Vietnamese Legends

Book excerpt: This collection of Vietnamese mythology will be of great interest to cultural scholars as well as people of Vietnamese descent. The history of every country is reflected in its myths and legends and this absorbing collection of thirty-two stories vary from the sweep and grandeur of past battles, to the wit of parables. While a number of Chinese fables have absorbed into the folk-lore of Vietnam, The story of Tam and Cam' is the Vietnamese version of a Chinese Cinderella story. Most of these tales are indigenous to the Vietnamese. But whether imported or Vietnam originals, all of these stories contain an Oriental charm and logic that will intrigue the modern reader. These range from lengthy legend 'Trach Sanh,' to ‘Statesman Ly,' a remarkable comment from the past, illustrating the situation today. Many of these stories reflect the fierce respect Vietnamese hold for honor. Filial and conjugal love, devotion to one's friends, are constant themes characteristic of the Vietnamese people. Particularly noteworthy is the author's success in retaining this atmosphere in translation. These stories vividly portray a Vietnamese way of thinking that make a book of rare appeal to the western reader.