In the Tản Viên mountains, there lived a happy couple admired by all the people. That couple was me, Mị Nương, and my husband, Sơn Tinh. Our marriage was a widely known and cherished story. Back then, I had just come of age and was ready to find a companion. So, my father, the king, decided to host a royal matchmaker event to find me a worthy husband. As the king’s beloved daughter, known for my beauty and gentle nature, many suitors came forward. After a series of rigorous trials set by my father, only two young men remained to be presented in front of the royal court—Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh. Thủy Tinh came from a distant sea region, capable of calling storms and controlling the weather, while Sơn Tinh hailed from the Tản Viên mountains, where he could raise hills with a wave of his hand. Both were strong, handsome, and talented, leaving my father in a dilemma. After much deliberation, he summoned the two men and declared: - I like both of you, but I have only one daughter. Tomorrow, the one who brings the bridal gifts first will win my daughter’s hand in marriage. The two men agreed and asked for the list of gifts. My father, pleased by their determination, said: - The gifts must include one hundred baskets of sticky rice, one hundred bánh chưng, and a pair of elephants with tusks, a pair of chickens with nine claws, and a pair of horses with nine red hairs. Have you understood? - Yes, we understand, they both replied. The two left to prepare their gifts, and from that moment, I couldn't stop thinking about Sơn Tinh, the man I loved, though I couldn't express it openly. I prayed that Sơn Tinh would bring the gifts first. The next morning, when I heard the royal messenger summon me to the courtyard, my heart raced with excitement. There, in the royal courtyard, stood the tall, handsome Sơn Tinh, and my heart overflowed with joy. A grand wedding was held, and under the blessings of all, I became Sơn Tinh's wife. After the wedding, we left for the Tản Viên mountains. But disaster struck as Thủy Tinh arrived late with his gifts and, upon seeing that I had already married Sơn Tinh, he became furious. He summoned storms and floods, submerging the city of Phong Châu in water. The people were in distress, and I felt helpless. In that moment, my husband bravely stepped forward, using his strength to move mountains, block the floods, and save the people. I was filled with pride and happiness that I had chosen the right man. After months of fierce battles, Sơn Tinh emerged victorious, and Thủy Tinh was forced to retreat. The people cheered with joy, but every year, Thủy Tinh would return to avenge his defeat, though he could never succeed. One day, there was a cheer outside the courtyard. It was my husband, returning victorious once again after defeating Thủy Tinh. I must go to greet him now. Goodbye, dear children.
Illustrative ImageI am Mị Nương, the eighteenth daughter of King Hùng Vương. Everyone praises me as a beautiful and gentle princess. My father loves me dearly and showers me with affection. As I reached marriageable age, my father was concerned and wanted to find me a husband worthy of me. One beautiful summer morning, while I was strolling through the royal garden, I heard that two suitors had arrived to ask for my hand. I hurried back to the palace to find two handsome, strong young men kneeling before the king. From my father’s questions, I learned that one was Sơn Tinh, the Mountain God, and the other was Thủy Tinh, the Water God. Sơn Tinh appeared gentle and could command nature—by waving his hand to the east, he could create hills, and by waving to the west, mountains would rise. Thủy Tinh, on the other hand, was also mighty—he could summon the wind and rain. Though both were powerful, I felt drawn to Sơn Tinh, who seemed kinder than Thủy Tinh, whose demeanor appeared fiercer. Unsure of my father’s opinion, I wondered how he would decide between these two capable suitors. He called his council of advisors to discuss the matter, and though I was not allowed to attend, I learned that after deliberating, my father declared: - I am pleased with both of you, but I have only one daughter, so who shall I marry her to? The one who presents the bridal gifts first shall win her hand in marriage. Both Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh asked what the gifts should be. I felt nervous, wondering how difficult it would be to gather the requested items. My father specified: - One hundred baskets of sticky rice, one hundred bánh chưng, and a pair of elephants with tusks, a pair of chickens with nine claws, and a pair of horses with nine red hairs. Both men nodded and departed to prepare. That night, I could hardly sleep, torn between waiting for the arrival of my suitor. If it were Sơn Tinh, I would be content, for Thủy Tinh seemed cold in comparison. Just as dawn broke, my hopes were realized—Sơn Tinh arrived first with his gifts, and I became his wife. The wedding procession followed, and as I sat in the bridal carriage, I felt immense happiness at marrying the man I had hoped for. On our journey to the Tản Viên mountains, suddenly I heard loud shouting, and then water surged, flooding everything in its path. Turning around, I saw Thủy Tinh storming toward us with his army of water spirits, demanding that Sơn Tinh return me to him. It was absurd! Having arrived too late, he now sought to cause trouble. In panic, I looked to Sơn Tinh, and he reassured me with a tender smile. He told me to stay calm and led me to the mountain peak before turning to face Thủy Tinh in battle. From the mountain top, I watched in awe as the fierce struggle unfolded. Thủy Tinh summoned storms, thunder, and rain, shaking the very earth. The water flooded everywhere, and the city of Phong Châu seemed to float on a sea of water. But my husband was a man of unmatched strength and determination. He moved mountains, rearranged hills to block the floodwaters. No matter how high the water rose, Sơn Tinh's efforts matched it, and the battle raged on for months. Eventually, Thủy Tinh, exhausted and defeated, was forced to retreat. I lived happily with Sơn Tinh ever since. Though each year Thủy Tinh would return with floods to seek revenge, my husband always triumphed, and Thủy Tinh had no choice but to retreat once more.
Illustrative ImageHello, children! I am Mị Nương, and you must be familiar with my story, especially the one about Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh. Since marrying Sơn Tinh and moving to the mountains, my life has been filled with happiness. However, my life is not without its challenges, as my husband still has to fight Thủy Tinh every year. This is a long story, but today, I will share it with you in detail.
My father, King Hùng the Eighteenth, was very kind and loving, especially because I was his youngest and always obeyed him. As I reached marriageable age, he wanted to find a worthy husband for me. Soon after, many suitors came, but none of them were truly skilled or to my liking. One day, two men arrived to compete. At first sight, I could tell that these were men of extraordinary abilities. One was tall and handsome, dressed in animal skins, and moved with the grace and power of a tiger. His name was Sơn Tinh, from the Tản Viên Mountains. He bowed to my father and performed his talents by waving his hands, causing hills to rise and valleys to form. Everyone was in awe of his power. My father seemed impressed. The other man, Thủy Tinh, appeared more intimidating, wearing shimmering clothes made of fish scales and followed by a swarm of sea creatures. He summoned the wind and rain, causing awe and fear in all who saw him. Both men were equally impressive, and my father, unsure of whom to choose, asked for my opinion. I did not express my preference but secretly favored Sơn Tinh. After a council meeting with the royal advisors, my father declared the challenge:
"The first one to bring the bride price tomorrow will marry Mị Nương."
The bride price was unique and rare, something I had never seen before. I spent the night in restless anticipation, wondering who would come first. Would I go to the mountains or the sea? As the day broke, Sơn Tinh arrived first with the bride price: one hundred bamboo rice cakes, one hundred bánh chưng, and various precious items from the mountains. I noticed they were rare treasures. I looked at my father, wondering if he favored Sơn Tinh, or if he understood my heart. As the wedding ceremony completed, I went with Sơn Tinh to the mountains. The procession was lively and joyful. However, halfway there, we heard a loud shout from behind. It was Thủy Tinh, furious that he had arrived too late. His eyes bulged, and his beard bristled with anger as he summoned storms and floods, wreaking havoc on the land. He demanded that Sơn Tinh return me to him. Terrified, I watched as Sơn Tinh, with all his strength, moved mountains to block the floods. The battle was fierce, and I prayed for victory. Sơn Tinh's strength was unmatched, and the floodwaters receded as he raised the land. After days of battle, Thủy Tinh finally withdrew.
Since then, Thủy Tinh, enraged by his defeat, floods the land every year to exact his revenge. People still sing the song:
High mountains, rivers flowing by,
Five years of vengeance, and eternal strife.
Sơn Tinh is a kind-hearted man, and every year, he leaves to fight Thủy Tinh to protect the people. I hope he will continue to win and bring peace and prosperity to our land.
IllustrationHello everyone, allow me to introduce myself. I am Mị Nương, the daughter of King Hùng and the wife of Sơn Tinh. I am the girl often mentioned in the legend of Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh, a story passed down through generations. Today, I will share my life story with you.
I am the only daughter of King Hùng. Therefore, I grew up surrounded by love and care. As time passed quickly, I blossomed into a beautiful, gentle, and graceful young woman. Seeing that I had reached the age of marriage but still had no suitor, my father decided to host a grand contest to find a worthy husband for me. On that day, many suitors arrived, but the king was most impressed by two young men: Sơn Tinh, a strong man from the Tản Viên mountains, and Thủy Tinh, a powerful figure from the far-off seas. Both were equally skilled, so my father did not know who to choose. In the end, he decided to hold a final test: whoever brought the betrothal gifts first would win my hand. That night, I could not sleep, filled with nervousness and curiosity about who would become my husband and what kind of person he would be.
Finally, late into the night, I managed to fall asleep. But just as dawn was breaking, I heard loud noises outside the palace gates. Someone had arrived with the betrothal gifts. It was Sơn Tinh. From behind the curtain, I heard the attendants counting the gifts, and my heart raced with excitement. 'One hundred pounds of rice, one hundred cakes of bánh chưng, nine tusked elephants, nine-legged chickens, and nine-maned horses… That's enough.' The voice revealed to me that the handsome young man with the radiant smile outside was to be my husband. The wedding ceremony followed immediately, splendid and formal. After the ceremony, with the blessings of everyone, I went to my husband's house.
However, as we were on our way, disaster struck. The sky darkened, and a violent storm chased us. As the waters rushed toward us, I realized that the one behind it was Thủy Tinh. Unable to marry me, he had grown angry and pursued us with his army. I felt deeply sorrowful, realizing that my own marriage had indirectly caused so much suffering. Just as my heart was in turmoil, Sơn Tinh stepped forward. He began lifting hills and moving mountains to block the floodwaters. Despite the immense danger, he stood firm without fear, focusing on the battle. The struggle continued for days. The more Thủy Tinh raised the waters, the higher Sơn Tinh built the mountains. Only when Thủy Tinh was exhausted did he retreat. The battle ended, and Sơn Tinh's strength and love were celebrated by the people, which filled me with joy. After everything settled, we continued our journey home.
Since then, every year Thủy Tinh has tried to flood the land but has never succeeded. Sơn Tinh and I live happily ever after, undisturbed by his relentless attacks. That's all for now, I must go out and welcome my victorious husband. Goodbye, everyone.
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5. Reference Article No. 2
I am Mị Nương, the beloved daughter of King Hùng. Today is the most important day of my life – my wedding day. My husband is Sơn Tinh, a young man from the Tản Viên mountain, known for his ability to move mountains and fill seas. Becoming his wife is the greatest joy of my life. With my father's tender gaze and the cheers of the people, I follow Sơn Tinh to his home. Along the way, I dare not look him in the eye, feeling shy. This is only the second time I've seen him, the first being when he came to ask for my hand in marriage from my father. Suddenly, the air turns damp and chilly. Thunder rumbles and heavy rain pours down. From afar, I hear loud shouting, drowning out the sound of the wind and rain. When I finally gather myself, I realize the one causing this storm is Thủy Tinh. He had also come to ask for my hand, but he was late and missed the opportunity. Seeing him furious and recklessly raising the floodwaters, drowning the city of Phong Châu, I am terrified and helpless. As the people flee the flood, I don't know what to do. Suddenly, my husband steps forward and says: - Everyone, step back, let me stop him. With that, he removes his wedding cloak, revealing his strong, broad shoulders. He braces himself, lifting entire hills and pushing mountains higher to keep the waters at bay. Thanks to him, the people had a safe place to escape from the raging flood. But Thủy Tinh refuses to stop, pushing the waters higher and intensifying the storm, trying to submerge everything. And of course, Sơn Tinh won't give up either. Wherever the flood rises, Sơn Tinh raises the land to counter it. The battle continues for months, until finally, Thủy Tinh, exhausted from the relentless fighting, retreats in anger. My husband and I then return to Tản Viên mountain to begin our blissful life together. From that day forward, Thủy Tinh raises the waters every year, trying to avenge his defeat, but he never succeeds.
Illustration imageI am Mị Nương, the beloved daughter of King Hùng, the eighteenth of his line. This year, I reached the age of marriage, and my father decided to organize a grand contest to find a suitor. He declared: 'My daughter is as beautiful as a blooming flower, and her gentle nature demands a husband who is skilled in both the arts and the martial ways.' Upon hearing this, I felt a mixture of joy and shyness. The day of the selection arrived, and after several rounds of choices, two young men were presented before my father. I stood behind the curtain, peering out, and both were handsome and strong. After a brief introduction, I learned that the man on the right was Sơn Tinh, from the Tản Viên mountain, and the man on the left was Thủy Tinh, from the sea. Seeing both men, my father decided to test their abilities. We were all amazed by their extraordinary talents – one could move mountains and fill seas, while the other could command storms and winds. Both were truly exceptional, leaving my father in a dilemma. He turned to me for advice, but I too was unsure whom to choose. So, my father called his ministers for counsel. After much deliberation, it was decided that the final challenge would involve rare and difficult-to-find gifts. Whoever brought them first would win my hand. The gifts included one hundred sticky rice cakes, one hundred square rice cakes, and a series of mythical items – a white elephant with nine tusks, a rooster with nine combs, and a horse with nine red hairs. Upon hearing the list, both Sơn Tinh and Thủy Tinh quickly set off to prepare. From that moment on, I was filled with anxiety and anticipation, not knowing who would be my husband. That night, I couldn't sleep from worry and was only awakened by a servant calling me to prepare to leave for my new life. As I entered the courtyard, I saw Sơn Tinh waiting for me, standing tall and proud. Thus, our wedding ceremony was held, surrounded by the blessings of the people. Afterward, I bade farewell to my father and accompanied Sơn Tinh to the Tản Viên mountain.
On our journey, we were both awkward and unsure of what to say. Suddenly, the sky darkened, and the roar of rushing water filled the air. We had to stop, and stepping out of the palanquin, I saw with horror that the once-bustling capital of Phong Châu was now submerged in water, with cries of despair echoing everywhere. Towering waves, like enormous water serpents, surged around us, and on one of these waves, Thủy Tinh was riding, advancing toward us. I was terrified, unsure of what to do. Sơn Tinh reassured me to stay on the mountain while he faced the challenge. He marched toward the floodwaters, lifting hills and building walls of earth to block the flow. The land was saved, but Thủy Tinh was undeterred. He summoned even more rain, raising the waters higher, but Sơn Tinh remained calm and countered every rise of the tide. After months of struggle, Thủy Tinh finally grew exhausted and retreated. Peace returned, and Sơn Tinh and I returned to Tản Viên amid the joyful cheers of the people. From then on, we lived happily together. Every year, we visited my father in the capital, where everyone was healthy and strong. However, Thủy Tinh continued to raise the waters and challenge my husband each year. This caused me great distress, and the people grew weary, but thanks to Sơn Tinh's strength, the people of Đại Việt were always safe from harm.
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Buzz
