The Heavenly King of Phu Dong (The Story of Saint Giong)
The Story of The Heavenly King of Phu Dong
Once upon a time, during the reign of Emperor Hung Vuong (Hùng Vương) the Sixth, the Yin Dynasty invaders surged into Vietnam with overwhelming power. They were exceedingly fierce and cruel, slaughtering, looting, and burning villages wherever they went. Deeply concerned, Hung-Vuong sent messengers throughout the land in search of a capable person to help him drive away the invaders and save the country.
In the village of Ke Dong (Kẻ Dổng), in the Vu Ninh (Vũ Ninh) district, there lived an elderly woman. While working in the fields, she discovered a large footprint. Curious, she placed her own foot in it for comparison. Shortly after, she mysteriously became pregnant and later gave birth to a baby boy who looked very intelligent and charming. She named him Giong.
Strangely, by the age of three, Giong had neither spoken nor smiled. He simply lay wherever he was placed, causing his mother great concern.
One day, while playing with her son, the mother heard a messenger's announcement:
"The Yin invade, dark clouds unfold,
The king seeks talents, brave and bold.
To drive the shadows from our way,
And bring peace to our land to stay."
Giong's mother looked at her son and joked, "Son, grow up quickly and help us fight the invaders."
Suddenly, Giong sat up and said, "Mother, please invite the messenger in to see me!"
Seeing her son sit up and speak so clearly, his mother was astonished and delighted, though also a bit frightened. Giong had to urge her several times before she regained her composure. Without much thought, she hurried to the village entrance to meet the messenger.
When the messenger arrived and saw only a young boy, he was about to scold Giong's mother and leave. But Giong said, "Please, sir, return to the king and ask him to provide me with an iron horse, an iron rod, iron armor, and an iron helmet so that I can go and fight the invaders."
The messenger, astonished by such a clear and bold request from a three-year-old, believed a divine being had descended to help. He swiftly rode back to the palace to report.
After meeting the messenger, Giong grew rapidly. He ate so much that he was never full, and clothes made for him soon became too tight. His mother exhausted all her rice and vegetables, but it was still not enough. Neighbors saw this and contributed rice to help feed Giong.
Meanwhile, the king selected the best blacksmiths, who worked day and night to forge the iron horse, rod, helmet, and armor for Giong. Soon, everything was ready. Soldiers were ordered to bring the iron horse, rod, helmet, and armor to the village. The villagers also prepared a feast of seven baskets of rice and three baskets of pickled vegetables to send Giong off to battle. Giong thanked the villagers and quickly finished the meal.
After eating, Giong went outside, stretched, and transformed into a remarkably tall figure, astonishing the soldiers and villagers.
Giong donned the armor, put on the iron helmet, and took up the iron rod. He bade farewell to his elderly mother and the villagers, then leaped onto the iron horse. The iron horse reared up, spewed fire, and let out a thunderous neigh. Giong and the horse sped off, charging directly into battle.
Without needing to say a word, Giong urged the horse into the midst of the enemy forces. The iron rod struck down upon the enemy like lightning, and the iron horse’s fiery breath incinerated the enemy soldiers, causing them to flee in terror, many of them perishing.
Giong pursued the fleeing enemies, using the iron rod to strike them down. When the rod broke, he grabbed bamboo from the side of the road as a weapon. The Yin Dynasty invaders, now terrified and demoralized, trampled over one another in their desperate flight back to the North.
After defeating the invaders, Giong rode to Soc Son (Sóc Sơn) mountain, reined in the horse, and looked around his homeland. He dismounted, bowed to his mother in gratitude, and then both he and the horse slowly ascended into the sky.
To honor the hero, Emperor Hung Vuong ordered the construction of a temple for Saint Giong in the village and bestowed upon him the title of The Heavenly King of Phu Dong (Phù Đổng Thiên Vương).
Today, we still see ancient traces left by Saint Giong, such as the series of circular ponds stretching from Kim Anh and Da Phuc (Đa Phúc) to Soc Son (Sóc Sơn), which are said to be the hoofprints of Giong’s horse. The forest burned by the iron horse’s fire is now known as the Burnt Village (làng Cháy). The bamboo uprooted and scorched by the horse’s fire has turned yellow and is called ivory bamboo.
Saint Giong is one of "The Four Immortals" (*) venerated by the people, symbolizing the spirit of resistance against foreign invaders and the strength of youth.
Note:
(*) "The Four Immortals" (Vietnamese: Tứ Bất Tử) is the collective name for "The Four Who Do Not Die" in Vietnamese belief; they are Son Tinh (Sơn Tinh), Heavenly King of Phu Dong (Phù Đổng Thiên Vương), Chu Dong Tu (Chử Đồng Tử), and Princess Lieu Hanh (Liễu Hạnh).
The Story of The Heavenly King of Phu Dong
- Vietnamese Folktales -
The Moral Lessons of 'The Heavenly King of Phu Dong'
The tale of Saint Giong, or The Heavenly King of Phu Dong, is a cherished Vietnamese legend that embodies timeless moral lessons and cultural values. Through its vivid storytelling and heroic exploits, the legend imparts valuable lessons that resonate beyond its historical and mythical context. Here are some of the key moral lessons drawn from the story:
1. The Power of Belief and Determination
Saint Giong’s transformation from a silent, immobile child into a towering hero underscores the power of belief and determination. His mother’s lighthearted comment about him growing up to fight the invaders is met with Giong’s sudden, resolute action, demonstrating how belief—whether from others or oneself—can inspire extraordinary outcomes.
The story encourages us to believe in our potential and pursue our goals with unwavering determination, no matter how insurmountable they may seem.
2. The Selflessness and Sacrifice of Saint Giong
Giong’s willingness to step up and fight for his country despite his young age highlights the virtues of selflessness and sacrifice. He doesn’t hesitate to put himself at the forefront of the battle to protect his homeland. This act of bravery and commitment teaches us the importance of prioritizing the well-being of others and making personal sacrifices for the greater good.
3. The Heavenly King of Phu Dong and the Importance of Preparation and Readiness
The story also highlights the importance of being well-prepared and ready for challenges. The king’s swift response to Giong’s request for the iron horse, rod, armor, and helmet reflects the necessity of preparation in overcoming obstacles. Just as Giong’s success in battle is partly due to the readiness of his equipment, we too must prepare ourselves and our resources to face the challenges and opportunities that come our way.
4. Unity and Community Support
The support Giong receives from his village—both in terms of provisions and encouragement—demonstrates the value of unity and community support. The villagers’ collective effort in feeding and sending him off to battle illustrates how a community’s support can empower individuals to achieve great things. It reminds us of the importance of coming together to support and uplift one another in times of need.
5. The Symbolism of Heroism and Resistance
Saint Giong’s story is deeply embedded with symbolism related to heroism and resistance. His victory over the invaders represents the triumph of courage and resilience against adversity. This aspect of the tale underscores the idea that true heroism involves standing up against injustice and overcoming challenges with bravery and resolve.
6. The Legacy of The Heavenly King of Phu Dong and Cultural Identity
Finally, the story of Saint Giong serves as a cultural touchstone, preserving and reinforcing national identity and values. The enduring legacy of the legend, seen in historical sites and cultural practices, helps to connect current and future generations with their heritage. It highlights the importance of maintaining and celebrating cultural narratives that shape collective identity and pride..
Conclusion
The legend of Saint Giong, or The Heavenly King of Phu Dong, is more than just a heroic tale; it is a rich source of moral and cultural insights. By reflecting on the power of belief, selflessness, the role of youth, the importance of preparation, community support, heroism, and cultural legacy, we can draw meaningful lessons that apply to our personal lives and society at large. This timeless story continues to inspire and guide us, reminding us of the values that shape our character and community.
