh tập,” “Bình Ngô đại cáo,” “Lam Sơn thực lục,” “Băng Hồ di sự lục,” “Dư địa chí,” “Ức Trai thi tập,” and “Quốc âm thi tập.” He is considered one of the greatest political essayists in Vietnamese literature. His work “Bình Ngô đại cáo” is regarded as a masterpiece of rhetoric, and “Quân trung từ mệnh tập” is said to possess the power of an army of 100,000 soldiers. His political writings are known for their strong arguments, sharp logic, and persuasive tone, deeply imbued with the ideals of patriotism, humanitarianism, and social justice. As a poet, Nguyễn Trãi is recognized as a deeply emotional lyricist. His poetry blends the heroism of the individual with universal human qualities, expressing the ideals of patriotism, love for the people, and the noble character of the scholar-warrior. His use of vivid, everyday imagery and refined Vietnamese vocabulary demonstrates his keen awareness of the potential of the Vietnamese language.

“Bình Ngô đại cáo” by Nguyễn Trãi is a heroic epic celebrating the resistance against the Ming invaders by the Lam Sơn army. Written between 1427 and 1428, it was commissioned by Lê Lợi after the victory over the Ming. The work is written in Classical Chinese, in the form of a “cáo,” a type of public proclamation used by the king to announce significant events. This genre of writing is forceful, logical, and well-structured. The “Bình Ngô đại cáo” is the only surviving public proclamation from Vietnam’s history, and it is of immense significance, being regarded as the Declaration of Independence for Vietnam. The text skillfully combines the traditional form of the cáo with Nguyễn Trãi’s unique artistic innovations. It is divided into four parts: the first asserts the just cause of the Lam Sơn army and the long-standing cultural heritage of the Đại Việt nation; the second denounces the Ming’s atrocities; the third emphasizes the legitimacy of the resistance and recounts its victories; and the final part declares the triumph and reaffirms the independence and peace of the nation. The work is filled with a sense of epic heroism and is often referred to as “the eternal masterpiece of rhetoric.”

It can be confidently stated that Nguyễn Trãi was a literary genius, a crystallization of the cultural brilliance of the Lý and Trần dynasties, and the first towering figure in Vietnam's literary history. His works reflect two great themes: patriotism and humanitarianism, which continue to inspire the nation.

Nguyễn Trãi is a shining star of patriotic literature in the early 15th century... He was an outstanding warrior in the cultural battlefield. Linking all cultural activities to his national salvation mission, Nguyễn Trãi wielded his pen like a weapon of war, using the power of literature to rally forces and defeat the enemy, contributing significantly to the monumental victory in the national liberation war.

Nguyễn Trãi's writings primarily served the noble cause of the nation. Holding high the banner of “great righteousness and human virtue,” Nguyễn Trãi connected his cultural activities with the actions of “eliminating corruption, greed, and tyranny,” advocating for human dignity through “virtue, intelligence, and heroism.” He devoted all his heart and the heroic spirit of the nation into his writing to defend the South, protect the Southern territory, and expel the northern invaders. His works also played a crucial role in building the country, shaping the human character, soul, and national identity, and establishing Đại Việt’s cultural foundation.

Nguyễn Trãi’s literature found strength, creativity, and inspiration in all aspects of nature, social reality, and the lives of the people. His works were so powerful that they were said to be “as strong as a hundred thousand warriors,” and his poetry carried the spirit of a “poet-general” on the battlefield of the “Tao Dan.” Nguyễn Trãi left behind numerous literary and poetic works. Among his prose works, we must mention the “Quân trung từ mệnh tập,” “Đại cáo bình Ngô,” “Chí Linh sơn phú,” and “Văn bia Vĩnh Lăng.” In terms of poetry, his most notable works are the “Ức Trai thi tập” and “Quốc âm thi tập.” During the “Bình Ngô” period, Nguyễn Trãi’s pen became as sharp as a spearhead, and many of his writings from this period were compiled in the “Quân trung từ mệnh tập.”

His calls to arms, proclamations to heroes, guided by clear principles and heartfelt intentions, with persuasive language, rallied the people and unified the nation in a loyal cause, urging them to “fight for honor and loyalty” and to “unite to cleanse the national shame and defeat the brutal invaders.” Using the principle of human righteousness, Nguyễn Trãi formulated and implemented the “mental warfare” strategy... The mental warfare was a sharp weapon that targeted the enemy’s heart, succeeding brilliantly in causing the enemy’s forces to disband and leaving eleven out of the thirty strongholds to surrender. Such events are rare in the history of warfare.

The “Đại cáo bình Ngô” was written by Nguyễn Trãi after the Lam Sơn uprising’s complete victory. It is a timeless masterpiece of our nation. The “Đại cáo bình Ngô” served as a declaration of independence for Đại Việt at that time, offering a profound conclusion to the great patriotic war and a triumphant anthem of our people. It is also an indictment of the “unforgivable” crimes committed by the Ming invaders, exposing the cruelty of the northern expansionists. The text powerfully and systematically articulated the patriotism of our people. Through the historical challenge of “Bình Ngô,” Nguyễn Trãi affirmed the vibrant survival of Đại Việt’s civilization, the country’s independence, and the equality of all nations. The “Đại cáo bình Ngô” celebrated the remarkable victories of our people in the national liberation struggle, highlighted the high humanitarian spirit and the love for peace of our soldiers and civilians, bringing an end to the war and opening a path to peace and harmony, ensuring “eternal peace.” With this, the “Đại cáo bình Ngô” can also be seen as a declaration of human rights and peace from the Đại Việt state.

Nguyễn Trãi’s poetry also carries heroic spirit, much like his prose. However, his poetry often expresses his personal feelings, embodying his sincere heart and noble character. With rich lyrical content, Nguyễn Trãi’s poetry reflects the beauty of nature, the land, and the life of the nation. Notably, Nguyễn Trãi wrote more poetry in the vernacular (Nôm) than in classical Chinese. With “Quốc âm thi tập,” Nguyễn Trãi firmly established himself as one of the pioneers in the foundation of Vietnamese national poetry. Moreover, Nguyễn Trãi elevated the Vietnamese language to the official literary language of the nation. His Nôm poetry absorbed many achievements from folk culture and literature. Simple elements like sweet potatoes, guavas, water spinach, and bamboo shoots, which were once foreign to classical literature, were naturally incorporated into his poems. Proverbs, idioms, and folk songs, along with the tonal features of the Vietnamese language, were skillfully utilized by Nguyễn Trãi to enrich his poems with national flavor and musicality. Nguyễn Trãi valued enriching the language and preserving the purity of Vietnamese. He proudly claimed that he had “traveled across the corners of the earth and the land of our nation” and “wherever he went, his pen wrote poems.”

The rivers and mountains of the homeland, such as Côn Sơn Stream, Bạch Đằng River, Đại An Gate, Yên Tử Mountain, Vân Đồn Sea, and Dục Thúy Mountain, all appeared vividly in his poetry. The sound of Côn Sơn Stream was like the string of a zither. The towering mountains reflected in Ha Long Bay seemed like the hair of a beautiful woman casting her reflection in the mirror. The majestic mountains and rivers were made even more magnificent, bearing the marks of heroism left by our ancestors. Observing the Bạch Đằng River, Nguyễn Trãi recalled the great battles where our people had vanquished the invaders:

Ngạc đoạn kình khoa sơn khúc khúc,

Qua trầm, kích chiết ngạn tằng tằng.

Meaning:

The dragonfish tore the mountains into pieces,

The spear and sword sank into the riverbed, layer by layer.

Nguyễn Trãi’s writing was not only grand but often delicate, graceful, and pure. A bird’s call, a falling petal, a soft breeze, a few drops of autumn rain, or a breath of spring air—each of these could stir the poet’s soul. Writing about the power of folk songs and music, Nguyễn Trãi made astute observations:

Ngư ca tam xướng, yên hồ khoát,

Mục địch nhất thanh, thiên nguyệt cao.

When the fisherman sang three notes, the lake expanded. When the cowherd played a flute, the moon rose higher. The space stretched further, higher, and so did the human soul. Art, indeed, has the power to elevate humanity to a higher and more beautiful realm. Nguyễn Trãi’s sensitivity to life’s every expression was remarkable and unique. In his poem “On the Blossom of Peach Trees,” he wrote:

A blooming peach flower, so perfect and fresh,

The spring walls smile as they see spring laughing.

On the banana tree’s fresh scent of spring:

Đại cáo bình Ngô - Nguyễn Trãi

A love letter hidden in a sealed envelope,

Where the wind comes from, it opens to see.

Such beauty, rhythm, and vibrancy often filled Nguyễn Trãi’s Nôm poetry. Even in difficult circumstances, Nguyễn Trãi never lost hope:

Old age, gray hair, a white beard,

Poor house, green light, and blue eyes.

Gray hair but blue eyes, old age but a youthful heart. The beauty of gray hair, worn with the worry of life, and the profound beauty of blue eyes, full of love for life and people. Nguyễn Trãi was praised by his comrades from the Lam Sơn period: “Kinh bang hoa quốc cổ vô tiền,” meaning: “No one has ever done so much for the country and its glory.” With Nguyễn Trãi, Đại Việt’s cultural heritage reached new heights.

According to historians, the Vietnamese people have had three declarations of independence throughout their history. These include the poem "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" (891), the "Bình Ngô Đại Cáo" (1428), and the Declaration of Independence read by President Hồ Chí Minh at Ba Đình Square. Among them, "Bình Ngô Đại Cáo" is the proclamation drafted by Nguyễn Trãi, written in Classical Chinese in the spring of 1428. Nguyễn Trãi, renowned not only for his literary career but also as a prominent cultural figure, made significant contributions to the development of Vietnamese literature and thought.

Nguyễn Trãi, also known by his pen name Ức Trai, was born in Chi Ngại Village, Chí Linh District, Hải Dương Province, later moving to Nhị Khê Village in Thường Tín District, Hà Tây Province. His father, Nguyễn Phi Khanh, was a poor scholar who passed the royal examination during the Trần Dynasty, while his mother, Trần Thị Thái, was the daughter of Trần Nguyên Đán, a high-ranking official of the Trần court.

At the age of six, he lost his mother, and at ten, his grandfather passed away. At twenty, in 1400, he passed the royal exams and started working as an official under the Hồ Dynasty. In 1407, when the Ming Dynasty invaded Vietnam, Nguyễn Phi Khanh was captured and taken to China. Nguyễn Trãi, along with his younger brother, followed to take care of his father. After reaching the border, he was advised by his father to return home and seek vengeance for his father and restore the honor of the country. Unfortunately, he was captured again but later managed to escape and traveled widely to find a leader who could help drive out the invaders. He joined the Lam Sơn Rebellion led by Lê Lợi, contributed to the strategy with his "Bình Ngô Sách" (The Strategy for Fighting the Ming), and became a key supporter of Lê Lợi in the ten-year struggle. Nguyễn Trãi was appointed to high-ranking positions and worked closely with Lê Lợi to plan military strategies.

In early 1428, after defeating the enemy and regaining independence, Nguyễn Trãi eagerly began rebuilding the country. However, he was suddenly accused of a crime and imprisoned. After being released, he was no longer trusted in the same way. In 1433, when Lê Thái Tổ passed away and Lê Thái Tông ascended the throne as a young ruler, powerful courtiers, who resented Nguyễn Trãi for his integrity and honesty, conspired against him, almost causing him to lose his life. He withdrew from court life, retreating to Côn Sơn around 1437-1438. In 1440, Lê Thái Tông reformed the court and called Nguyễn Trãi back to serve. However, in 1442, during a military inspection in Chí Linh, Lê Thái Tông unexpectedly passed away after a visit to Nguyễn Trãi at Côn Sơn. Court conspirators, holding grudges against Nguyễn Trãi, falsely accused him of plotting to assassinate the king, and he was sentenced to death, with his family being executed.

In 1464, Lê Thánh Tông issued an edict to clear Nguyễn Trãi's name and posthumously granted him titles and honors. His works were collected, and his surviving son was given a government position. Later, in 1512, under Lê Tương Dực, Nguyễn Trãi was posthumously honored with the title Tế Văn Hầu. From Nguyễn Trãi’s life, several important lessons can be learned. He was born into a family with a deep sense of patriotism and compassion, which profoundly influenced his own character and goals.

Nguyễn Trãi spent much of his life close to the people: as a child living simply with his father, during his years of wandering in search of a capable leader to save the country, during the struggles in the Lam Sơn insurgency, and later in life. This close connection with the common people gave him a deep understanding of their lives and a heartfelt empathy for them.

Nguyễn Trãi contributed significantly to his country in various fields. He was not only a military strategist, statesman, and diplomat but also a cultural and intellectual figure and a major literary figure. Despite facing many challenges during his life as an official, he remained steadfast in his principles, maintaining a pure soul and unshakable will to rise above adversity. Nguyễn Trãi left behind a large body of work, though much of his literature, like his life, went through periods of suppression and rediscovery. After the Lệ Chi Viên incident, his works disappeared for some time. In 1467, the scholar Trần Khắc Kiệm was tasked by Lê Thánh Tông to collect Nguyễn Trãi’s writings, but it took until 1480 to complete this effort. Sadly, the collection was later lost. It wasn’t until four centuries later that the scholar Dương Bá Cung, a fellow native of Nguyễn Trãi, spent more than a decade collecting his works, eventually publishing a collection in 1861 titled "Ức Trai Thi Tập", which remains the most complete collection of his writings today.

Nguyễn Trãi's literary contributions are immense. His "Quân Trung Từ Mệnh Tập" is a famous collection of wartime correspondence and diplomatic documents, where he used his pen as a weapon to weaken the enemy’s morale. The "Bình Ngô Đại Cáo", written after the great victory in 1427, is a brilliant summary of the ten-year struggle for independence, highlighting not only the patriotic spirit but also the cultural values of "chí nhân, đại nghĩa" (benevolence and righteousness), which shine as the guiding principles of the Đại Việt nation. With powerful language and compelling rhetoric, it became an immortal "heroic literary work".

Other notable works include "Lam Sơn Thực Lục", a history of the Lam Sơn rebellion, "Dư Địa Chí", a geographical and historical account of Vietnam, and "Chí Linh Sơn Phú", which describes the heroic resistance against the Ming invaders. His writings to instruct the Crown Prince, advise officials, issue edicts, and his "Biểu Tạ Ơn" to Lê Thái Tông when he was reinstated later in life, all reflect his commitment to social ideals and the welfare of the people. His works also include "Băng Hồ Di Sự Lục", a record of his grandfather Trần Nguyên Đán's career, highlighting Nguyễn Trãi's deep admiration and respect for his grandfather's legacy. The "Vĩnh Lăng Thần Đạo Bi Kí" honors the contributions of Lê Lợi in the nation’s liberation, all written in Classical Chinese.

In poetry, he left two collections: "Ức Trai Thi Tập", in Classical Chinese, with 105 poems following traditional forms, and "Quốc Âm Thi Tập", in Vietnamese Nôm, with 254 poems showcasing innovative language, new forms, and a fresh artistic sensibility toward nature and life. These collections encapsulate the joys, sorrows, hopes, and concerns of Nguyễn Trãi’s life, from his youth to his old age, reflecting the soul of the poet and the spirit of his homeland and people.

In conclusion, Nguyễn Trãi’s life and literary legacy shine brightly like a star. What stands out most is his unwavering integrity, which he maintained amid political turmoil and court intrigue, earning the admiration of generations to come. His talent and devotion remain celebrated and respected to this day.

Nguyễn Trãi is renowned in Vietnamese literature as a brilliant author who made significant contributions across various fields, leaving his mark with outstanding works in each area. In Vietnamese history, Nguyễn Trãi is also celebrated as a distinguished political and military figure, a man of profound scholarship, far-sighted vision, and deep patriotism. He played a key role in the Lam Sơn uprising led by Lê Lợi, becoming one of the founding heroes of the later Lê dynasty. Despite his remarkable achievements and contributions to the nation, Nguyễn Trãi met a tragic fate, entangled in the infamous Lệ Chi Viên scandal, a dark chapter in history that continues to spark debate among historians.

Born in 1380, Nguyễn Trãi, also known by his pen name Ức Trai, hailed from Chi Ngại village, Phượng Sơn district, Lạng Giang (now part of Chí Linh, Hải Dương). His family was of noble descent, with both paternal and maternal sides having a tradition of scholarly achievement, love for the nation, and holding high-ranking positions. This gave Nguyễn Trãi a strong educational foundation from a young age, setting the stage for his future success. His father, Nguyễn Ứng Long (later known as Nguyễn Phi Khanh), was a talented scholar who passed the highest examination and served as a court official under the Trần dynasty. His mother, Trần Thị Thái, was the third daughter of Trần Nguyên Đán, a renowned statesman. However, Nguyễn Trãi's life, though seemingly privileged, was marred by early tragedies. At just five years old, his mother passed away, and his father never remarried, choosing to raise their children alone.

When Nguyễn Trãi was 10, his grandfather, Trần Nguyên Đán, who had a great influence on his life, also passed away, leaving him with a sense of deep loss. Despite these hardships, in 1400, after passing the imperial examination under the Hồ dynasty, Nguyễn Trãi and his father pledged to serve the new regime. However, the situation took a dramatic turn. In 1407, the Ming Dynasty used the pretext of the Hồ dynasty's illegitimate rise to power to invade, overthrowing the Hồ court. Nguyễn Trãi’s father was captured and taken to China. Although Nguyễn Trãi wanted to follow his father to care for him, his father advised him to stay behind and seek ways to avenge their country and restore their honor. Nguyễn Trãi obeyed his father's wishes and parted with him at the Nam Quan border, never to meet him again. After returning, Nguyễn Trãi was briefly recruited by the Ming official Trương Phụ but refused to serve the invaders, choosing instead to resist them. Angered, Trương Phụ sought to have him executed, but the Minister Hoàng Phúc, recognizing Nguyễn Trãi's talent, spared his life and placed him under house arrest in Đông Quan for ten years.

During this long period, it is unclear exactly what Nguyễn Trãi did, but it is said that he kept the hope alive of finding a worthy ruler to support in the fight against the Ming invaders. Hearing of Lê Lợi’s uprising, Nguyễn Trãi escaped Đông Quan and joined the Lam Sơn resistance movement, becoming a brilliant strategist and contributing greatly to the success of the rebellion and the formation of the new Lê dynasty. After the victory over the Ming forces, in late 1427 and early 1428, Nguyễn Trãi, at Lê Lợi’s command, wrote the Bình Ngô Đại cáo, which is considered the second Declaration of Independence of Đại Việt. This document had profound political significance, announcing the victory of the Lam Sơn forces over the 150,000-strong Ming army and marking the beginning of a new era of independence and sovereignty for the nation.

However, shortly after the establishment of the Lê dynasty, when the regime was still unstable, Lê Thái Tổ passed away. The court fell into turmoil, with deep internal conflicts and growing suspicions of the founding figures, who were accused of seeking power and overshadowing the king. As a result, many of these early heroes, including Nguyễn Trãi, were sidelined and lost the king's favor for nearly a decade. Disheartened, Nguyễn Trãi retired to Côn Sơn in 1438. In 1439, when Lê Thái Tông sought to bring him back to serve the nation, Nguyễn Trãi, thrilled to regain the king's trust, eagerly worked on state affairs and helped strengthen the royal court. Unfortunately, this second return to favor led to a tragic outcome. During a royal inspection trip to the east, Lê Thái Tông visited Nguyễn Trãi’s residence in Côn Sơn. There, a tragic event occurred: the king unexpectedly died at the young age of 21. Nguyễn Trãi and his concubine, Nguyễn Thị Lộ, were falsely accused of plotting the king's murder and sentenced to execution and the punishment of 'trù di tam tộc' (three generations wiped out). This event, known as the Lệ Chi Viên massacre, ended Nguyễn Trãi’s life—one full of glory but also great sorrow.

Beyond his political and military career, Nguyễn Trãi is celebrated as a multi-talented intellectual, excelling in various fields and producing outstanding works that have become reference points for later generations. In history, Nguyễn Trãi authored the Vĩnh Lăng thần đạo bi, a memorial stone inscription about the life and achievements of King Lê Thái Tổ, and the Lam Sơn thực lục, which chronicles the ten-year struggle of the Lam Sơn insurgents. Other works include the Chí Linh sơn phú, detailing the third retreat of the Lam Sơn army to Chí Linh mountain in 1422, and the Băng Hồ di sự lục, a biography of Trần Nguyên Đán. In geography, he left behind the Dư địa chí, also known as Ức Trai thi tập Nam Việt Dư địa chí, regarded as one of the oldest geographical works of Vietnam, which records the products and people of the country during the medieval period, still valuable for research today. In the fields of politics and military strategy, Nguyễn Trãi is known for his works such as the Bình Ngô Đại cáo and Quân trung từ mệnh tập, along with several other memorials and decrees written under the two reigns of the Lê kings. As a literary figure, he also produced many brilliant works in both Chinese and Nôm, such as the Ức Trai thi tập and Quốc âm thi tập.

Throughout his literary career, Nguyễn Trãi became known not only as an outstanding political essayist but also as a deeply emotional lyric poet. His political works, such as the Bình Ngô Đại cáo, are considered masterpieces of political writing, known for their logical arguments, eloquent prose, and significant relevance to the time. The Quân trung từ mệnh tập, which includes letters to the enemy generals during the Lam Sơn uprising, serves as both a diplomatic tool and a morale booster for the army. Additionally, he wrote numerous other essays and decrees. His works are characterized by a central theme of patriotism, love for the people, and moral integrity, with arguments and structure that are flexible, sharp, and powerful, making them exemplary pieces of political writing for future generations.

As a lyric poet, Nguyễn Trãi's works focus on themes of heroism, love for the country, and human compassion. Though many of his works were destroyed due to his unjust punishment, the surviving ones—both in Chinese and Nôm—are testament to his poetic genius. His surviving Nôm work, Quốc âm thi tập, is considered the earliest and only surviving collection of Vietnamese poetry in this script. His poems explore the dual nature of his identity: the noble hero and the human being, deeply affected by the struggles of his nation and the social challenges around him. Through his poetry, Nguyễn Trãi expressed his idealism and personal grief, his love for nature, his longing for a peaceful life, and his deep connections with his friends, king, and family.

For his immense contributions to the nation, Nguyễn Trãi is rightfully considered one of Vietnam's 14 greatest national heroes, his extraordinary achievements etched in the annals of history. His love for his country, his ideal of justice that places the people at the heart of his actions, and his unparalleled diplomatic and military intelligence were key to the success of the Lam Sơn uprising and the establishment of a new dynasty. In literature, Nguyễn Trãi represents the perfect blend of the Lý and Trần literary traditions, marking a crucial milestone in the development of medieval Vietnamese literature, both in terms of genre and language.

The sky of Vietnamese literature is adorned with many brilliant stars. Among them, the most radiant during the 15th century is the star Khuê—Nguyễn Trãi.

Born in 1380, Nguyễn Trãi, also known by his pen name Ức Trai, hailed from Chi Ngại village (now part of Chí Linh, Hải Dương), later moving to Ngọc Ổi village (now in Nhị Khê, Thường Tín, Hà Tây). His father, Nguyễn Ứng Long (later renamed Nguyễn Phi Khanh), was a poor scholar who passed the Imperial exam, and his mother, Trần Thị Thái, was the daughter of a high-ranking official, Trần Nguyên Đán.

Nguyễn Trãi grew up during a time of significant upheaval. The Trần Dynasty was in decline, and the Hồ family came to power, founding the Hồ Dynasty. In 1400, Nguyễn Trãi passed the Imperial exams and both he and his father served under the Hồ Dynasty.

When the Ming forces invaded Vietnam, they captured the Hồ family and other officials, sending them to China, including Nguyễn Phi Khanh. Nguyễn Trãi and his brother Nguyễn Phi Hùng followed their father but, upon reaching Nam Quan, Nguyễn Trãi heeded his father’s advice to return and restore honor to the nation. He was eventually captured by the enemy in Đông Quan. Later, Nguyễn Trãi joined Lê Lợi in the Lam Sơn uprising, where he contributed to military strategies, drafted proclamations, and played a pivotal role in the liberation of the country.

After the defeat of the Ming, Nguyễn Trãi’s hopes of building a peaceful, prosperous nation were shattered. Following the Lam Sơn victory, Lê Lợi launched a purge of military officers, and Nguyễn Trãi became a victim of this purge. For ten years (1429-1439), he was sidelined and not trusted. In 1439, he retired to Côn Sơn, but a few months later, Lê Thái Tông called him back into service. Just when he saw a glimmer of hope, in 1442, tragedy struck. The Lệ Chi Viên incident, one of the greatest miscarriages of justice in Vietnam’s history, led to the execution of Nguyễn Trãi and his family, forever denying him the chance to realize his dreams.

Throughout his life, Nguyễn Trãi wrote a significant amount of poetry and prose. However, many of his works were ordered destroyed after his death. In 1467, Lê Thánh Tông ordered a collection of Nguyễn Trãi’s works, but they were largely lost. It wasn’t until the early 19th century that some of his works were rediscovered and printed in the latter half of the century.

Nguyễn Trãi’s contributions spanned several fields, producing remarkable works in military strategy, politics, history, and literature. His works on military strategy and politics include *Quân trung từ mệnh tập* and *Bình Ngô đại cáo*. *Quân trung từ mệnh tập* consists of letters and orders sent to generals, as well as diplomatic correspondence between Nguyễn Trãi and the Ming generals, employing a strategy of psychological warfare. *Bình Ngô đại cáo* is a monumental historical declaration, summarizing the heroic resistance against the Ming and affirming the Vietnamese people's commitment to peace. In history, Nguyễn Trãi authored *Lam Sơn thực lục* and *Văn bia Vĩnh Lăng*, which chronicled the Lam Sơn uprising and emphasized the importance of connecting with the people as a key to victory. He also wrote *Dư địa chí*, a remarkable geographical work that remains one of the only ones of its kind in Vietnam. In literature, Nguyễn Trãi produced *Ức Trai thi tập*, a collection of Chinese poetry, and *Quốc âm thi tập*, a collection of Vietnamese poetry that marked the foundation of the Vietnamese literary tradition.

Across his poetry, Nguyễn Trãi’s core themes include humaneness, philosophical reflections on life, and a profound love for nature. His concept of humaneness was not just about benevolence, but a deep love for the country and its people, embodying the idea of ensuring peace and prosperity for the common people:

The essence of humaneness is to bring peace to the people,

The ruler must first eliminate the tyrants.

(*Bình Ngô đại cáo*)

Humaneness is about ensuring that the people thrive and are happy:

May the sounds of the zither spread far and wide,

And may the people enjoy wealth and abundance.

(*Cảnh ngày hè*)

In addition to humaneness, his poetry also reveals deep philosophical reflections on life’s transient nature:

Under the prestige of fame, there is suffering,

In folly, there is luxury.

(*Ngân chí, poem 2*)

Phoenixes regret flying too high, while kites soar,

Flowers wither while some remain ever fresh.

(*Tự thuật, poem 9*)

In Nguyễn Trãi’s poetry, the soul of an artist shines through. He sees nature as a companion and treats it as he would a fellow human:

– The mountain is my neighbor, the birds are my friends,

Guests come and go, the moon shines brightly.

(*Thuật hứng, poem 19*)

– The pond’s water is clear, and the moon reflects the fish,

The forest regrets, as the birds shy away from the trees.

(*Mạn thuật, poem 6*)

Along with these profound thoughts, Nguyễn Trãi’s works also contain great artistic value. His political writings, particularly *Quân trung từ mệnh tập* and *Bình Ngô đại cáo*, showcase his mastery of rhetoric and political strategy. In poetry, he created a rich aesthetic world, blending lyrical and intellectual themes with heroic and romantic imagery in his Chinese verse. His Vietnamese poems, particularly his *Nôm* works, are rich in wisdom, profound in their life experiences, and written in a clear, classical language:

The pomegranate tree still blooms red,

The lotus pond sends its fragrance far.

(*Bảo kính cảnh giới, poem 43*)

The pond is shallow, but the water lilies grow strong,

The field grows with sturdy grass and budding lotus.

(*Thuật hứng, poem 24*)

Nguyễn Trãi was also an early adopter of popular proverbs in his work. In one eight-line poem, he cleverly incorporates four traditional proverbs:

What is round must be spherical,

Good or bad, they are shaped by the same mold.

Living near the rich makes one eat dry rice,

Friends who steal are punished with a heavy blow.

Hang out with fools, and you become foolish,

Associate with the wise, and you learn wisdom.

What is lowly must be humble,

Like ink becoming dark, red becomes bright.

(*Bảo kính cảnh giới, poem 21*)

Nguyễn Trãi’s poetry also featured images of the humble rural life, evoking a sense of rustic beauty:

Describe the tranquility, the scent of the flowers,

Vineyard soil, fresh with morning dew.

(*Ngôn chí, poem 9*)

The pond hosts the floating water spinach,

The land of Buddha nurtures the leafy greens.

(*Thuật hứng, poem 23*)

Even with the rice bowl, we make do with salt,

Wearing plain clothes, embroidered with patience.

(*Ngôn chí, poem 3*)

Lastly, Nguyễn Trãi introduced a unique Chinese poetic form into Vietnamese literature, creating a style that alternated seven-character and six-character lines:

I have a heart that combines loyalty and filial piety,

Yet I am imperfect, darkened and stained.

(*Thuật hứng, poem 24*)

May the sounds of the zither echo once more,

May the people live in prosperity across the land.

(*Bảo kính cảnh giới, poem 43*)

For all he did for the nation, for what he left for humanity, Nguyễn Trãi is truly a cultural icon. As a writer and poet, he laid the foundation for Vietnamese poetry. In 1980, UNESCO recognized him as a World Cultural Figure and celebrated his 600th birthday.