Lieu Hanh : The Mother Goddess

Lieu Hanh

Introduction

Lieu Hanh is a prominent figure in Vietnamese mythology, revered as a goddess and known as the Mother of the Vietnamese people. Her legend is deeply intertwined with the beliefs surrounding the Mother Goddesses of Three Realms, embodying the spiritual and communal essence of Vietnamese culture. Lieu Hanh’s narratives reflect the societal values, religious practices, and historical transformations over centuries, making her a significant deity within the framework of Vietnamese spirituality.

Physical Traits

The physical representation of Lieu Hanh varies across different regions and altars dedicated to her worship. She is commonly depicted as a beautiful woman dressed in elegant traditional attire, often in a flowing gown that symbolizes purity and grace. Her features typically convey an aura of benevolence and nurturing energy. In certain portrayals, she is illustrated holding a peach or a lotus, both of which are emblematic of longevity and purity in Vietnamese culture. The depiction of her serene expression is integral to her identity as a nurturing goddess, symbolizing love and compassion towards her followers.

Family

Princess Lieu Hanh is believed to have taken at least 2 incarnations or rebirths in Vietnamese Mythology. In the first one, she is believed to have been born to a very righteous man Le Thai Cong and his wife.

Legend has it that he had a vision of a young girl who broke the favourite jade cup of the Chinese God Jade Emperor into a million pieces. As a punishment the Emperor set the girl, who was his thirteenth daughter, down to earth. When his wife gave birth, he was sure that this was the same girl in his vision and named her Giang Tien who grew up to marry and have two children. She died suddenly at the age of 21.

The spirit went back to her heavenly home but soon got homesick of her time on earth and requested the Jade Emperor to let her go back resulting in her second incarnation as Princess Lieu Hanh. She married Dao Lang but returned to heaven after a short while.

Other Names

Lieu Hanh is known by several other names and titles, reflecting her multifaceted nature in Vietnamese spirituality. Among the most notable are “Mother Goddess Lieu Hanh” and “Saint Lieu Hanh.” These titles highlight her veneration as both a divine figure and a saint within the context of folk religion. Additionally, she is sometimes referred to as “Liễu Hạnh,” a name that further emphasizes her connection to the natural world, particularly willows, which symbolize flexibility and resilience. This varied nomenclature underlines her adaptability and the diverse interpretations of her myth across different cultural and historical contexts in Vietnam.

Powers and Abilities

Lieu Hanh is celebrated for her remarkable powers, which solidify her status as a divine figure in Vietnamese mythology. Among her most cherished abilities is the gift of healing. Known for her compassion, she is sought by those suffering from physical ailments or emotional distress, offering comfort and relief to those in need. Her role as a goddess of fertility further enhances her significance, as families turn to her for blessings when seeking children, reflecting her deep connection to motherhood and the nurturing forces of life.

Her influence extends to the natural world, where she is believed to command weather phenomena. This ability to summon rain or ensure favorable conditions plays a vital role in supporting agricultural communities and securing plentiful harvests. Beyond her tangible powers, Lieu Hanh’s presence is deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of Vietnam. She is revered as a patroness of the arts, inspiring poets, musicians, and artists. Her guidance fosters creativity and helps preserve the country’s rich cultural heritage, ensuring her legacy endures through the expressions of those she influences.

Modern Day Influence

In contemporary Vietnam, the influence of Lieu Hanh remains significant, particularly through the practice of folk religion and the worship of Mother Goddesses. Her legacy is celebrated in numerous festivals, rituals, and cultural events that reinforce the communal identity of the Vietnamese people. The Mother Goddess worship tradition has garnered increasing recognition, with many ceremonies and practices being revitalized in response to the modern societal changes.

The folklore surrounding Lieu Hanh continues to inspire literature, performance arts, and local cultural practices. Temples and shrines dedicated to her worship can be found throughout the country, serving as spaces for communal gatherings and spiritual reflection. Additionally, her symbolism is often invoked in discussions surrounding gender roles, motherhood, and empowerment within Vietnamese society. This resurgence not only reflects a cultural revival but also underscores Lieu Hanh’s enduring relevance in articulating contemporary values and identity among the Vietnamese people.

In conclusion, Lieu Hanh’s significance transcends her identity as a goddess in Vietnamese mythology. She embodies the rich tapestry of cultural beliefs, spiritual practices, and social values that have evolved over centuries in Vietnam. ​Her multifaceted roles as a nurturing mother, healer, and protector resonate deeply within the hearts of her devotees, making her a timeless entity whose influence continues to shape both past and present Vietnamese culture.

Source

Great war in Song Son – a new developing step in the legend of holy Mother Lieu Hanh in Vietnamese beliefs in Mother Goddesses of Three Realms, Four Realms (2023-02-01).

Cult, Culture, and Authority: Princess Lieu Hanh in Vietnamese History (2007-03-31).

Vietnam. Cult, culture and authority: Princess Liễu Hạnh in Vietnamese history (2012-01-03).