A long time ago, in the kingdom of Văn Lang, there was a brave general named Phan Tây Nhạc. He helped protect his country from enemies and became a great hero. Today, people still honor him in temples in Xuân Phương, Hanoi.
A Special Baby
Phan Tây Nhạc was born in Thanh Hoá. His parents were kind and helped the poor, but for many years, they had no children. One night, his mother had a dream where a god told her she would have a special son. Soon after, she gave birth to a strong and healthy boy named Nhạc.
Nhạc was smart and skilled in both fighting and magic. He heard that Saint Tản Viên, a powerful protector, lived on Tản Viên Mountain and had magical powers. Nhạc went to meet him and became his trusted student, learning many special skills.
A Princess and a Test
At that time, the king of Văn Lang, Hùng Duệ Vương, had two daughters but no sons. His younger daughter, Princess Ngọc Hoa, had not yet married. The king wanted to find a strong and kind husband for her, so he held a big competition. Many young men tried to win her hand, but she didn’t choose any of them.
One day, Saint Tản Viên and Phan Tây Nhạc visited the king. The saint showed his magical powers, creating elephants with nine tusks and horses with golden hair. The king was amazed and agreed to let Princess Ngọc Hoa marry Saint Tản Viên.
Seeing how brave and talented Phan Tây Nhạc was, the king also chose three beautiful ladies from his royal family to be his wives. Phan Tây Nhạc moved to Tây Hành Palace, where he taught people how to farm and make silk. The villagers loved him and called him Phan Ông Tây Nhạc.
Fighting for His Country
One day, a neighboring king named Thục sent 300,000 soldiers to attack Văn Lang. King Hùng Duệ Vương was worried and asked Saint Tản Viên for help. The saint suggested that Phan Tây Nhạc lead an army of 30,000 soldiers.
Phan Tây Nhạc and his soldiers fought bravely. His wives also helped in battle! At the same time, Saint Tản Viên led another army. Together, they surrounded the enemy and won a great victory.
To reward him, the king gave Phan Tây Nhạc the title “Great Duke of Tây Nhạc”. His wives were also honored.
A New King
After a few years, King Thục attacked again but lost once more. He then asked for peace. Saint Tản Viên told the king that since King Thục was also from the same ancient family, he should become the next ruler. He also suggested that King Hùng Duệ Vương retire and live peacefully in the mountains. The king agreed and gave his throne to King Thục, who promised to always honor the Hùng Kings and their warriors.
Phan Tây Nhạc, along with other heroes, was honored as a guardian spirit. Over many generations, people continued to worship him as a protector of the nation.
A Special Festival
Phan Tây Nhạc was born on the 12th day of the second lunar month and passed away on the first day of the twelfth lunar month. Every year, people in Xuân Phương, Hanoi, celebrate him with a fun tradition.
On the 8th day of the first lunar month, villagers hold a rice-cooking competition. Teams must fetch water, make a fire, and cook rice as quickly as possible. This reminds everyone of the time when Phan Tây Nhạc’s soldiers had to cook rice while marching to battle!
reference: FB of the Phan family
https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php/?story_fbid=1464368253818808&id=1464357927153174&locale=vi_VN
Discover more from Kurious Fox
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
