Top 8 Essays Reflecting the Beauty of the Perfume River’s Upper Reaches in 'Who Named the River?'

While Hanoi boasts the Red River with its fertile silt, Hue takes pride in the serene Perfume River that flows through its historic city filled with ancient tombs and temples. This river has witnessed the twists and turns of history, refreshing both the land and its people. The Perfume River, embodying the essence of Hue, is a cherished source of pride and inspiration for poetry, music, and art. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, a native of Hue, once pondered who named this river. His lyrical prose, 'Who Named the River?' combines his unique style and profound reflections, exploring the relationship between the river and its history, art, and the people of Hue.

The author captures the river’s distinctive allure, portraying it as a dynamic presence. Before embracing the tranquil plains, the river surges through rapids, embodying duality—powerful and wild, yet gentle and captivating amidst vivid red azaleas. This dichotomy reflects both the untamed spirit of a Gypsy maiden and the nurturing essence of a cultural mother.

The journey of the Perfume River at its source is filled with mystery, as if it locks its secrets within the jungle. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, like Nguyen Tuan in 'The Da River Ferryman,' masterfully uses metaphor and anthropomorphism to bring the river’s dual nature to life, adding a deeply human touch. The author emphasizes the importance of understanding the river’s struggles to truly appreciate its character.

This excerpt is a poetic and insightful exploration of the Perfume River. By blending narrative with description and employing rich literary devices, the river transforms into a vivid, soulful character. The prose resonates with Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong’s love for Hue, showcasing his cultural and artistic expertise. His essay is not just a tribute to the river but also a profound lesson in cherishing one’s homeland.

In the beautiful land of Vietnam, what stands out the most? Some might say its rich history, while others highlight its enduring cultural traditions. Both are valid, yet there’s another captivating aspect—the beauty of the homeland. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong brilliantly captures the essence of the Perfume River, focusing on its enchanting upper reaches. This lyrical prose paints an unforgettable image of its natural splendor.

Thanks to the era and his gifted pen, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong skillfully evokes emotions and transforms his perceptions into words, unveiling the boundless beauty of the Perfume River. His unique portrayal reveals a river that is both free-spirited and graceful, embodying the spirit of Hue. His deep love for the city and its landscapes infuses his writing with an unparalleled charm.

At first glance, the river’s upper reaches appear vastly different from its journey through Hue. Here, it exudes a sense of unbridled freedom and wild energy, reminiscent of a Gypsy maiden. These women, known for their untamed spirit and vibrant life force, parallel the river’s majestic and vigorous character. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong’s vivid description likens the river to a symphony of the wilderness—roaring under towering trees, surging through rapids, swirling like a tempest in deep abysses, yet softening into serene, dazzling stretches adorned with blooming azaleas.

This powerful imagery portrays the river as a symbol of nature’s grandeur, nurtured by the rugged mountains. Through his nuanced anthropomorphism, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong presents the river as a wild, captivating Gypsy maiden, capturing its primal allure and unique identity.

Under his pen, the Perfume River springs to life in the reader’s imagination, embodying mystery, majesty, and charm. His tribute enhances the beauty of the homeland, inspiring pride and gratitude for its natural treasures.

Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong is renowned for his masterful essays. Among his notable works is "Who Named the River?", which prominently features the Perfume River, especially its upper reaches.

In its source regions, the river is portrayed with two distinct traits: wild, untamed power and a gentle, captivating charm. Like other rivers, the Perfume River begins in the highlands. For the author, it resonates like a "symphony of the primeval forest." Flowing through the majestic Truong Son mountains, it embodies raw, primal energy: "thundering beneath the ancient forest canopies, raging through rapids, spiraling like whirlwinds into mysterious abysses." Through vivid comparisons, dynamic verbs, and rhythmic repetition, the river emerges as a vibrant melody of nature, full of grandeur and emotional depth. Amid its turbulent might, the river also softens, becoming more tender and enchanting, its beauty capable of mesmerizing any onlooker amid the fiery hues of forest azaleas.

The river's untamed essence, linked to its wilderness origins, inspires the author to liken it to a "free-spirited, untamed Gypsy girl." These women, known for their wandering lifestyles and soulful singing, embody a wild beauty that captivates. By drawing this parallel, the author embeds the river in readers’ minds as a figure of wild allure, freedom, and irresistible charm.

Beyond its physical beauty, the writer urges readers to appreciate the river’s deeper role as a "creator" that shapes and preserves the cultural heritage of Hue. While many admire its outward splendor, they may overlook its cultural significance as the nurturing "mother" of the region’s identity. The river sustains and enriches the cultural tapestry along its banks, silently flowing through centuries: "If one only admires its regal face, they may never fully grasp the essence of the river’s arduous journey, nor understand the profound soul it conceals—hidden at the forest’s edge, with its key cast deep into the caves of Kim Phung Mountain." This poetic imagery captures the depth and dignity of the Perfume River, a legacy Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong sought to immortalize.

Through "Who Named the River?", readers gain a profound understanding of the upper reaches of the Perfume River—a symbol of Hue's identity and a testament to its timeless beauty.

Nature has always been an endless source of inspiration for literature, captivating with its blend of mystery and familiarity. Poets and writers of the classical era found beauty in clouds, snow, the moon, and other refined pleasures. Modern authors, however, often turn their focus to the landscapes of their homeland, including rivers, which hold a timeless allure. The serene flow of rivers, their historical significance, and unique geographical features have inspired countless authors to translate these emotions into art. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong's "Who Named the River?" is one such masterpiece, born from the author's deep admiration for nature's beauty.

Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, a native of Quang Tri province, is deeply connected to the dreamlike land of Hue. His extensive knowledge of history, geography, and culture fuels his talent for writing essays. Known for seamlessly blending intellect with emotion, his works are marked by vivid imagination and captivating prose. "Who Named the River?" written in 1981 and published in 1986, is a tribute to the author’s lifelong bond with Hue.

In the upper reaches, the Perfume River is compared to a "symphony of the primeval forest." This metaphor reflects the grandeur and lyrical beauty of the river, rooted in the majestic Truong Son Mountains. Here, the river exudes raw vitality, with its forceful flow described as "roaring through ancient trees, surging over rapids, and swirling into hidden abysses." Yet, amidst its might, the river softens, becoming "gentle and enchanting" against the fiery hues of azalea blossoms. This contrast captures the river’s duality—both wild and poetic.

The author likens the river to a Gypsy girl—free-spirited and untamed, with an irresistible charm. This anthropomorphism, combined with vivid imagery, paints the Perfume River as a character rich in personality, shaped by the primeval forest's fierce yet nurturing embrace. Beyond geographical insights, Tuong infuses his writing with heartfelt reflection, making the river come alive with a spirit of freedom and purity.

More profoundly, the Perfume River is described as "the nurturing mother of a cultural region," symbolizing its role in shaping and preserving Hue's heritage. The river’s quiet contribution spans centuries, silently nourishing the aesthetic and cultural essence of its surroundings. Its understated grandeur and unwavering dedication are qualities Tuong eloquently brings to life.

Through the interplay of contrasts, the author portrays the river as a woman, fierce and untamed in her origins, yet graceful and wise as she reaches Hue. This evolution mirrors a journey of self-mastery, where raw power transforms into serene beauty and intellect, culminating in a harmonious connection with the city.

Have you ever been to Hue and not taken the time to listen to the melodies drifting across the Perfume River? The Perfume River is a symbol of dreamy Hue, and under the poetic pen of Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong, it takes on a feminine, gentle beauty. The author paints a picturesque scene of his homeland through the essay "Who Named the Perfume River?"

Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong was a writer, a literary and cultural researcher, a soldier-artist with a distinctive artistic style, excelling in the essay genre. He played a vital role in elevating Vietnamese essays to new heights. "Who Named the Perfume River?" is one of eight essays first published in 1986, showcasing the writer's scholarly, poetic, and imaginative style.

The Perfume River becomes the embodiment of emotions and the object through which the author's self is expressed. The river is viewed from various perspectives—geographical, historical, and cultural. It encapsulates the essence of Hue.

From a geographical perspective, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong explores the river's upstream, uncovering its diverse beauty. Connected to the Truong Son mountain range, the river emerges as a "majestic symphony of the wilderness," pulsating with a grand rhythm. It roars beneath ancient forest canopies, rushes through rapids, and whirls in deep abysses, exuding both fierce strength and tender charm amid vibrant red azaleas. The writer personifies the river as a "Gypsy girl—wild and free," with a "brave spirit and pure soul," vividly depicted through strong verbs and adjectives like "roaring," "fierce," "whirling," and "gentle." The bold comparisons and metaphors—such as the river being a "symphony of the wilderness," a "Gypsy girl," and a "mother of alluvium"—capture its multifaceted personality.

As it nears the imperial city of Hue, the river transforms into a "gentle and faithful lover." It meanders like "a sleeping beauty amid wildflower fields in Chau Hoa." The river sheds its wildness, softening into an elegant, artistic presence, with its colors shifting from "green in the morning, gold at noon, to purple at dusk." It flows slowly, embodying contemplative wisdom and ancient poetry. Once it exits the mountains, the river awakens with youthful vigor, eagerly weaving toward the city. It finds joy in its course, symbolized as a "talented musician playing a nocturne," lulling the city to sleep. Upon reaching Hue, the Perfume River embraces the city with radiant joy, tracing a serene path through verdant suburbs like Kim Long, gently curving around Hen Islet. The river, unique to Hue, evokes pride and nostalgia, standing apart from other rivers with its ethereal glow and timeless charm.

Viewed through artistic lenses, the Perfume River carries a subtle allure, tinged with romantic secrecy. To painters, it and its tributaries etch a timeless backdrop for the imperial city. To musicians, the river resonates like a soulful "slow dance" dedicated to Hue—deep and lyrical. To poets, the river inspires unique perspectives. Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong brings alive Tản Đà's verdant verses, "White river—green leaves," and Cao Ba Quat's image of a river "like a sword piercing the sky," exuding grandeur. The river holds the melancholic depth of Bà Huyện Thanh Quan's poetry and the revitalizing spirit of Tố Hữu's works. The writer also sees the Perfume River intertwined with Nguyễn Du’s "The Tale of Kieu," resonating with Huế’s cultural and musical heritage.

The essay "Who Named the Perfume River?" is a masterful piece that reflects the unique artistic identity of Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong. The river is depicted as a symbol of Hue's music, poetry, history, and cultural richness. The author's erudite perspective integrates knowledge across disciplines to unveil the poetic essence of the river. The Perfume River is celebrated as a "mother of alluvium," nurturing the cultural roots of Hue. Its journey is likened to that of a lover seeking their soulmate, flowing through Hue as a silent "yes" of love, hesitating before reaching the sea like a girl parting from her beloved.

Through this essay, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong conveys his deep love for his homeland, showcasing his profound cultural and artistic insights. The work is a testament to his success as a literary figure in the essay genre, while also delivering a heartfelt message of love for nature and one's homeland. As Đỗ Trung Quân poetically writes:

“What is homeland, mother?

It’s what the teacher says we must love.

What is homeland, mother?

Something everyone remembers when far away.”

"Who Named the Perfume River?" stands as a creative and innovative contribution to the essay genre, immortalizing the river in literature and celebrating the beauty of Hue. It flows eternally through time and the hearts of readers.

The Nu Mountain and Perfume River are iconic symbols of the poetic land of Hue. The Perfume River has intertwined itself with the lives and souls of Hue's people, becoming a boundless muse for Vietnamese poetry. It is also the river that author Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong passionately portrays in his work, "Who Named the River?"

In the opening of the excerpt "Who Named the River," the Perfume River is depicted in its natural habitat, amidst the vast Trường Sơn forest, as a symphonic masterpiece of the wilderness. “Within the ancient forest, the river is a symphony, roaring beneath towering trees, fiercely surging past rapids, and spiraling like a whirlwind into hidden chasms.” These vivid images present a uniquely envisioned Perfume River, unlike any prior descriptions.

The author meticulously explores the river’s essence, stating that to truly understand it, one must travel to its source. There, it is akin to a free-spirited, wild Gypsy girl. The ancient forest has imbued it with bravery and a pure, liberated soul. Through personification and comparisons, the author portrays the river with a feminine perspective—gentle yet powerful. At times, the river softens as it flows between the glowing red azaleas of the forest. With just a few details, the author captures the river’s multifaceted beauty: wild and calm, fierce and gentle, colored with nature’s vivid palette. This diversity reflects its geographical traits, shaped by the weather and the complex terrain of its upper reaches.

Moreover, the Perfume River serves as a nurturing mother of silt for a region rich in cultural heritage, marking the beginning of a poetic and dignified cultural landscape.

The author believes that the Trường Sơn forest tames the river’s innate power, transforming it into a serene, intelligent force upon exiting the wilderness, embodying the role of a nurturing mother of the region’s cultural soul. From its source, the river is perceived with various nuanced beauties—romantic, vigorous, untamed, yet profoundly enigmatic and distinctive.

To depict the river’s vivid character so intricately, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong must have held deep affection for it. He journeyed against its current to its origins, observing and experiencing its essence from numerous perspectives. Within the majestic, secluded Trường Sơn mountains, the Perfume River emerges as a striking highlight, an elegant detail harmonizing with the landscape and skies of Hue.

Under the author’s lens, the river's forest-bound existence is as mysterious and reserved as a maiden, veiling her secrets, “locking them away at the forest’s edge and casting the key into hidden caves beneath Kim Phung Mountain.”

The author employs artistic techniques of imagination, comparison, and personification to bring out the river’s diverse characteristics. The prose is further enriched by vivid verbs, adjectives, and vibrant imagery, painting a lively, harmonious picture of Hue’s nature, where the river and the mighty forest converge.

In celebrating his beautiful homeland, Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong masterfully paints a poetic image of the Perfume River in his renowned work, "Who Named the River?" This piece, now a staple of study, captivates readers with its portrayal of the river’s untamed beauty at its source.

From its origin, the Perfume River is deeply connected to the Trường Sơn range, exhibiting a wild, vigorous, and majestic personality, yet also a tender and mesmerizing charm. Its fierce energy shines in descriptions such as: “a symphony of the ancient forest, resonating beneath the towering trees,” or when navigating rugged terrains, its tempestuous character emerges: “roaring past rapids, spiraling like a cyclone into mysterious chasms.”

At other moments, the river transforms into a tranquil, romantic presence, “gentle and enthralling as it flows amidst the radiant red azaleas of the forest.” The adjectives “gentle” and “enthralling” highlight an unexpected softness in the river’s character, while the vibrant red blossoms reflect on its waters, bringing an invigorating freshness—perhaps its most exquisite moment.

Amid the heart of Trường Sơn, the river resembles a “free-spirited and wild Gypsy girl.” The forest has nurtured its courage and imbued it with a soul that is both free and pure. The imagery of the Gypsy girl, a Western archetype of nomadic, artistic freedom, brilliantly intertwines with the author’s bold cultural comparison. This metaphor seamlessly bridges Western culture with Vietnam’s, presenting the Perfume River’s upper reaches in a universally relatable light. The profound personification and metaphoric depth reveal the river’s essence as akin to a living soul—a girl with “a free and pure spirit.”

Emerging from the forest, “the Perfume River quickly adopts a serene and intellectual beauty, becoming the nurturing mother of a culturally rich region”—the cradle of Hue’s heritage. The author concludes that understanding the river requires journeying to its source, much like grasping a people’s essence involves exploring their roots. To merely view the river’s urban facade is to miss the arduous journey it endured, along with the profound soul it seems reluctant to reveal.

The Perfume River’s journey from source to sea mirrors Hue’s soul, embodying its full emotional spectrum: fierce and reflective; tender and passionate; calm and wise. By praising the natural beauty of the river, the author simultaneously honors the cultural richness of this land and delves into the soul of its people. The Perfume River emerges as a symbol of Hue, representing its land and the people of the ancient capital. Through his unique and heartfelt exploration of the river, the author expresses profound love, pride, and reverence for his homeland and the cherished city of Hue.

As the excerpt ends, the river continues its eternal flow. It carries profound emotions and leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of readers. Wherever life takes us, we will forever remember the tranquil, poetic beauty of this homeland river and the serene city of Hue. These enduring values are Hoang Phu Ngoc Tuong’s heartfelt message to us today.

“Oh, where do these rivers start?

Yet when they reach my homeland, they spark a song to tell”

“Sung by those who row boats, push ships through the rapids”

“Bringing forth hundreds of shades, each river has its unique path”

(Land, Nguyễn Khoa Điềm)

Vietnam is a country with a unique geography, where countless rivers snake across its lands in the shape of an 'S', deeply etched in the culture, history, and collective memory of its people. From the time of the Hung Kings, settling by the Red River rich in alluvial deposits, to the historic battles against the Southern Han and Song armies on the Bach Dang and Nhu Nguyet Rivers, water has always been central to Vietnam’s legacy. When recalling their beloved homeland, people often think of the rivers tied to the generations that lived beside them. This could be the majestic Lo River, forever linked to the music of composer Văn Cao, or the shimmering Đuống River described in the poetry of Hoàng Cầm. For others, it might be the tranquil beauty of the river in Giang Nam’s work, or the mighty yet poetic Đà River, so vividly portrayed by Nguyễn Tuân. Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường, a passionate son of Hue, similarly carries in his heart the image of the Perfume River, its timeless beauty captured in his famous essay 'Who Named the River?' Here, the author brings to life the river’s beauty in its upper reaches, blending history and nature in vivid detail.

'Who Named the River?' represents a pinnacle in modern Vietnamese literature, especially within the genre of essays. Written in Hue in 1981 and published in 1986, the title itself is intriguing, sparking curiosity in readers who are eager to uncover the story behind the name. This title sets the stage for two primary themes in the work: first, the multifaceted beauty of the Perfume River, and second, the legend surrounding its poetic and fragrant name.

Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường chose the Perfume River as the central symbol of his work because it is not only the lifeblood of Hue but also a river he knows intimately—its geography, culture, and history embedded in his very being. From a geographical standpoint, the river is a stunning natural feature, especially its upper course where it remains hidden among the vast forests of the Truong Son mountain range. Tường uses a bold and evocative comparison, likening the river to 'a grand symphony of the wild forest,' full of grandeur and vigor. The river, at this stage, is powerful and wild, depicted through images of 'rushing torrents between towering trees, surging over rapids like a whirlwind.' Yet it also displays a tender, poetic side, as seen in the 'gentle, intoxicating beauty amidst the bright red blossoms of wild azaleas.' The fiery red of the flowers adds a new layer of vibrancy, underscoring the untamed beauty of the river, much like the youthful vigor of young people experiencing the fullness of life.

But this alone does not fully capture the river’s distinctive character. In comparison to Nguyễn Tuân’s depiction of the fierce, poetic Đà River, Hoàng Phủ Ngọc Tường takes a more intimate approach by personifying the Perfume River, attributing to it the spirit of a free-spirited, mysterious gypsy girl. This comparison brings forth images of a lively, carefree young woman, her laughter like the melody of birdsong, embodying the river’s adventurous and rebellious nature, shaped by the ancient forests. Yet this 'wild' side of the river is not one it wishes to flaunt; rather, it seems to keep it hidden, as if the river, like the girl, wishes to protect her deeper, more private essence, securing it in the heart of the forest, casting away the key to the secrets it holds.

After retreating into the forest, the river emerges as a nurturing figure, 'the mother of the fertile plains of Hue,' now gentler and more compassionate. It has shed its wildness, taking on the role of a nurturing mother who has nourished generations with the sweet, sustaining waters of the river, as well as the cherished memories of the land. Through this powerful imagery, Tường not only imbues the river with soul and emotion, but also highlights the deep connection between the river and Hue, reflecting his own deep love for his homeland. The Perfume River, with its many facets—majestic, wild, poetic, nurturing—becomes a metaphor for the soul of Hue itself, a land and people forever bound by the river’s timeless presence.