The Origin of the Vietnamese People

 the legend of Lac Long Quan and Au Co explains the origins of the Vietnamese people and remains deeply rooted in the culture. By understanding this legend, travelers can better appreciate Vietnam’s traditions, values, and national unity.

The Dragon Lord and the Fairy Princess

The story begins with Lac Long Quan, a powerful dragon lord who ruled the seas. He was the son of Kinh Duong Vuong, the first king of the land that would later become Vietnam. Lac Long Quan possessed great strength and magical powers. Because of his abilities, he protected people from monsters and taught them essential survival skills, such as farming and building houses.

One day, while traveling through the land, he met Au Co, a beautiful fairy princess from the mountains. She was the daughter of De Lai, a mountain king. They quickly fell in love and eventually married. Their union symbolized the harmony between the mountains and the sea, creating a powerful connection between different regions of Vietnam.

The Hundred Eggs

After their marriage, Au Co gave birth in a miraculous way—she laid a sac containing one hundred eggs. Soon, from these eggs, one hundred sons were born. These children were strong, intelligent, and destined to become the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. Because of this, Vietnamese people refer to themselves as the “Children of the Dragon and Grandchildren of the Fairy” (Con Rong Chau Tien).

A Bittersweet Separation

Although Lac Long Quan and Au Co deeply loved each other, they eventually realized they belonged in different worlds. As a dragon, he thrived in the water, while she, as a fairy, belonged in the mountains. Therefore, they agreed to separate peacefully, not out of anger, but out of necessity.

Lac Long Quan took fifty sons to the coastal regions, where they became skilled fishermen and sailors. Meanwhile, Au Co took the other fifty sons to the highlands, teaching them to farm and live in harmony with nature. Despite being apart, they remained connected through their shared lineage and traditions.

The Legacy and Meaning

This separation, though painful, ultimately laid the foundation for a diverse yet unified Vietnam. The eldest son stayed with his mother and later became the first King Hung, the founder of Van Lang, the first Vietnamese state. Today, the Hung Kings are still honored as national heroes.

Connecting with the Legend Today

Even in modern times, this legend remains deeply ingrained in Vietnamese culture. Travelers can experience it in various ways:

• Hung Kings’ Temple Festival: Held in April, this festival in Phu Tho province honors the Hung Kings with traditional rituals and performances. Therefore, visiting during this time provides a great opportunity to witness Vietnam’s cultural heritage.
• Temple Visits: Many temples across Vietnam are dedicated to Lac Long Quan, Au Co, and the Hung Kings. Because of their historical importance, these temples attract both locals and tourists.
• Cultural Performances: Folk operas and water puppet shows often depict scenes from the legend. As a result, watching these performances offers an engaging way to experience the story.
• Everyday Language: Even today, the phrase Con Rong Chau Tien is commonly used in daily conversations and literature, constantly reminding Vietnamese people of their shared heritage.