Tranh Hoang
The legend of “Con Rồng, cháu Tiên” (Children of Dragons and Fairies) is one of the most significant myths in Vietnamese culture, illustrating the origins of the Vietnamese people and emphasizing the unity and strength of the nation. This legend, passed down through generations, has shaped the identity of the Vietnamese people, teaching lessons of love, unity, and pride in their ancestry. The story is not only a narrative of ancient history but also a symbol of how the Vietnamese people are connected to their land and to each other.
The Birth of the Hundred Children
The myth begins with the figure of Mother Âu Cơ, who is said to have given birth to a hundred children. Fifty of these children descended into the sea, while the other fifty ascended to the mountains. This division of the children symbolizes the balance between the sea and the mountains, two essential elements of Vietnam’s geography, and reflects the unity of the nation despite its geographical diversity. The origin of this myth can be found in a song composed by musician Phạm Tuyên, which says: “Xưa mẹ Âu Cơ sinh được trăm con. Năm mươi xuống biển năm mươi lên non. Nay triệu cháu con chung tình nước non, là hoa một gốc là con một nhà” (Long ago, Mother Âu Cơ gave birth to a hundred children. Fifty went down to the sea, and fifty went up to the mountains. Today, millions of descendants are loyal to their homeland, like flowers from the same root, children of one house.) The song encapsulates the essence of the myth, highlighting the unity of the Vietnamese people despite their different regions and origins.
The Divine Origins of Lạc Long Quân
The story of “Con Rồng, cháu Tiên” is also deeply rooted in the concept of the divine. Lạc Long Quân, the father of the children, is described as a deity of the dragon lineage. His mother was the Dragon Lady, and Lạc Long Quân possessed extraordinary powers, with the ability to live underwater and occasionally come to the land. He was revered for his strength and many miracles. He protected the people from dangerous mythical creatures, including Ngư Tinh (Fish Demon), Hồ Tinh (Fox Demon), and Mộc Tinh (Tree Demon), who terrorized the people. Through his heroic deeds, Lạc Long Quân became a symbol of strength, protection, and courage.
In addition to his role as protector, Lạc Long Quân also played an important role in teaching the people essential skills for survival. He taught them how to grow crops, raise livestock, and live harmoniously with the land. His teachings emphasized the importance of a balanced life, one that is closely tied to nature and the land. This connection to the earth and the people’s way of life was essential for the survival of the community and the growth of the nation.
Âu Cơ: The Fairy from the Shen Nong Lineage
On the other hand, Âu Cơ, the mother of the children, is portrayed as a fairy of exceptional beauty, originating from the prestigious Shen Nong lineage. She is described as having heard of the fragrant flowers and strange plants in the land of Lạc and decided to visit. It was during this visit that she met Lạc Long Quân, and they fell in love, eventually marrying and living together on land in the Long Trang palace. Âu Cơ’s noble origins and her status as a fairy symbolize the beauty, grace, and purity associated with the Vietnamese people. The union of Lạc Long Quân, a dragon, and Âu Cơ, a fairy, represents the harmony between different forces—earth and water, strength and beauty—and is seen as the ideal beginning of the Vietnamese people.
The Hundred Eggs and the Symbolism of Origins
One of the most fascinating aspects of the myth is the detail that Âu Cơ gave birth to a bundle of one hundred eggs, from which hatched one hundred children who were incredibly strong, healthy, and handsome. These children did not need to be fed or cared for like ordinary infants, growing up rapidly with no apparent need for sustenance. This miraculous detail adds a layer of magic and fantasy to the story, emphasizing the supernatural origins of the Vietnamese people. It is also symbolic, suggesting that all Vietnamese people are descendants of this divine union and, therefore, share a deep and inherent bond with each other.
Division and Unity: The Sea and the Mountains
The story of the hundred children’s rapid growth and their division into two groups, one led by Lạc Long Quân to the sea, and the other by Âu Cơ to the mountains, further emphasizes the connection between the people and the land. These children were tasked with governing the different regions of the country, symbolizing the establishment of Vietnam as a unified nation, with each part of the country contributing to the whole. This division is not a separation, but rather a representation of the interconnectedness of the people, with each group looking after the well-being of the other, no matter where they lived.
The separation of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ, as the two halves of the family went their separate ways, represents the natural progression of life and growth. Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ had different origins and roles, but their love for each other and their shared responsibilities in raising their children symbolizes the strength of unity in diversity. This theme of unity is central to the myth and to the identity of the Vietnamese people, who, despite facing many challenges throughout history, have always come together as one.
The Establishment of the First Vietnamese Dynasty
Over time, the descendants of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ established the first Vietnamese dynasties, with the eldest son being crowned as the first king, known as Hùng Vương. He ruled from the capital at Phong Châu and established the Văn Lang kingdom. The Hùng kings created a structured government, with both military and civil leaders. The king’s sons were called “lang,” and the daughters were called “mị nương.” The throne was passed down to the eldest son, and the title of Hùng Vương continued through many generations. This monarchy became the foundation of Vietnam’s political system.
Honoring the Hùng Kings: A National Tradition
Today, the Vietnamese people honor the Hùng kings, and every year, on the tenth day of the third lunar month, a national festival is held to commemorate their contributions. People from across the country gather at the Hùng Kings Temple in Phú Thọ to participate in the ceremony, a symbol of the nation’s gratitude and respect for its origins. The festival has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, a testament to its cultural importance.
The Legacy of Unity and Strength
The legend of “Con Rồng, cháu Tiên” not only explains the origins of the Vietnamese people but also instills a sense of pride and unity. It teaches the importance of family, community, and love for one’s homeland. Through this myth, the Vietnamese people are reminded of their shared heritage and the strength that comes from unity. As the folk saying goes:
“Though people go in all directions,
Remember the ancestor worship on the tenth day of the third month.”
This enduring legacy continues to guide the Vietnamese people in their journey through history, fostering a sense of connection and resilience that has stood the test of time.
