Trần Hưng Đạo:Việt Nam’s Greatest Hero
For additional information:
Pham Quynh Phuong Hero and Deity: Tran Hung Dao and the Resurgence of Popular Religion in Vietnam. Chiang Mai: Mekong Press, 2009.
Trần Hưng Đạo (1228-1300) was a great military commander who saved Vietnam from the Mongolian invasion in the 13th century. He was both a very accomplished military tactician and a respected poet. Most Vietnamese cities have streets named after him, and he is considered a “national saint” recognized by the emperor as Hưng Đạo Đại Vương (Great Lord Hung Dao). In Vietnamese popular religion, he is worshipped as an exorcist who can drive away evil spirits, especially those that afflict women with reproductive problems. His main temple is in Kiep Bac, in northern Vietnam, but he also has an altar at most Đạo Mẫu temples, usually to the left of the deities on the main altar. He sits on a special throne during his annual ceremony and is the only spirit allowed to sit in an elevated position. He dances with flags and swords and is often fierce and intimidating as he shakes his bundle of incense sticks.