1.
General introduction to Sword Lake’s and Related
history.
1.0. Present the real history of the Lake
1.1.Why did the lake get the name "Sword Lake"? ~ Tell the Sword Lake Legend.
According to the legend, after having defeated the Ming China, in early 1428, Emperor Le Loi
was boating on the lake when a Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) surfaced and asked for his magic
sword, Heaven’s Will. King Le Loi concluded that Kim Qui had come to reclaim the sword that
its master, a local God, the Dragon King had given Lợi some time earlier to defeat Ming China.
Later, the Emperor gave the sword back to the turtle after he finished fighting off the Chinese.
Emperor Lợi renamed the lake to commemorate this event, from its former name Luc
Thuy meaning “Green Water”. The Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) standing on a small island near the
centre of lake is linked to the legend. The first name of Hoàn Kiếm lake is Tả Vọng, when the
King hadn’t given the Magical Sword back to the Golden Turtle God (Cụ Rùa).
1.2. Present the Chinese domination of Viet Nam
1.2.1 How many years did China dominate Viet Nam in total, in how many time?
The Chinese rule in Vietnam started in 111 BC and continued until 938 AD, the year of Vietnam's
independence. The influence of the Chinese under the Han Dynasty began after they settled in
the Red River Delta. The Han Dynasty was interested in Vietnam because it had rich lands and
was a route to trade between India and China. In 111 BC, the Han Dynasty expanded its territory
to Northern Vietnam, captured various territories, including Vietnam, and brought them under
their rule.
1.2.2 What were the crimes that the Chinese domination authority committed in Vietnam?
Soon after extending their domination over what is now northern Vietnam, the Chinese
constructed roads, waterways, and harbors to improve access to the region and to ensure that
they maintained administrative and military control over it. They improved local agriculture by
introducing better methods of irrigation as well as metal plows and draft animals. They brought
with them new tools and weapons, advanced forms of pottery, and new mining techniques. For
more than a century after annexing Nam Viet, however, the Chinese refrained from interfering
with local administration. In the province of Giao Chau, one of the administrative units into
which the Han Chinese rulers had divided the Vietnamese kingdom, local hereditary lords
exercised control over the peasant population, just as they had while part of Nam Viet. Thus,
although Vietnamese territory was divided into military districts headed by Chinese governors, it
remained, in fact, a leniently governed Chinese protectorate.
1.3 Present the other names of Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake had five different names throughout its history.
Initially, the lake was called “Luc Thuy Lake”, or Green Lake in English, due to the greenness of
its water all year round. Later, it was called “Thuy Quan Lake”, or Naval Lake in English, as it
was used as a training ground for the navy during the Tran Dynasty.
According to Hoan Kiem Lake's history, the lake was renamed “Ta Vong Lake” and “Huu Vong
Lake” under the reign of Trinh lords. This time, the lake was divided into two smaller ones, one
called Ta Vong and the other called Huu Vong Lake.
In the reign of Emperor Tu Duc (1847-1883), Huu Vong Lake was renamed "Thuy Quan Lake",
while Ta Vong Lake was renamed “Hoan Kiem Lake”. In the late 19th century, during French
colonization, Thuy Quan Lake was completely landfilled, leaving only Hoan Kiem Lake.
The name “Hoan Kiem Lake”, or Sword Lake in English, originated from the Le Dynasty in the
15th century. It was associated with the legend of Emperor Le Loi returning the sword to the
divine turtle after defeating the Chinese Ming Dynasty
2.Questions about Turtle in Vietnamese culture and Sword
Lake turtle
2.1 What is the significance of turtles in the culture of Vietnam?
In Vietnamese culture, turtles are considered sacred creatures that symbolize longevity, wisdom,
and good fortune. This belief is heavily rooted in the legend of the Hoan Kiem turtle, which dates
back to the 15th century.
2.2 Present Sword lake turtle
2.2.1 Its characteristics
The Hoan Kiem turtle possesses a soft shell, serving as a protective layer akin to its outer skin,
without the presence of a hard outer shell. Notably, their front and hind legs bear only three
claws.
In terms of physical dimensions, these turtles exhibit a body length ranging from 1,700 to 2,000
millimeters, with a corresponding body weight varying between 120 and 220 kilograms in
individuals that have been hunted.
The sword lake turtle's head size is larger, and its snout is more protruding compared to
Pelochelys Bibroni Rafetus Swinhoei. Additionally, the head is elongated on the neck and
features a short, indistinct nose with wide nostrils. Typically, this turtle exhibits a relatively wide
skull with blunt upper and lower jaw bones, in contrast to the pointed jaw bones described for R.
Swinhoei.
The lifespan of the turtle in Hoan Kiem Lake, estimated to be around 200 years old, remains an
enigma. This majestic creature ranks among the world's longest-living species, boasting a
remarkable length of 2.08 meters, a width of 1.08 meters, and a weight of 169 kilograms. These
impressive numbers are truly a testament to its grandeur and longevity.
2.2.2 Is there any giant turtle still currently living in the Lake?
The last Hoan Kiem turtle sadly passed away in 2016. From 2005 to 2016, this remarkable
creature surfaced over 136 times, captivating the hearts of many.
2.2.3 How many individuals have been found recently (from the 1960s to the present day)?
After the giant Hoan Kiem turtle died in Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Lake in 2016 and the female Hoan
Kiem turtle in Suzhou Zoo in China died in 2019, the world officially recorded three individuals,
including one male turtle at Suzhou Zoo of China, and two in Vietnam, including one in Xuan
Khanh Lake and one in Dong Mo lake.
2.3. Present Turtle tower:
2.3.1: Turtle Tower was built in 1886 on the same site where Ta Vong Temple had been built
during the 17th or 18th century. Somewhere between the Restored Le Dynasty and the Nguyen
Dynasty that temple disappeared. The tower that stands there now was erected on the same site to
commemorate a warrior, a local folk hero, Le Loi and the impact he had on Vietnam.
2.3.2: Present its architectural features
Turtle Tower was constructed on a 350-square-meter-large mound in the middle of Hoan Kiem
Lake. Its architecture is a blend between the French and Oriental architectural styles. The tower
has three floors, and each upper floor is smaller than the one under it. Each side of the tower has
many arched doorways. The words "Quy Son Thap" (literally: Tower of the Turtle Mountain) is
engraved on the third storey of the tower. The roof has many curves, which is a typical feature of
Oriental architecture
2.3.3 Provide the information of the Liberty statue once placed on the top the of Tower.
It was a copy (size 1/16) of the famous Statue of Liberty in New York. It was made from bronze
by a French sculptor. First it was placed on the top of Tortoise Tower at Hoàn Kiếm lake in
Hanoi's center. Then it was moved to Cửa Nam flower garden before being demolished in 1945.
3.Questions about Ly Thai To
3.1 Briefly present the King’s biography. What was his contribution to Vietnam and the
Vietnamese people?
Lý Thái Tổ (chữ Hán: 李太祖, 8 March 974 – 31 March 1028), personal name Lý Công Uẩn,
temple name Thái Tổ, was a founding emperor of Lý dynasty and the 6th ruler of Đại Việt; he
reigned from 1009 to 1028.
Ly Cong Uan was crowned in the context of a serious political and socio-economic crisis and the
threat of invasion from the Chinese Song dynasty. He was determined to end the political crisis
that lasted through several reigns and bring stability to his kingdom.
His first decision as king was to move the capital from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh) to Dai La (Hanoi
now). Hoa Lu was chosen by King Dinh Tien Hoang (924-979) as seat of his court to suit the
needs of defending the nation in the early days after the civil wars.
It was more appropriate for defense purposes as it is located in a low land surrounded by
limestone mountains. However, it was difficult to develop an urban city here as traffic was
inconvenient and its location is too distant from the thriving economic centers in the Red River
Delta
3.2.When and the reasons why did he relocate/transfer the capital from Hoa Lu to Dai La?
In autumn of 1010, King Ly Thai To decided to move the capital of the kingdom to Dai La,
mindful that the place had an ideal location as well as many advantages for wet rice farming and
traffic thanks to a number of waterways, especially the Red River, promising a long-term
prosperous development of a capital and a nation.
After moving the capital and renaming it Thang Long, Ly Cong Uan ordered to build citadel to
protect the city. Since then, Thang Long has become the political, economic and cultural center
of the country.
3.3. Present the meaning of these names: Thang Long, Hanoi, and Vietnam?
Thang Long, meaning "Ascending Dragon", was the first significant name in the history of
Hanoi. Emperor Ly Thai To chose it when moving the Imperial City to Dai La Thanh after
witnessing a golden dragon soaring into the heavens.
In 1831, Emperor Minh Mang merged Thang Long with nearby districts and provinces like Tu
Liem District, Ung Hoa Province, Ly Nhan District, and Thuong Tin Province, effectively
incorporating Thang Long's territories into Hanoi.
3.4. When and why was the name Thang Long changed to Hanoi?
In 1802, Gia Long founded the Nguyễn dynasty and chose Huế as the capital. Thăng Long was
no longer the capital, its name should not contain dragon. In 1831, the Nguyễn second emperor
Minh Mạng renamed it Hà Nội (Inside the Rivers) according to its geographical location.
So, Thăng Long renamed Hà Nội in order to erase its connection with the emperor when the
capital moved to Huế. This was also to erase the memory of old dynasties and their loyalists.
4. Ngoc Son complex:
4.1. Present the information of Ngoc Son Temple, The Huc Bridge, and Pen Tower.
Ngoc Son Temple
According to the stelae at the site, Ngoc Son Temple’s construction started in autumn of 1841,
under the reign of the Ly Dynasty. It worships Van Xuong De Quan (Wenchang Dijun), a Taoist
deity that brings happiness and wealth to scholars. It is also dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao
(1231 - 1300), who defeated the Mongols in the 13th century.
The temple has undergone several demolitions throughout history. In 1865, it was repaired by
scholar Nguyen Van Sieu (1799 - 1872). He built Tran Ba Pavillion, The Huc Bridge, and Pen
Tower, turning the site into a big architectural complex at Hoan Kiem Lake.
Standing peacefully at the heart of the capital city, Ngoc Son Temple has witnessed numerous
events over the last few centuries. In 2013, it was recognized as a National Special Relic site. So
far, it has become a popular destination for international visitors and Vietnamese people who
come to pray for good fortune or simply to admire the beauty of Hoan Kiem Lake.
The Huc Bridge
The Huc Bridge is regarded as a symbol of the Sun God, its name meaning “where sunlight
beams in early morning”. The bridge is made of wood, painted in red, and shaped in a curved
form. Coming here in the morning, you can enjoy the early sunshine and cool breezes in the
middle of immense water. When the night falls, the bridge illuminates, creating a truly
enchanting sight.
Pen Tower
Pen Tower is the highlight of Ngoc Son Temple, an ancient temple built in the early nineteenth
century by the Hoan Kiem Lake, the city’s heart. Reaching for the sky, Pen Tower features Thien
- Nhan architecture for the harmony between nature and people.
In 1865, Scholar Nguyen Van Sieu repaired the temple to its present appearance, including Tran
Ba communal house, The Huc Bridge, and Pen Tower with 12m in diameter and 4 m high. The
square tower has five floors. In the body of the tower, Nguyen Sieu carved three words “Ta Thien
Thanh”, meaning “Writing to the blue sky”.
4.2. Present the significance of 4 holy creatures in the Vietnamese culture
The Four Sacred Creatures in Vietnam originated from a blend of local legends, Confucianism,
Taoism, and Buddhism, which all exerted influence on the country’s early cultural and spiritual
development. In ancient times, the Vietnamese people sought guidance from nature and the
cosmos, leading them to adopt symbols that represented harmony, prosperity, and protection.
Each creature symbolizes a different element of the natural and spiritual world. These four
creatures were incorporated into Vietnamese culture to offer a means of connection with the
divine.
They represent the fundamental values of power, virtue, longevity, and justice that have shaped
the country’s culture and identity for centuries. From ancient imperial rituals to modern-day art
and architecture, these creatures continue to play a significant role in Vietnamese life, offering
travelers a unique lens through which to explore the country’s rich history and traditions.
