| Hoan Kiem Lake, or the Lake of the Restored Sword, is located in the heart of Hanoi, just south of the District of the 36 Guilds. The lake takes its name from a legend involving the Emperor Le Loi who celebrated his defeat of the Chinese by a nautical gala. He appeared at the helm of his ship, holding the magic sword which had given him the victory when a giant tortoise grabbed the sword. Since the sword had done its duty--freeing the Vietnamese from the Chinese, the Emperor named the lake after this event. Today this beautiful lake is surrounded by a lush park--the site for badminton, exercises, and jogging. |
| |
|
|
The Tortoise Tower on an island in the lake |
Click here to go to the Vietnam Index.
Click here to return to index of art historical sites.
Click here to return to index of artists and architects.
Click here to return to chronological index.
Click here to see the home page of Bluffton University.
