Hoan Kiem Lake, Vietnam

Ho Hoan Kiem, or Returned Sword Lake was once part of the Red River (song Hong). Through thousands of years of geographical changes, the lake moved east to a position that now many kilometers of rivers. This lake was once called Luc Thuy or Green Water as the water was green year round. In the fifteenth century, the lake was named Ho Hoan Kiem, based on a legend that is very similar to the legend of King Arthur and the Lady of the Lake.

While fighting against the Chinese, King Le Thai To have in hand a very valuable sword. After 10 years of constant struggle, finally defeating King China and Vietnam reclaimed independence. One day, while sailing on the lake Luc Thuy, a large turtle appeared. The king drew his sword and pointed at the creature. turtle that immediately catch the sword with her mouth and submerged. Raja mourn the loss of the precious sword, demanded that the lake is emptied and dredged. Both turtles and the sword was not found. The king realized that the gods must have lent a sword to drive back the enemy, but now Vietnam is free, the sword must be returned. King Le Thai To name Ho Hoan Kiem lake or Returned Sword Lake.

Since the reign of King Le Trung Hung (XVI century), every king in the Le dynasty, and Lord Trinh all contribute to the beauty of the lake. Lord Trinh Giang Ngoc Khanh Thuy temple built on the island at the northern end of the lake. He also had two people create hills built across from the Temple Ngoc child.

At the end of the Le Dynasty, Thuy Khanh destroyed by Chieu Thong. philanthropist named Tin Trai built Ngoc Son pagoda. Ngoc Son pagoda renamed Ngoc Son temple during the reign of Thieu Tri III (1843) since it no longer is a Buddhist temple. Instead, Ngoc Son is a shrine to Van Xuong, a god, who is responsible for literature and the various tests required to become a mandarin. It is also a sacred place for the general Tran Hung Dao, a national hero responsible for many victories against the Mongols.

Since then Ngoc Son has gone through many renovations, one of which is the addition of Thap But (Pen Tower) on the hill that was once called Dao Tai. Three words are written in the tower "Ta Thien Thanh" or "write in the blue sky". Inside the gates to resemble the shape of an ink pond has also been added. In addition to the ink wells Huc Bridge or "where sunlight is absorbed". The bridge was caused Dac Nguyet Lau or "Moon Light towers" - the Ngoc Son temple. Outside the gates of the temple, there are two so-called wall and bang bang Rong Ho (dragon and tiger slate) where the names of those who passed the written test nationwide.

At the southwest end of the lake is Thap Rua. There are rumors that the king Le Thanh Tong used to fish here. Lord Trinh also build a structure to house the group while visiting the lake.

Tweet