The Legend of the Sword Lake | A Bedtime Tale of Mystical Discoveries

"The Legend of Sword Lake" (Hồ Gươm or Hồ Hoàn Kiếm) is a famous Vietnamese legend associated with a lake in Hanoi, Vietnam. The story is rooted in Vietnamese folklore and is central to the cultural heritage of the country.

According to the legend, during the 15th century, Vietnam was under threat from Chinese invaders. The ruler at the time, King Lê Lợi, received a magical sword from a divine turtle in the lake, which helped him drive out the invaders and liberate the country. After the victory, the turtle appeared again to reclaim the sword, and the lake was named "Hoàn Kiếm" which means "Returned Sword."

The legend is also linked to the name "Sword Lake," reflecting the significance of the sword and its magical properties. The lake itself, located in the heart of Hanoi, is a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of Vietnamese pride and historical heritage. The Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) located in the middle of the lake is a reminder of the divine turtle from the legend.