The Legend of the Returned Sword - Vietnamese

My shell is old, and the green waters of my lake have reflected the sky for more than six hundred years. I have seen emperors and armies come and go, but the story I remember best is the one that gave my home its name. I am Kim Qui, the Golden Turtle, a loyal servant of the great Dragon King who lives in the watery realms. This is the story of a hero, a divine sword, and a promise kept—this is the Legend of the Returned Sword.

Long ago, the land of Vietnam was in sorrow, ruled by the harsh Ming army. The people prayed for a hero, and the Dragon King heard their prayers. He decided to lend them his most powerful weapon: the sword named Thuận Thiên, which means 'Heaven's Will'. But he did not give it all at once, for a hero's destiny must be earned. First, a fisherman named Lê Thận cast his net into the lake and, to his astonishment, pulled up not a fish, but a heavy, shining metal blade. Thinking it was just a piece of scrap, he took it home and forgot about it. Sometime later, a brave and kind leader named Lê Lợi was walking through a forest when he saw a strange light glowing high in the branches of a banyan tree. Can you imagine seeing a tree sparkle with mysterious light. He climbed up and found a beautiful sword hilt, studded with jewels. When Lê Lợi later visited the fisherman's home, the blade hanging on the wall began to glow. He brought the hilt near it, and with a soft hum, the two pieces flew together, fitting perfectly to form a magnificent sword. At that moment, they knew this was a sign from the heavens.

With the sword Thuận Thiên in his hand, Lê Lợi felt the strength of a thousand men. The blade was light as a feather when he defended his people but heavy as a mountain to his enemies. Word of the magical sword spread like wildfire, and soldiers from all over the country flocked to join his cause. For ten long years, Lê Lợi led his army in a great rebellion known as the Lam Sơn Uprising. The sword flashed in every battle, a beacon of hope that never dimmed, turning the tide against the invaders. The people saw the sword and knew their freedom was within reach. Finally, in the year 1428, they drove the last of the invaders from their land. The country was free, and the people, full of joy and gratitude, made Lê Lợi their new emperor, calling him Lê Thái Tổ.

Peace settled over the land like a warm, cozy blanket. One beautiful afternoon, the new emperor was enjoying a boat ride on the green lake located in the center of his capital city, Thăng Long. As his boat glided across the calm water, the surface began to bubble, and I, Kim Qui, rose from the depths, my golden shell shimmering in the sun. The emperor and his court were astonished. I swam toward his boat and spoke in a human voice, my words echoing across the water, "Now that peace has been restored to the land, my master, the Dragon King, humbly asks for his sacred sword back." Emperor Lê Lợi understood at once. The sword was a tool for war, and the time for war was over. He untied Thuận Thiên from his belt, and with both hands, respectfully offered it to me. I took the gleaming sword in my mouth and swam back down into the watery depths, returning it to its rightful owner in the kingdom below.

From that day forward, the lake was no longer called the Green Water Lake. It was given a new name: Hồ Hoàn Kiếm, the 'Lake of the Returned Sword.' The story was told from parent to child, a reminder that true strength lies in fighting for freedom and that true leadership lies in knowing when to lay down weapons and embrace peace. Today, in the heart of Vietnam's capital city, Hanoi, the lake is still there. A small stone tower, called Tháp Rùa or Turtle Tower, stands on an island in its center to honor this very story. The legend inspires artists, poets, and all Vietnamese people, connecting them to their brave history and teaching the world that the greatest victory is not winning a war, but building a lasting peace.