Tortoise Tower on Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi During the Tet Holiday Season (15 images)

Legend holds that during the 15th century a wise old tortoise swam up to Emperor Le Thai To when he was out on the lake. The tortoise is said to have given the emperor a sword to use to drive away an invading Chinese army. The tortoise also instructed that the emperor should return the sword after he was finished. So, the emperor took the sword into his hand, and wherever he and the sword went there was victory. Some time later, after the Chinese army had been defeated, the emperor was...
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Legend holds that during the 15th century a wise old tortoise swam up to Emperor Le Thai To when he was out on the lake. The tortoise is said to have given the emperor a sword to use to drive away an invading Chinese army. The tortoise also instructed that the emperor should return the sword after he was finished. So, the emperor took the sword into his hand, and wherever he and the sword went there was victory. Some time later, after the Chinese army had been defeated, the emperor was approached again by the tortoise in the lake, at which time the sword was returned to him. From that time period on the lake was known as Hoan Kiem Lake or Ho Guom, both meaning Sword Lake. The Tortoise Tower was build in remembrance of the tortoise. Many Hanoians believe it is lucky to spot a tortoise in the lake, which usually draws a crowd.
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