The Legend of the Dragon King of Vietnam
In the heart of Southeast Asia, where rivers twist like silver ribbons through lush green lands and ancient temples whisper stories of old, there lies a legend deeply rooted in the soul of Vietnam — the legend of the Dragon King, or Long Vương.
Long Vương, the mighty Dragon King, was believed to rule the vast seas surrounding Vietnam. He was no ordinary dragon; he was a divine being, wise and powerful, with command over storms, tides, and the creatures of the deep. His underwater palace, built from jade, coral, and shimmering pearls, was said to be a realm of peace and order, guarded by sea serpents and turtle spirits. Yet the Dragon King was not isolated in the ocean's depths. He cared deeply for the people of Vietnam, often watching over them in times of war and hardship.
One of the most famous legends involving the Dragon King took place during the 15th century, when Vietnam was under the rule of the Ming Dynasty from China. During this time of oppression and resistance, a young man named Lê Lợi rose to prominence. Lê Lợi was a charismatic leader, brave and intelligent, who dreamed of freeing his people from foreign control and uniting the land under a just rule.
However, leading a rebellion against a powerful empire was no easy task. Lê Lợi’s forces were small, and many early battles ended in retreat. But fate had something extraordinary in store. One day, while hiding in the countryside, Lê Lợi found a strange, glowing sword blade tangled in the roots of an old banyan tree near the banks of a river. It shimmered with a divine light, unlike any weapon he had seen before.
Later, while resting in a fishing village, one of his supporters caught something unusual in his net — a beautifully crafted sword hilt. When the blade and hilt were brought together, they fit perfectly, forming a complete sword inscribed with the words "Thuận Thiên", meaning “According to Heaven’s Will.”
This sword was a gift from the heavens, sent by the Dragon King himself to assist Lê Lợi in his righteous cause. With it, Lê Lợi's strength and courage grew. He became nearly unstoppable in battle, his army winning decisive victories across the land. The blade, guided by destiny, seemed to cut through injustice and fear alike. In time, he led his people to independence, forcing the Ming army to retreat and restoring sovereignty to Vietnam. Lê Lợi was crowned Emperor in 1428, founding the Later Lê dynasty.
But the legend does not end with victory.
A few years after becoming Emperor, Lê Lợi was boating on a quiet day across Lake Tả Vọng in Hanoi. As his boat drifted across the calm water, a golden turtle suddenly rose from the depths. The turtle, radiant and majestic, spoke in a voice that echoed through the air. It was Kim Quy, the sacred turtle messenger of the Dragon King.
“Your Majesty,” the turtle said, “the sword that brought peace to your people was never yours to keep. It belongs to the Dragon King. Its mission is complete.”
Realizing the truth of the turtle’s words, Lê Lợi gently placed the sword on the turtle’s back. With a nod, the turtle sank back into the lake, disappearing beneath the rippling water — taking the sacred sword back to its divine guardian.
From that day forward, the lake became known as Hoàn Kiếm Lake, meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword.” Even today, in the heart of modern Hanoi, the lake remains a peaceful symbol of Vietnamese history, unity, and the divine forces believed to protect the nation.
The Symbolism of the Legend
The story of the Dragon King and the Returned Sword is more than just a folktale. It reflects the values deeply cherished by the Vietnamese people — loyalty, humility, bravery, and respect for divine will. The Dragon King represents the bond between nature, heaven, and the human world. His involvement in mortal affairs shows that even divine powers can stand with justice.
Lê Lợi’s willingness to return the sword, even after achieving greatness, shows a profound respect for the balance of power and the idea that leadership is a responsibility, not a reward. In Vietnamese culture, this tale is a reminder that true strength comes not just from power, but from virtue and wisdom.
Even now, visitors to Hoàn Kiếm Lake can see the Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) standing in the center of the lake, a quiet tribute to the legend. And every time the surface of the lake ripples with wind, some still believe the Dragon King watches from below, guarding the soul of Vietnam.
