Vietnam: What are the sample research reports on a matter of folk literature related to "The Legend of Saint Giong"?

Research reports on a matter of folk literature
 

I. Introduction

1. Reason for Choosing the Work

"The Legend of Saint Giong" is one of the most famous and meaningful stories in Vietnamese folklore. It not only reflects the spirit of patriotism and resistance to foreign invasion but also honors the strength and courage of the Vietnamese people.

2. Origin of the Work

Saint Giong, also known as Phu Dong Thien Vuong, is one of the Four Immortals in Vietnamese folklore. The story is documented in various sources such as "Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu" and "Linh Nam Chich Quai."

II. Problem Solving

1. Summary of the Storyline

The story of Saint Giong tells of a peculiar boy born who could not speak or laugh. When the country was invaded by the An enemy, the boy suddenly grew rapidly, requesting the king to supply an iron horse, iron rod, and iron armor to go to battle. He defeated the An invaders and then ascended to the sky.

2. Characteristics of the Characters

2.1. Saint Giong

Saint Giong's unusual birth: his mother carried him for 12 months before giving birth; at three years old, he could not speak, laugh, or walk, being put where he lay.

Saint Giong's demand to fight the enemy and his remarkable growth: when dressed, with a single stretch, he became a tall, awe-inspiring gentleman; though one man, he fought against hundreds and thousands, creating an even greater contrast, emphasizing the gigantic, extraordinary nature of Saint Giong.

2.2. Mother of Saint Giong

The mother of Saint Giong is someone who always cared for and loved her son despite his inability to speak or laugh. She trusted in her son's special abilities and was willing to prepare food when the boy requested it.

4. Significance of the Character

Saint Giong embodies patriotism, the determination to resist foreign invaders, extraordinary strength, and a grand stature of the national unity bloc. Additionally, it expresses the belief and longing for a beautiful, perfect hero image, fulfilling the people's dream of a peaceful life, under the protection of deities.

III. Conclusion

"The Legend of Saint Giong" is a folklore work of great value, not only in terms of artistry but also in education, conveying moral values and the spirit of patriotism to future generations.

IV. Essay

Saint Giong is one of the prominent legends in Vietnamese folklore, narrating the hero who repelled the An invaders during the reign of the Sixth Hung King. The story revolves around the miraculous life of Saint Giong - an iconic character with extraordinary strength.

In ancient times, in the village of Giong lived a diligent and virtuous couple who were childless for a long time. One day, the elderly woman happened to see a giant footprint in the field; she tried setting her foot in it, and unexpectedly, she became pregnant.

After twelve months, she gave birth to a boy, but even at the age of three, he had not spoken or laughed. At that moment, the An invaders arrived, and King Hung ordered a search for talented individuals to save the country. When the messenger reached the village, the boy suddenly spoke: "Mother, invite the messenger here!" He asked the envoy to report back to the king to prepare an iron horse, iron rod, and iron armor for him to go to battle.

After that day, he grew rapidly, eating endlessly, and none of his clothes fit. When the enemy troops arrived, just as the messenger brought the iron horse, rod, and armor, the boy stretched and transformed into a gallant man who defeated the enemy. After the victory, the warrior left behind his armor, rode the horse back to the heavens. In gratitude, the King titled him Phu Dong Thien Vuong and established a temple in his hometown.

The character of Saint Giong is crafted as a hero resisting foreign invaders, portrayed with majesty, strength, and bravery. Giong's birth foretold an extraordinary life. Saint Giong becomes a symbol of strength and resilient spirit of the Vietnamese nation.

The detail of Giong’s ascent to immortality not only demonstrates the respect of folklore but also showcases the eternal remembrance in the hearts of Vietnamese people for those who have contributed to the nation. To commemorate Saint Giong’s contributions, King Hung called him Phu Dong Thien Vuong and established a temple in his hometown - Phu Dong Village, now known as Giong Village. Remaining relics like the golden bamboo clusters in Gia Binh district, ponds from the horse's footprints, or the blaze that burned Cha village all reflect the belief in the miraculous power of the nation.

Through this legend, Saint Giong emerges as a symbol of a hero carrying the responsibility of protecting the nation, expressing patriotism, the power of good, and national pride.

V. References

1. Ngo Si Lien (1993), "Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu," Social Science Publishing House.

2. Tran The Phap (2001), "Linh Nam Chich Quai," Translator: Dinh Gia Khanh, Literature Publishing House.

3. Nguyen Dong Chi (2000), "Kho Tang Truyen Co Tich Viet Nam," Education Publishing House.

4. Dinh Gia Khanh (2004), "Vietnamese Folklore Literature," Education Publishing House.