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2. Unicorn- Ln
The unicorn, the second mythical animal of the 4 sacred animals represents prestige, peace and good
luck. The unicorn has a strange appearance, half dragon-half mammal; sometimes it has only one horn,
which never butts anybody and symbolizes mercy. The Vietnamese believe that the unicorn is a strong
and faithful animal, suitable for guarding pagodas and places of worship.
3. Tortoise- Mr Ra
The tortoise is the symbol of strength and longevity
The third animal is the tortoise, the symbol of strength and longevity. There is a myth about the tortoise
god, who helped King An Duong Vuong build Co Loa citadel on the outskirts of Hanoi. The famous
Hoan Kiem Lake or Lake of the Restored Sword in the center of Hanoi is associated with a myth about
King Le Loi, who returned the sword to the tortoise god after defeating his enemies. A one-hundred-
year-old tortoise is believed to still be living in the lake.
Tortoise imagery can be seen in pagodas, temples and shrines. In the Temple of Literature, Vietnams
first university built in 1070, there are 82 steles (gravestone) of doctors placed on the backs of stone
tortoises to underscore the importance of learning. Cultural researcher Doctor Dang Kim Ngoc told us:
According to the ancient Viet belief, the tortoise is the embodiment of firmness, longevity and
endurance. In the early 15th century with the development of Confucianism, the Le dynasty built these
doctors steles to honor those with high academic records and preserve the tradition of learning to pass
on to the next generations.
4. Phoenix- Phng
The phoenix is a beautiful and noble bird.
The phoenix is a beautiful and noble bird. The Viet people believe that a phoenix bodes well for those
areas where it settles. The combination of th dragon and phoenix represent lovers happiness, good
luck, position and fame.
At any time, images of the 4 sacred animals are integral parts of Vietnams culture, reflecting their
desire for peace, prosperity and happiness.