Vietnamese folk literature refers to the traditional stories, legends, and poems that have been passed down orally through generations in Vietnam. It is a rich and diverse genre that plays an important role in Vietnamese culture and identity.
Some popular forms of Vietnamese folk literature include:
1. “Truy?n Ki?u” (The Tale of Kieu): Often considered the most famous Vietnamese folk epic, it tells the tragic life story of a young woman named Kieu. The poem is known for its beautiful language, moral lessons, and reflection of Vietnamese societal norms.
2. “L?c Vân Tiên”: Another popular epic poem, it tells the story of a scholar named Luc Van Tien and his adventures across Vietnam. It highlights themes of love, loyalty, and filial piety.
3. “Th? Kính” (The Tale of Lady Trieu): This legend focuses on the brave and independent character of Lady Trieu, a warrior who fought against Chinese domination in the 3rd century.
4. “Truy?n C? Tích” (Fairy tales): Vietnamese fairy tales often contain moral lessons and reflect the values and beliefs of Vietnamese society. Some well-known fairy tales include “Cinderella” (T?m Cám), “The Boy Who Drew Cats” (C?u bé v? mèo), and “The Magic Crossbow” (Chi?c n? ma thu?t).
5. “Chèo” and “Hát B?i”: These are traditional forms of Vietnamese musical theater in which folk tales and historical stories are performed through music, dance, and acting. They often portray folk heroes, legends, and historical events.
Vietnamese folk literature is a rich source of entertainment, cultural preservation, and historical knowledge for the Vietnamese people. Its influence can be seen in various art forms such as poetry, theater, and visual arts.