A Taste of Earth and Other Legends of Vietnam

by Thich Nhat Hanh

A Taste of Earth is the retelling of twelve traditional stories. It provides an introduction to the rich mythology of Vietnamese culture.

125 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1991

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

[Kathy Mcconkey]

I'm glad this was my introduction to the myths and legends of Viet Nam. I generally don't read much mythology from even my own culture (Western/Irish), nevermind a completely different one. But the sequence of the stories and lovely writing made this a very sweet, enjoyable, and peaceful read. I think knowing of these stories will enhance my trip to Viet Nam later next year.

[Doria]

This book was such a pleasure to read, in part because these myths and legends are incredibly beautiful. Vietnamese traditional lore is ethereal and yet also deeply rooted in the land; the stories are ineffably romantic and magical, moving and tragic, very culturally specific and yet also utterly human and universal.

This particular arrangement and series of retellings is especially thoughtful and beautifully written, narrated sequentially so that mythic stories move gradually and almost seamlessly towards and into the realm of legendary history, with relevant and well-chosen folktales and what we would classify as fairytales (because they are permeated with magical metamorphosic elements) interspersed throughout.

I highly recommend these stories, for reading aloud, for reading by yourself, for contemplation, and for sheer enjoyment. Whether you are familiar with Vietnamese traditional stories and myths, or whether this is your first introduction to these lovely tales, this book is a treasure chest. Also a good pick for middle schoolers and many elementary schoolers.

[Jnana]

Overall beautiful origin stories about Vietnam ! One thing I struggled with though was the centering of heterosexual relationships. I understand that these are supposed to be traditional legends and stories, I just which there was more variety in how they were told ? I would have loved to hear more about customs/food that wasn’t just attached to romantic relationships. That could also be a cultural difference though, and maybe what I most picked up on amongst other storylines.

[Ellie Mahy]

One of the most beautiful books and stories I’ve ever read 🌏

[Harry Hill]

Really beautiful and an absolute joy to read

[Wallace]

Well written and sweet. Interesting to read while thinking of comparisons to the Vietnam War.