1,800-year-old echoes from Lady Trieu's inspirational saying

Lady Trieu is a heroine who has engraved her name in history as a symbol of pride, courage and indomitable spirit of freedom of Vietnamese women. Her real name is Trieu Thi Trinh, born in the early 3rd century, when our country was still under the domination of the Northern Ngo Dynasty. In the context of the people's suffering, Lady Trieu rose up in the Nua mountain area, Thanh Hoa , calling on thousands of righteous men to join hands to repel the invaders. At only 20 years old, she became a symbol of strength and courage, and was honored by the people as "General Nhuy Kieu".

Although her career was unsuccessful and she died at a very young age, Lady Trieu left a declaration that has been deeply engraved in the Vietnamese national spirit for nearly two millennia:

“I just want to ride the strong wind, step on the big waves, and kill whales in the East Sea. I will not bend down to be someone’s concubine.”

That saying not only shows the indomitable will to fight but also reveals the burning desire for freedom of a person who refuses to live with his head bowed. “Riding the strong wind, stepping on the fierce waves” is a heroic metaphor, symbolizing the spirit of overcoming all limits, daring to face the storms and fate. Meanwhile, “not bowing down to be someone’s concubine” is a resounding affirmation of the dignity and self-respect of women – a timeless declaration, resounding like thunder in an era where gender prejudices are still extremely heavy.

Lady Trieu Temple in Thanh Hoa. Photo: Quoc Le.

In human history, there has rarely been an era where the voice of a young woman could become such a symbol of national independence. Lady Trieu was not only a talented general but also an inspiration for generations of Vietnamese women, from women in the wars against the Northern invaders, in the two resistance wars against the French and the Americans to ordinary women in today's life, who are still "riding the wind, treading the waves" on their own path, to live fully with the ideals and responsibilities of women in the new era.

Not only imbued with historical spirit, Lady Trieu’s words are also an immortal message about women’s right to choose and the right to live freely. In modern society, when Vietnamese women are increasingly asserting their position in all fields – from politics , economics, science to art – that spirit still holds true. Every woman, regardless of her role, can find in those words the source of strength to constantly rise up and confidently take control of her own life.

Nearly 1,800 years have passed, but Lady Trieu's words still resonate as a strong affirmation that: Vietnamese women not only know how to sacrifice, but also know how to fight, dream, and stand up in the midst of storms to protect what they believe is right.

On the occasion of Vietnamese Women's Day October 20, when recalling that declaration, we not only pay tribute to a heroine but also honor the indomitable spirit of all Vietnamese women - those who have, are and will continue to "ride the wind, tread the waves" on the journey to affirm their own value and immortal beauty.

Source: https://khoahocdoisong.vn/tieng-vong-1800-nam-tu-cau-noi-truyen-cam-hung-cua-ba-trieu-post2149060959.html