The Dragon Prince: Stories and Legends from Vietnam

by Thich Nhat Hanh

The Dragon Prince is a collection of 15 stories and legends from Vietnam retold by Zen master poet and peace activist Thich Nhat Hanh. As in many of his teachings, Nhat Hanh emphasizes themes of cooperation and reconciliation, while providing a rich introduction to the mythical elements of Vietnamese culture.

The stories range from creation myths to tales of wars and food and custom myths, all aiming at the notion of "mindfulness," of become aware of what is happening in the moment. Imaginary characters weave through the lives of actual persons and events, blending fiction and non-fiction, magic and fantasy, into the profound realization of the interconnectedness of all beings. The tales highlight the importance of "true seeing" and focuses on transcendence rather than anguish. Above all The Dragon Prince simply contains well-told stories with clear and lyrical writing, once again giving testament to Thich Nhat Hanh's immense skill as a writer. This book is a must for every collection.

From the afterword by translator Mobi

"The heroes and heroines of these stories celebrate closeness to the Earth, the importance of assuming personal responsibility for one's conduct, and the possibility of resolving conflict through understanding rather than violence". B/W Illustrations throughout.

Genres: Short Stories, Mythology, Asian Literature, Spirituality, Nonfiction

184 pages, Paperback

First published June 28, 2007

About the author

Thích Nhất Hạnh was a Vietnamese Buddhist monk, teacher, author, poet and peace activist who then lived in southwest France where he was in exile for many years. Born Nguyễn Xuân Bảo, Thích Nhất Hạnh joined a Zen (Vietnamese: Thiền) monastery at the age of 16, and studied Buddhism as a novitiate. Upon his ordination as a monk in 1949, he assumed the Dharma name Thích Nhất Hạnh. Thích is an honorary family name used by all Vietnamese monks and nuns, meaning that they are part of the Shakya (Shakyamuni Buddha) clan. He was often considered the most influential living figure in the lineage of Lâm Tế (Vietnamese Rinzai) Thiền, and perhaps also in Zen Buddhism as a whole.

Reviews

[abi]

‘mythology is created by people. the people who lived long ago are like the people who live today. myth was created to explain the universe and humanity’s place in it. myths are not simply creations of the imagination…’

[T]

No rating once more because sometimes books aren’t meant to be rated you know? Like that Taylor Swift lyric where she says, “honey, when I’m above the trees / I see it for what it is.”

A good set of folktales? Fairy tales? covering Viet Nam’s mythical history. An overview above the trees. Just taking it as it is.

[Tate Lamoreaux]

I enjoyed this book because I just moved to Vietnam and can talk to my Vietnamese students about the stories—them telling me other versions and about “missing” details, and them telling me how their parents and primary teachers taught them these (and other) stories. Would I have enjoyed reading this book had I not already formed a connection with Vietnam and could talk about the stories with Vietnamese people? Probably not. It reads as myths and legends do (obviously), which aren’t—in my opinion—great stories of compelling characters changing. It’s like reading Gilgamesh—good for the history and culture but boring as a story.

As I finished the book, though, I wanted to go back and re-read “Watermelon Seeds” (An Tiem & Oanh), “The One Night Lake” (Tuen Dung & Dong Tu), “The Mission” (Việt goes to China), and “A Bouquet of Wildflowers” (the brother and sister find true happiness with a farm and a poem).

[Mael Brigde]

I've just finished reading The Dragon Prince - Stories and Legends from Vietnam. I like reading the odd folk tale but I don't enjoy reading whole books of them.

This time was different. Each story drew me in more than I expected, and as I read more and more I began to feel a real delight in the book. Finishing it just now, I felt peace and affection and kind of joy. There is wisdom in these pages.

The image is of the book cover with the title mentioned above and a drawing of a dragon against a red and yellow background.

[Sylvia Clare]

a simple read but not too suitable for children as they were a little too lacking in action, or perhaps too drawn out - but as a storyteller myself, we have festival / fringe event coming up on the theme of green so i am delighted to say that the first two chapters have been precis'd down into a five minute slot for how the planet became covered in greenery, plants trees etc. On this basis thoroughly wonderful

[Kundry]

These were the only legends I’ve read from Vietnam so I have no way of comparing but it was such a drag. Also quite condescending towards women in some places. There’s definitely a Buddhist undertone and that is perhaps what put me off. There’s no sense of wonder like in a true fairy tale, far too many details for this. Personally I think the simpler the tale, the stronger.

[Tish]

One of the more comprehensive collections of Vietnamese folktales I've been able to find, good quantity and variety here but it's written in a very child-friendly way that is quite boring for adult readers.

[John Fredrickson]

This is a book of simple and direct, yet elegant folktales from Vietnamese culture. The stories are quickly read, and are very pleasant to read.

[Tiz. T.]

This book was a like a collier, a jewel made of gems.

It is a collection of short tales recounting the mytical past of Vietnam, from the moment when the Godness Lac and Her Dragon had their 100 children -humanity- to middle age. The stories are as varied, ranging from "how the people started to chew areca" to "how humanity began". They are written in a clear, simple -but not simplistic- and refreshing style.

The foreword adds dept to the whole book and it is a must-read (don't jump it!) to apreciate this even more.

All in all a true jewel

[Tom Faber]

Excellent! Quick read, each story a nice little chunk, and some recurring characters and themes along with it. Added layers of depth if you know something about Vietnamese history or culture, but there's plenty to enjoy otherwise.

[Jim Sibigtroth]

This is a collection of origin stories and legends of Vietnam. It is much too long as a read-aloud book, but some individual chapters can be read to students in grades 3-5.

[Shee Tsim Nam]

So so.

[Feathertail]

Wonderful to calm the mind. Great if you want to read folklore from other nations. I really enjoyed it.

[yen nguyen]

I was hoping to like this more because I love fairy tales and legends and some of these were familiar tales, but it was just okay, to be honest. I don't know, it's for kids.