Heavenly Hoan Kiem Lake
Dec 25th, 2008 by Steven
In the heart of Hà Nội, within walking distance, to the south of the bustling Old Quarter, rests a calm body of water – the enchanting Hoan Kiem Lake. Several of the city’s finest colonial buildings are located in the vicinity, including the French-styled Opera House and the History Museum.
The lake has a somewhat King Arthur legend behind its history. It’s said that in the mid-15th century, a giant turtle delivered a heavenly sword to King Le Thai To which he used to defend the country against invaders from the north. After the war, when the king was sailing on Green Water Lake, a giant turtle emerged near his boat. The king placed his sword in the turtle’s mouth and disappeared in the lake’s depth. The king renamed the lake Ho Hoan Kiem (Lake of the Restored Sword) – the sword was given to him by the Heaven to fight the invading enemy; now that peace was restored, the sword was returned to its divine owner.
The lake is bordered by trees. On an islet, linked to the main land by a red wooden bridge, stands the small Ngoc Son Temple, dedicated to General Tran Hung Dao, a hero who defeated the Mongolians in the 13th century; and La To, patron saint of physicians.
When we’re in Hà Nội, the sun set around 5.10pm local time. This was taken at 5.33pm. <Canon 350D: ISO 800; F/4; 1/4 sec>
Canon 350D: ISO 800; F/4.5; 1/3 sec - 5.34pm