Story Summary
Explore the legendary Vietnamese tale The Fairy at Giong. Follow the scholar Tú Uyên as his love for a mystical painting brings a celestial being into his life.
In the ancient capital of Thăng Long lived a scholar named Tú Uyên. One day, near the Ngọc Hồ pagoda, he encountered a woman of transcendent beauty who vanished as quickly as she appeared. Distraught, he returned to the same spot until an old man sold him a painting that bore her exact likeness. Tú Uyên hung the portrait in his study, speaking to it and serving it meals as if it were alive. One afternoon, returning home early, he found his humble hut transformed: a feast was prepared and the house was spotless. Hiding the next day, he witnessed the beautiful maiden step out from the silk canvas. She revealed herself as Giáng Kiều, a celestial fairy. The two married and lived in bliss, but over time, Tú Uyên fell into the grip of alcoholism, neglecting his wife and studies. Heartbroken by his descent into vice, Giáng Kiều flew back to the heavens. Overcome with remorse, Tú Uyên nearly took his own life before she returned, moved by his genuine repentance. She taught him the path of enlightenment, and eventually, the couple ascended to the celestial realm together on the backs of cranes.
The Moral
True happiness and love are fragile gifts that must be nurtured with respect, temperance, and devotion rather than neglected through selfish vices.
“The beauty of the heavens resides not in the stars, but in the heart of one who remains faithful.”
Fun Fact
This story is the subject of a famous 18th-century Vietnamese verse novel titled 'Bích Câu Kỳ Ngộ,' which remains a masterpiece of Nôm literature.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Fairy at Giong?
The story teaches that love and blessings require responsibility. Tú Uyên nearly loses his celestial wife due to his alcoholism, demonstrating that even divine gifts can be lost if one falls into vice and neglects their partner.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The main characters are Tú Uyên, a diligent but lonely scholar, and Giáng Kiều, a beautiful fairy from the celestial realm who inhabits a painting to be with him.
Where does the story of The Fairy at Giong take place?
The story is set in ancient Hanoi (Thăng Long), specifically around the Bích Câu area, where a temple still stands today commemorating the legend.
How did Tú Uyên meet the fairy?
He first saw her briefly near a pagoda, but they truly connected after he bought a painting of her and she miraculously stepped out of the canvas to live as his wife.
Why did the fairy Giáng Kiều leave Tú Uyên?
She left because Tú Uyên became addicted to wine and neglected his duties and their relationship, causing her deep sorrow and making the household's harmony disappear.
How does the story of The Fairy at Giong end?
After Tú Uyên repents for his mistakes, Giáng Kiều returns. They live a life of spiritual cultivation and eventually both become immortals, flying to heaven on cranes.
