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Encyclopedia
Âu Cơ according to the creation myth of the Vietnamese people
, was an immortal
mountain fairy
who married Lạc Long Quân
, and bore an egg sac that hatched a hundred children known collectively as Baiyue, ancestor
s to the Vietnamese people
. Âu Cơ is often honored as the mother of Vietnam
ese civilization
.
that lived high in the mountains. She traveled to heal those who suffered because she was skillful in medicine and had a sympathetic heart.
One day, a monster frightened her, so she turned into a crane to fly away. Lac Long Quan
, a dragon king from the sea, saw her in danger, so he grabbed a rock and killed the monster. When Âu Cơ stopped to see who helped her, she turned back into a fairy and fell instantly in love with Lac Long Quan.
She bore an egg sac from which hatched 100 children. However, despite their love, she desired to be in the mountains again and he yearned for the sea. They separated, each taking 50 children. Âu Cơ settled in Vietnam because she was amazed by the land, and it was here that she raised the 50 young, intelligent, strong leaders, latter known as the Hung King
s.
Vietnamese people
The Vietnamese people are an ethnic group originating from present-day northern Vietnam and southern China. They are the majority ethnic group of Vietnam, comprising 86% of the population as of the 1999 census, and are officially known as Kinh to distinguish them from other ethnic groups in Vietnam...
, was an immortal
Immortality
Immortality is the ability to live forever. It is unknown whether human physical immortality is an achievable condition. Biological forms have inherent limitations which may or may not be able to be overcome through medical interventions or engineering...
mountain fairy
Fairy
A fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
who married Lạc Long Quân
Lac Long Quan
Lạc Long Quân , according to the creation myth of the Vietnamese people, was the father of the Vietnamese people, and their first true king. Lạc Long Quân was the son and sole successor of Kinh Dương Vương , who ruled over Xích Quỷ...
, and bore an egg sac that hatched a hundred children known collectively as Baiyue, ancestor
Ancestor
An ancestor is a parent or the parent of an ancestor ....
s to the Vietnamese people
Vietnamese people
The Vietnamese people are an ethnic group originating from present-day northern Vietnam and southern China. They are the majority ethnic group of Vietnam, comprising 86% of the population as of the 1999 census, and are officially known as Kinh to distinguish them from other ethnic groups in Vietnam...
. Âu Cơ is often honored as the mother of Vietnam
Vietnam
Vietnam – sometimes spelled Viet Nam , officially the Socialist Republic of Vietnam – is the easternmost country on the Indochina Peninsula in Southeast Asia. It is bordered by China to the north, Laos to the northwest, Cambodia to the southwest, and the South China Sea –...
ese civilization
Civilization
Civilization is a sometimes controversial term that has been used in several related ways. Primarily, the term has been used to refer to the material and instrumental side of human cultures that are complex in terms of technology, science, and division of labor. Such civilizations are generally...
.
Mythology
Âu Cơ was a young, beautiful fairyFairy
A fairy is a type of mythical being or legendary creature, a form of spirit, often described as metaphysical, supernatural or preternatural.Fairies resemble various beings of other mythologies, though even folklore that uses the term...
that lived high in the mountains. She traveled to heal those who suffered because she was skillful in medicine and had a sympathetic heart.
One day, a monster frightened her, so she turned into a crane to fly away. Lac Long Quan
Lac Long Quan
Lạc Long Quân , according to the creation myth of the Vietnamese people, was the father of the Vietnamese people, and their first true king. Lạc Long Quân was the son and sole successor of Kinh Dương Vương , who ruled over Xích Quỷ...
, a dragon king from the sea, saw her in danger, so he grabbed a rock and killed the monster. When Âu Cơ stopped to see who helped her, she turned back into a fairy and fell instantly in love with Lac Long Quan.
She bore an egg sac from which hatched 100 children. However, despite their love, she desired to be in the mountains again and he yearned for the sea. They separated, each taking 50 children. Âu Cơ settled in Vietnam because she was amazed by the land, and it was here that she raised the 50 young, intelligent, strong leaders, latter known as the Hung King
Hung Vuong
Hùng Vương is a title used in many modern discussions of the ancient Vietnamese rulers of the Hồng Bàng) period. In antiquity this title began to be used for the ruler who was the religious and political leader of united ancient Vietnam...
s.
In Vietnamese literature
The books Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư (from the 15th century) and Lĩnh Nam chích quái ("Wonders plucked from the dust of Linh-nam", from the 14th century) mention the legend. In the first source Âu Cơ is the daughter of Đế Lai, while in Lĩnh Nam chích quái she is the wife of Đế Lai.Importance of Âu Cơ
This legendary story is very important to many Vietnamese people for numerous reasons. Some interpret the story to imply a strong national unity and cultural tolerance. Other women and historians interpret the story to mean that matriarchal societies did exist and are equal to patriarchal societies. Vietnamese women view her as a heroine and as a symbol to fight for their nation and their rights.External links
- Vietnamese Myths & Legends
- http://www.ancientsites.com/aw/Post/204107
- http://asiarecipe.com/vietorigin.html
- http://www.civilization.ca/cultur/vietnam/vitim02e.html
- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CVsn6taaYLA