Top 6 Analytical Essays on the Magical Elements in 'Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên' (Vietnamese Literature 10)

There are numerous factors that contribute to the captivating nature of 'Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên.' One of the most significant is the incorporation of fantastical, supernatural elements that heighten the drama and intrigue of the story.

During the final years of the Hồ Dynasty, the Ngô army invaded, and one of Mộc Thạch's officers, Thôi, died near the temple and became a wandering spirit. Ngô Tử Văn, a brave and resolute man, could not tolerate the havoc caused by the vengeful spirit and decided to burn the temple down to protect the people. After returning home, he fell ill with a fever. In his delirium, the ghostly officer appeared and threatened him, accusing Tử Văn in the underworld. He was also informed by the local god about the officer's crimes and given instructions on how to deal with the spirit. Tử Văn was dragged to the underworld where, in front of King Yama, he fearlessly revealed the officer's wrongdoings. He demanded a confrontation with the testimony of the local god. The officer was punished, the local god was reinstated, and Tử Văn was revived. A month later, the local god asked Tử Văn to accept a position as the magistrate of Tản Viên Temple, where he would oversee judicial matters. Tử Văn joyfully accepted, and then passed away without any illness. The fantastical elements are evident in the portrayal of the spirit world, the ghosts, and figures such as the officer, King Yama, and the local god.

Through this, the author suggests that even in the afterlife, there are corrupt officials accepting bribes to cover for the wicked, and the forces of evil can reign unchecked. Even King Yama and the other judges of the underworld are deceived.

Ancient wisdom tells us, "A straight tree does not fear standing tall," and "Good people will encounter good fortune." This idea suggests that those who are upright and righteous will be rewarded with favorable outcomes. Embracing this mindset, with captivating storytelling and an incredibly rich imagination, Nguyễn Dữ wrote *Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên*. The emergence of *Truyền kì mạn lục* alongside other classical works like *Thánh Tông di thảo* (Lê Thánh Tông), *Truyền kì tân phả* (Đoàn Thị Điểm), and *Lan Trì kiến văn lục* (Vũ Trinh) brought a new development to Vietnam's narrative prose, a proud milestone in literature. *Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên* tells the story of Ngô Tử Văn burning down a temple, showcasing profound philosophical ideas.

The mix of realism and the supernatural brings a unique charm to the story. Ngô Tử Văn, the main character, is introduced through the traditional style of medieval Vietnamese literature, which includes his name, origin, and personality traits. Tử Văn is known for his forthright, fiery temperament and his inability to tolerate wickedness. His reputation as a man of integrity spread throughout the northern regions. His character is central to the story, as Tử Văn dares to take actions that others fear. Burning a temple, as per folk belief, is a taboo act, one that offends the gods. Despite knowing this, Tử Văn is undeterred. His act of burning the temple stems from his inherent disdain for evil. The temple housed the vengeful ghost of a military officer who had caused harm to innocent people. By burning the temple, Tử Văn confirms his uprightness and determination to rid the world of evil. His actions are not those of a reckless or impious person. As a scholar of the classics, Tử Văn fully understands the gravity of his actions. He carefully prepares, praying and lighting the temple fire with intention. His subsequent actions further demonstrate his unwavering character, as he refuses to submit to threats or intimidation. Even when the ghost of the military officer attempts to scare him, Tử Văn remains composed, confidently declaring, "Ngô Soạn is an upright scholar from the human world." His steadfast character enables him to overcome evil, exposing the wrongdoings of the vengeful ghost, restoring the temple to its rightful guardian, and earning the title of the temple's judge.

In stark contrast to Tử Văn's righteousness stands the deceitful and treacherous figure of Bách Hộ Họ Thôi, a defeated general whose wandering ghost has seized the temple and caused mischief. Without a place of rest or proper rituals, this ghost terrorizes the local population. His malevolent nature extends to bribing and threatening other spirits. When Tử Văn burns the temple, the ghost resorts to Confucian logic to accuse him, using his supernatural power to intimidate. When Tử Văn remains unafraid, the ghost appeals to King Yama for help. The villain's treachery and the invasive nature of the invaders are highlighted when he tries to cover up his crimes. While Tử Văn represents justice and integrity, even as a humble scholar, the ghost embodies the worst traits of an invader. Despite being written in the 16th century, during a time of instability in Vietnam, the characters' clear-cut personalities create vivid artistic representations of opposing moral forces. Through these two characters, Nguyễn Dữ conveys a strong patriotic message: he celebrates the Vietnamese spirit of justice and exposes the nefarious nature of invaders.

A distinctive feature of the *Truyền kì* genre is its use of supernatural elements to convey underlying truths about reality. Although *Chuyện chức phán sự đền Tản Viên* deals primarily with myths and ghosts, it clearly addresses real-world issues. The story's realism is found in the detailed backgrounds of its characters and the precise historical setting. The story is anchored in tangible details, such as the clear identification of Ngô Tử Văn's name and hometown. Furthermore, the narrative refers to actual historical events and figures, making the tale seem more believable. The story's setting includes mentions of specific years and locations, like "In the year of Giáp Ngọ, a man from Đông Quan..." and "Tử Văn's descendants still live today, and it is said they are from the 'judge's house.'" The histories of the temple's guardian spirit and the ghostly general are also tied to historical events. Thổ Công, the guardian spirit, is described as having served in the imperial court of the Lý Dynasty, while the ghostly general is a defeated officer from the Northern enemy.

By blending realism and fiction seamlessly, the story creates a unique appeal and underscores the real-world values it promotes. Nguyễn Dữ wrote *Truyền kì mạn lục* during the turbulent 16th century, a time when the Lê Dynasty was in decline and the Mạc Dynasty rose to power. The constant civil strife and social issues of the time are subtly reflected in the characters' dialogues. For example, the Thổ Công's conversation with Tử Văn reveals the harsh reality: "Why don't you file a lawsuit... why abandon your official position to live as a humble scholar?" During this period, many talented individuals, disillusioned with the social system, chose a life of seclusion in rural areas. This was also true for Nguyễn Dữ himself. The Thổ Công's response highlights the social reality: "The roots of evil spread far, difficult to uproot. I planned to file a lawsuit, but there were many obstacles: all the nearby temples, driven by greed, supported the wrongdoers." This subtle commentary critiques the corrupt officials who colluded with evil forces to harm the innocent. Similarly, King Yama's remarks expose the deception of those in power and reflect the broader struggles of the time.

The main theme of the story is the celebration of integrity. Ngô Tử Văn is a model of the courageous and righteous Vietnamese intellectuals who fought against evil for the good of the people. His victory is a triumph of justice and moral right, representing the people's belief in fairness. Though Tử Văn's life was short, his legacy lives on, becoming the eternal judge of Tản Viên Temple. This theme is reinforced in the final commentary, where the narrator affirms that only someone as upright as Ngô Tử Văn deserves to hold a position of power. This message resonates strongly in a society plagued by corruption and injustice. The work also critiques invaders and exposes the darker sides of society.

The value of *Truyền kì mạn lục* lies in its deep realism and its celebration of traditional virtues. Characters like Vũ Thị Thiết and Ngô Tử Văn, who embody goodness, are rewarded with a place in the divine world. The story reflects the strong belief of the people in the eternal truth of living righteously to be rewarded.

As we know, literature is a form of art, a distinct type of social consciousness that is constantly evolving. Its progress can be seen as a system where formation, existence, and change are closely linked to historical periods, much like the two sides of a coin.

Throughout its development, literature evolves through both inheritance and innovation. Folklore serves as the foundation of written literature, with each generation inheriting and building upon the values of the past to create new ones. The shift from folklore to written literature happens naturally, yet still adheres to the fundamental laws of literary evolution. Folklore has become a vital source that nourishes Vietnam’s written literature, helping it flourish. Despite their differences in creative methods, folklore and classical literature share a deep connection. Folklore plays a foundational role in relation to Vietnam’s classical literature. In the context of classical prose literature, the collection of folk tales greatly influenced the formation and development of narrative literary forms in various ways. One could argue that this treasure of folk tales is one of the pure springs that continues to nourish the thriving narrative tradition in Vietnam. Scholars such as Nguyễn Lộc, Đặng Thanh Lê, and Phan Ngọc have explored the reciprocal impact of classical literature on folklore, highlighting how it provided materials and inspiration that elevated certain forms of folklore expression to new heights. In studying genres like legends, fairy tales, and the tales of classical literature, we observe the presence of magical elements.

In literature, magical elements serve as gateways to unknown, mysterious, and mystical realms, transporting us into imaginative worlds and dreams that do not exist. These elements evoke a sense of novelty in readers, opening up new horizons for wild imagination. They also encourage individuals not to turn away from the realities of life but to face them and engage with them more deeply. In this paper, we explore the role of magical elements in folklore, particularly through the genre of the “truyền kì” (Tales of Judgment at Tản Viên Temple – excerpt from Truyền kì mạn lục by Nguyễn Dữ).

The work Truyền kì mạn lục by Nguyễn Dữ is considered a pioneering masterpiece in Vietnam’s classical literature – rightfully deserving the title of “The Eternal Masterpiece”, a “fine work of a great scholar”. Truyền kì mạn lục uses magical and fantastical elements, drawing on ancient stories to reflect contemporary society. While the magical tales of the classical period still carry traces of folk literature, they are deeply personal creations, shaped by the author’s awakening and awareness of reality. Nguyễn Dữ’s inspiration for writing Truyền kì mạn lục was to use the “magical” to illustrate the “real”. The work skillfully combines the fantastical and the real through artistic techniques. The story of the Judgment at Tản Viên Temple appears to be grounded in reality, with its detailed portrayal of characters and events, including specific references to time and place. However, the tale of Ngô Tử Văn is filled with the supernatural, particularly through the presence of the underworld. Influenced by the metaphysical and divine thinking of folk literature and northern fantasy tales, Nguyễn Dữ incorporates many fantastical, mysterious elements into his stories. In the Judgment at Tản Viên Temple, we encounter supernatural beings like the ghost of a northern general, demons, and various figures from the underworld. These characters all belong to the realm of the dead. In Truyền kì mạn lục, magical elements are used intentionally as an artistic device, with reality representing the multifaceted, everyday life filled with suffering. The relationship between the real and the magical is tightly intertwined. In most stories in Truyền kì mạn lục, these two elements interact to convey the author’s ideas and the themes of the work. The magical elements serve as a storytelling method that adds to the narrative’s allure, enhancing its romantic and lyrical qualities.

If we consider the evolution of magical elements in literature, we see that in Truyền kì, magical elements continue the tradition of both the above-mentioned folk literature genres, reflecting the ideals, dreams, and philosophical thinking of the time. Additionally, this literary genre showcases new ideas introduced by the intellectual class, imbued with national spirit. In these tales, the author’s personal touch and the influence of the intellectual class are clearly expressed.

Drawing from folk narratives, Nguyễn Dữ (16th century) and Đoàn Thị Điểm (18th century), when crafting their truyền kì works, reimagined these tales into complete stories that are rich with profound humanistic thought and high artistic value. The treasure trove of folk tales plays a crucial role in the development of narrative forms of classical literature in Vietnam.

"The Judgment at Tản Viên Temple" is a representative story in Nguyễn Dữ's "Truyền kì mạn lục". In addition to the plot and characters, the fantastical and supernatural elements play a key role in giving the work its timeless appeal.

These elements of the supernatural are not based in reality but are mystified with specific artistic intentions. In "The Judgment at Tản Viên Temple", this is expressed in both the characters and the artistic setting.

Regarding characters, the story creates mystical figures. The antagonist, a ghost of a general named Thôi, who after his death on Vietnamese soil becomes a demon that occupies the local deity's temple. This image subtly alludes to societal corruption, with higher authorities oppressing the common people and even the gods being bribed by him, turning a blind eye to his misdeeds. When Ngô Tử Văn burns the temple down, causing the ghost to lose its refuge, the ghost arrogantly enters Tử Văn's dreams, demanding the temple be rebuilt. Even before the King of Hell, the ghost uses cunning speech to accuse Tử Văn. Additionally, the character of Thổ Công is also a product of imagination. A former noble who died serving the king’s cause and was honored posthumously as Thổ Công, he helps Tử Văn when the latter is sued. Thổ Công reflects the belief that "Goodness rewards the good" – that a virtuous person remains honored even after death. However, the most notable figure is King Yama – the ruler of the underworld, who takes on the role of judgment. Initially deceived by the ghost's manipulative words, he later realizes Tử Văn's innocence and delivers a fair judgment. Although frightening, King Yama symbolizes the people's dream of justice, a force of righteousness that punishes wrongdoers. The characters of the demons and the Dạ Xoa add an aura of solemnity and caution to the underworld. Ngô Tử Văn’s dreams, particularly the detail of dying and being revived after meeting King Yama, are rich in mystical overtones.

As for the setting, the author constructs a world that connects the living and the dead. The underworld is vividly and compellingly described, with an atmosphere of cold and darkness: "There is a great river with a long bridge spanning over a thousand feet, winds carrying a foul smell, and the chilling air piercing to the bone. On both sides of the bridge are thousands of Dạ Xoa demons with red eyes, green hair, and ferocious, cruel forms..."

These elements contribute to the success of the work, highlighting Ngô Tử Văn's bravery, calmness, and unwavering will. The work conveys a meaningful message about love, fairness, and justice in society.

The story of the judgment of the Tan Vien Temple official is one of the representative tales from the Truyen Ky Man Luc collection. This tale captivates readers not only because of the story itself, as narrated by Nguyen Du, but also due to the mystical elements woven into it.

When defining the concept of the mystical element, also known as supernatural forces or magical helpers in fairy tales, Professor Nguyen Bich Ha states that these are the result of imaginative and fantastical fabrications under the influence of the people's boundless imagination. These supernatural forces can include mythical characters like fairies, gods, the Thunder God, the Jade Emperor, spirits, wizards, goblins, as well as magical objects such as enchanted rods, lamps, invisibility cloaks, flying carpets, and mythical creatures like dragon serpents, phoenixes, and talking cats...

Influenced by the metaphysical thoughts of the ancient storytellers and supernatural tales from the North, Nguyen Du infused his stories with many elements of the absurd and the supernatural. In 'The Judgment of the Tan Vien Temple Official,' we first encounter supernatural figures such as the ghost of a Northern general, goblins, the ghostly Dạ Xoa, the Earth God, Yama, and various court officials from the underworld. All of these characters belong to the realm of the dead.

The antagonist in this tale is the ghost of a defeated general. His background and crimes are clearly described by the Earth God: this is the general who lost in battle during the Northern dynasty, his soul wandering in the Southern country, attempting to seize the temple where I reside, impersonating my name and actions, resorting to deceit and malicious tricks, disturbing the people, and deceiving the divine realm. This ghost appears in the dream of Tu Van, the man who dares to burn down the temple where it resides. The ghost presents a dignified appearance: handsome, tall, with a crown on his head. He introduces himself to Tu Van as a hermit. But this appearance and speech only reflect his deceitful nature, as in reality, he is a bandit. In life, he invaded our country, and in death, he desecrated the Earth God's temple. Though a ghost, this defeated general does not repent but instead continues his evil ways, terrorizing the people. When confronted by Tu Van, the ghost demands that he rebuild the temple. He threatens Tu Van and tries to make him die. Even under Yama's judgment, he still attempts to deceive Tu Van, showing his unyielding desire to live. His actions underscore his malevolence and deceitfulness. He lived a dishonorable life, and in death, he becomes even more despicable. Being a ghost only makes it easier for him to commit crimes, as his mere appearance is enough to instill fear.

In stark contrast, we have the Earth God. From his appearance to his mannerisms, the Earth God differs completely from the dreaded ghost: wearing simple cloth and a black hat, his demeanor is calm and dignified. His past is entirely honorable, serving as an official under the reign of King Li Nam De and dying for his country. In terms of character, while the ghost is fierce and aggressive, the Earth God is humble and gentle. The Earth God is the direct victim of the ghostly general, as the temple Tu Van burns was once under his protection, and it was the ghost that took over. The Earth God’s frustration is finally revealed when Tu Van destroys the temple to rid it of evil. The Earth God also plays the role of guiding Tu Van, helping him understand the truth. Ultimately, it is the Earth God who recommends Tu Van to be appointed as the temple’s official judge. Thus, the Earth God represents the mystical force that assists the hero and rewards him for his good deeds.

The third mystical figure in this story is Yama, the King of Hell. Yama is the one who presides over the trial between Tu Van and the ghost of the general. Initially, Yama appears with stern words of rebuke for Tu Van, demonstrating the power of his high position. His authority is enough to make the guilty tremble with fear. As the judge, Yama considers all the facts carefully and passes judgment fairly. The testimonies of Tu Van and the ghost are thoroughly investigated. In the end, the guilty are punished, and Tu Van is allowed to return to the mortal realm. Yama’s role highlights the theme of justice and fairness, reinforcing the idea of a just ruler in a time of corruption and injustice.

The goblins and the Dạ Xoa only make brief appearances in the story, contributing little to the plot, but their presence helps create a spooky, eerie atmosphere that enhances the tale's mystical aura.

Tu Van is not one of the mystical characters but is involved in supernatural events, as he dies (for two days), comes back to life, and eventually ascends to the realm of immortals, taking up the position of the temple’s judge. This miraculous event contributes to the magical nature of the tale. These events are presented toward the end of the story as a happy conclusion for Tu Van and the narrative, embodying the writer's philosophy that good will eventually triumph.

The mystical elements in the story are not limited to the characters but extend to the settings Nguyen Du has created. There are two main mystical spaces in the tale. The first is the dream space (Tu Van’s dream). While this space is not described in detail, it serves as a link between the earthly realm and the underworld, where Tu Van meets the ghost of the general and the Earth God. From here, Tu Van temporarily leaves the mortal world to enter the underworld and participate in the trial.

The second mystical setting is the underworld itself. This realm is described with a few vivid details: there is a large river, spanned by a bridge over a thousand meters long, with a stinky river and a cold wind that chills to the bone. Reading these details evokes a chilling, terrifying sensation, as the atmosphere becomes heavy with a sense of dread. However, Tu Van does not fear the underworld, which demonstrates his courage and righteousness. The underworld also contains the infamous Cửu U prison. While Nguyen Du only mentions this space without describing it, the mere name is enough to conjure images of a place filled with suffering and torment, suitable for punishing villains like the ghost of the general.

Each mystical element in 'The Judgment of the Tan Vien Temple Official' serves its own purpose, but they are all interconnected, weaving together to create a fantastical and engaging story.

Returning to the 16th century, the time of Nguyen Du, we see a period marked by significant historical upheaval. The story he tells in 'The Judgment of the Tan Vien Temple Official' cannot be purely fictional. Behind the mystical elements lies the reality of corrupt officials, societal turmoil, and injustices faced by the common people, as well as the presence of brave, righteous individuals like Tu Van. But why did Nguyen Du place Tu Van in the underworld to seek justice? Perhaps in the mortal realm, there were too few fair judges like Yama. Nguyen Du’s dream of social justice had to rely on divine intervention to become a reality. This reflects the social conditions of his time.

'The Judgment of the Tan Vien Temple Official' is a tale rich in meaning. It draws readers not only with its intellectual depth but also through the magical elements skillfully incorporated by the writer. By blending fantasy and reality, the story unfolds with a thrilling sense of mystery, set in the supernatural world of ghosts and spirits, where people die, come back to life, and travel between the living and the dead. Yet the tale feels realistic due to the specific details, such as names, places, and events. The mystical aspects make the story more exciting, while the realistic elements lend it social significance. The tale highlights the character of Ngo Tu Van, a representative of the educated class in Vietnam, who values justice, courage, integrity, and fights against evil for the benefit of the people. It also expresses a belief that justice and righteousness will ultimately triumph over villainy.