From Dragons to the Guom Pond Turtle, let us uncover the rich tapestry of myth and legend that permeates Vietnamese folklore. In this culture, dragons are not merely symbols of power and strength; they embody the essence of water and agriculture, serving as guardians of the country’s rivers and fields. The Guom Pond Turtle, revered as a sacred creature, is known for its association with the legendary hero Le Loi, who is said to have received a magical sword from the turtle to guard the kingdom. Together, these elements illustrate the profound connection between spirituality and nature in Vietnamese culture, fostering a sense of identity that resonates through generations. Thus, the exploration of these fantasy creatures and deities reveals not only their narrative significance but also their enduring influence on cultural practices, festivals, and the collective consciousness of the Vietnamese people.
The Legend of the White Horse God and the Sacred Temple
Long ago, in the heart of ancient Vietnam, when King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital from Hoa Lu to the land of Thang Long (Hanoi now) , strange things began to happen. As workers tried to build the new citadel, the walls kept collapsing, no matter how many times they rebuilt them. It was as if something—someone—was resisting.
In his confusion, the king turned to the gods. He came to a Bach Ma temple in the east of the city, knelt in prayer, and pleaded for guidance. After that, a white horse appeared and galloped through the mist, circling a path around the land, leaving behind glowing hoofprints. The king ordered his men to follow the path traced by the ghostly steed.
Miraculously, the walls built along that route stood firm.
From that day forward, the spirit of the White Horse—believed to be the guardian god Long Do—was honored as the divine protector of the capital. A temple was built on the spot where the king had prayed. That temple is known as Den Bach Ma—the White Horse Temple.
Nestled today at 76 Hang Buom Street in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Den Bach Ma is the oldest temple in the city. It stands not just as a place of worship, but as a living legend, guarding the eastern gates of what was once the mighty Thang Long citadel. It is one of the “Thang Long Four Guardian Temples,” each watching over a cardinal direction of the ancient capital.
Every year, on the 12th day of the first lunar month, the temple comes alive with music, incense, and prayers. Locals and travelers gather to celebrate the deity who once helped build a city—and who still watches over it today.
And far to the south, in the land of Nghe An, another White Horse Temple rises. This one honors General Phan Da, a warrior known for his white armor and his loyal white horse. After his death, King Le Thai To ordered a temple built in his memory, and it too took on the sacred name: Den Bach Ma.
Though separated by miles and centuries, both temples share a deep spirit—of protection, of legacy, and of the unbreakable bond between the land, its people, and their guardian gods.
Dragons in Vietnamese Mythology
In Vietnamese mythology, dragons hold a significant and revered place, symbolizing power, prosperity, and good fortune. Unlike their often fearsome portrayal in many Western cultures, Vietnamese dragons are primarily seen as benevolent creatures that embody wisdom and strength. This perception aligns with the ideals of the Vietnamese people, who see dragons as protectors and harbingers of longevity and fertility. The dragon is intricately woven into the fabric of Vietnamese heritage, reflecting the cultural identity and ancestral beliefs that have shaped the nation.
The image of the dragon in Vietnam is richly adorned with elements that denote harmony and nature. Traditionally, the Vietnamese dragon is depicted as a serpent-like creature with a long body, adorned with scales, often seen soaring through the clouds, symbolizing the connection between the heavens and the earth. This portrayal emphasizes the dragon’s role in bringing rain and ensuring good harvests, linking it closely to agriculture and the well-being of the community. The cultural significance is further reinforced through various festivals, where representations of dragons are paraded, showcasing their importance in cultural celebrations.
Moreover, the dragon’s representation extends to architecture and art, where it frequently appears in designs of temples, palaces, and even household artifacts. For instance, the intricate carvings and statues of dragons in many historical sites serve not only as aesthetic embellishments but also as embodiments of spiritual beliefs, intended to ward off evil spirits and attract prosperity. This distinctive fusion of art and culture illustrates the Vietnamese people’s profound respect for the dragon and its integral role in both their mythology and daily lives. Through these forms of expression, the dragon continues to be an enduring symbol of national pride and identity within Vietnam.
Thuong luong, is another closely related creature in Vietnamese folk belief. They looks like dragon but they are not dragon and commonly live in big water areas.
The legend of Chu Van An and the dragon of Dam Dai
There is a folk legend that tells: when Chu Van An opened a school in Huynh Cung, many students came from afar to study. Among them was a student who arrived very early every morning to attend his lectures. Chu Van An quietly praised him for his diligence but was unsure of the student’s background. So he sent someone to investigate, and they found that this student would disappear once he reached the Dam Dai (Great Pond) area.
Chu Van An then realized the student was a water deity.
At a time when a great drought struck the region, after finishing his lecture, Chu Van An gathered his students and asked if anyone had the ability to summon rain to help the people. The mysterious student at first seemed hesitant but then stepped forward and said to his teacher: “Obeying your command would mean defying the will of Heaven, but I will do it for the sake of the people. If anything unfortunate happens afterward, I hope you will take care of it.”
Then he walked to the middle of the courtyard, ground ink in the inkstone, faced the sky, prayed, and splashed ink in all directions with his brush. After nearly using up the ink, he threw both the brush and the inkstone into the sky. Immediately, dark clouds gathered, and a torrential rain poured down.
That night, thunder rumbled, and by morning, the body of a thuong luong (a mythical water serpent) surfaced in the pond. Upon hearing the news, Chu Van An wept in sorrow and ordered his students to perform funeral rites. People from neighboring villages came to help, and later, in gratitude, they built a temple in the deity’s honor.
To this day, there is still a sacred tomb said to be his, on a small mound rising in the waterway between Thanh Liet village and Huu Le, in Thanh Oai District. According to legend, the spot where the inkstone was thrown became a pond with permanently black water, named Dam Muc (Ink Pond), located in Quynh Do village of the same district. The brush fell in Ta Thanh Oai village, which later became renowned for its scholarship and became the hometown of scholars like Ngo Thi Si, Ngo Thi Nham, Nguyen Nha, and others.
The Legend of Linh Lang – Guardian of the West
Voi Phuc Temple, also known as Linh Lang Temple, is one of the four sacred temples known as Thang Long Tu Tran, guarding the western side of the ancient Thang Long Citadel. The temple is located at 362 Kim Ma Street, Ngoc Khanh Ward, Ba Dinh District, Hanoi, near Thu Le Park. The temple was built in 1065 during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong to worship Prince Linh Lang, who made great contributions in defending the country against foreign invasions. According to legend, Linh Lang was the son of King Ly Thanh Tong and a royal concubine. When the country was under attack, the prince transformed into a dragon and disappeared into West Lake after defeating the enemy. And here is the legend:
Long ago, during the reign of King Ly Thanh Tong, in a quiet village named Dong Doan in the land of Son Tay, there lived a humble couple of the Nguyen family. Though kind and good-hearted, they longed for a child for many years.
One night, the wife had a strange dream. She saw a cloud-like dragon chasing the moon across the sky. Not long after, she discovered she was with child—and on the 15th day of the third lunar month, she gave birth to a daughter. They named her Hao.
Tragedy struck early in her life when her father passed away. Her mother took her to live with her aunt near the busy market town of Thang Long—what we now know as Thu Le.
As the years passed, Hao blossomed into a woman of exceptional beauty and quiet grace. One day, while the king’s procession passed through the town, King Ly Thanh Tong caught sight of her. Moved by her elegance, he invited her to the royal court.
A few years later, when Hao’s mother passed away, she requested permission to return home and care for her mother’s grave. The king agreed.
One afternoon, while Hao bathed along the shore of West Lake, a powerful creature—a dragon-like serpent known as a giao long—rose from the water. It wrapped itself tightly around her and sprayed a sweet-smelling mist upon her. Frightened and ill, she returned to the palace.
From that day, Hao carried a child in her womb—not for nine months, but fourteen. Then, one night, she dreamed of the Dragon King himself—his name was Hoang Lang. He appeared before her and spoke:
“I shall be reborn as your son.”
On the 13th night of the final month of the lunar year, with storm winds howling and sweet fragrance filling the air, Hao gave birth to a boy with a striking presence. He was no ordinary child. The king celebrated the birth with a grand feast and allowed mother and son to live peacefully in the town quarters.
But peace would not last. Just one month later, an invasion came. The enemy general Trinh Vinh threatened the kingdom.
Then something miraculous happened—Hoang Lang, still a child, suddenly grew into a strong young warrior. He asked the king for permission to lead the battle. With a great elephant, a sacred flag, and loyal men from the town, he marched into war—and returned victorious.
The land was safe again. But Hoang Lang’s task was complete. He transformed into a serpent and quietly disappeared beneath the waters of West Lake.
From that day on, the people of Bong Lai and Thu Le, and many who lived along the To Lich River, built temples in his honor. They called him Linh Lang Dai Vuong—the Great Prince Linh Lang, guardian of the western gate of ancient Thang Long.
The Turtle God
In Vietnamese culture, the turtle symbolizes patience, knowledge, and longevity, representing the harmony between nature and human existence. This revered creature is often associated with ancient folklore, where tales of turtles exhibiting wisdom and steadfastness are shared among generations. Their presence in various auspicious symbols and artworks reflects a deep respect for the life lessons they impart, encouraging individuals to embrace patience and thoughtful consideration in their endeavors. Moreover, the image of the turtle is frequently linked to the concept of self-preservation and resilience, serving as a reminder to navigate life’s challenges with grace and perseverance while valuing the wisdom gained through perseverance.
The Guom Pond Turtle: A National Symbol
The Guom Pond Turtle, or “Kim Qui,” holds a revered position in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing not only national pride but also embodying the virtues of longevity and wisdom. This remarkable creature is closely associated with the legendary hero Le Loi, who is said to have received a magical sword from the turtle to aid in his fight against foreign invaders. The story goes that after defeating the enemies, Le Loi returned the sword to the turtle in the waters of Hoan Kiem Lake, which further solidified the turtle’s status as a national symbol to many Vietnamese people.
The mythology surrounding the Guom Pond Turtle enriches its cultural significance. As a manifestation of resilience and strategic triumph over adversity, the turtle represents the spirit and strength of the Vietnamese nation. In addition to its legendary connections, the turtle occupies a central role in Vietnamese literature and art, often depicted as a wise and contemplative figure that teaches important life lessons about patience and perseverance.
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The Phoenix: Symbol of Renewal and Harmony
The phoenix holds a distinguished place in Vietnamese culture, symbolizing renewal, harmony, and beauty. This mythical bird is renowned for its vibrant plumage and the symbolism of resurrection, as it is said to rise anew from the ashes of its predecessor. This rebirth reflects the cyclical nature of life, an essential concept in Vietnamese beliefs that emphasizes the continuity and interconnectedness of all things. The story of the phoenix illustrates the notion that transformation is not merely an end but a new beginning, resonating deeply within the cultural narrative.
In Vietnamese folklore, the phoenix is often paired with the dragon, representing a harmonious balance between masculine and feminine, strength and grace. While the dragon epitomizes power and the celestial, the phoenix embodies elegance and terrestrial beauty. This duality is significant, as it exemplifies the importance of balance in both nature and society. The pairing of these two creatures highlights a foundational philosophy in Vietnamese culture, where opposites coexist peacefully to create a harmonious existence.
Overall, the phoenix serves as a powerful symbol in Vietnamese culture, representing ideals of rebirth, beauty, and harmony. Its narrative, intertwined with that of the dragon, reflects profound cultural values that continue to resonate within the society today. Understanding the significance of the phoenix aids in grasping the broader complexities of Vietnamese cultural identity and its emphasis on renewal and balanced coexistence.
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