What is the story behind Hoan Kiem Lake?

Question

I visited Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi, and it seems to have a lot of cultural significance. Could you share the history or legend associated with it?

Answer 1

Hoan Kiem or Ho Guom Lake, located in the heart of Hanoi, Vietnam, holds a legendary story deeply rooted in Vietnamese history. According to legend, during the 15th century, Emperor Lê Lợi was given a magical sword by the Golden Turtle God (Kim Quy) to help him defeat the invading Ming army from China. After successfully securing Vietnam’s independence, Lê Lợi was boating on the lake when the Golden Turtle God surfaced and reclaimed the sword, returning it to its divine owner. This event symbolized the end of war and the restoration of peace, giving the lake its name “Hoàn Kiếm,” meaning “Lake of the Returned Sword.”

Answer 2

Hoan Kiem Lake, or “The Lake of the Returned Sword,” is the setting of a powerful Vietnamese legend where Emperor Lê Lợi was bestowed a magical sword by supernatural forces. The sword’s power helped him liberate the nation from Ming Chinese rule. Upon achieving peace, a giant turtle rose from the lake to claim the sword for the gods, symbolizing the end of violence and the dawn of a new era for Vietnam.