The image of a "turtle holding a sword" appearing at Hoan Kiem Lake, causing a stir, is it true or not?

Social media is buzzing with a video of a "turtle holding a sword" in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake. Many people believe the Turtle has reappeared. Is it true? Is it a legend or a social media trick that is playing on viewers' trust?

In recent days, social networks have been spreading a video clip recording the image of a "turtle holding a sword" emerging in the middle of Hoan Kiem Lake (Hanoi). Thousands of shares, comments and debates have erupted around whether the Turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake has really reappeared or is just a detail recreating a familiar legend of the Vietnamese people. So what is the truth of this story?

According to folk legend, during the reign of King Le Loi, when the country was in the period of resistance against the Ming invaders, the king was given the magical sword Thuan Thien by the Dragon King. Thanks to the power of the magical sword, the Lam Son army continuously won victories, reclaiming the country for Dai Viet. After the country was at peace, one day King Le Loi was boating on Ta Vong Lake, suddenly a giant golden turtle emerged from the water, demanding the magical sword back. The king realized it was the will of heaven, so he returned the sword to the turtle. From then on, the lake was renamed Hoan Kiem Lake - meaning "the lake of returning the sword", and the turtle in the legend was revered by the people as the Divine Turtle.

That legend has become a sacred symbol of the capital Hanoi. The image of the "turtle holding a sword" is not only a detail in an old story but also associated with national pride, symbolizing the end of war and the desire for peace. Many art programs, festivals and cultural and tourism events have recreated this legendary moment to remind us of the merits of our ancestors, as well as to spread the thousand-year-old cultural value of Hoan Kiem Lake.

In fact, Hoan Kiem Lake once had the existence of a rare turtle species, called the Hoan Kiem Lake Turtle (Rafetus leloii) by scientists. Hanoians affectionately called it "Grandpa Turtle" - a mascot living in the heart of the capital. The Grandpa Turtle often surfaced on special occasions, which people considered a good omen. However, the last individual of this turtle species passed away on January 19, 2016, leaving deep sorrow in the hearts of people across the country. Currently, the Grandpa Turtle specimen is being preserved at Ngoc Son Temple, becoming a cultural symbol and a sacred destination for tourists.

The recent appearance of videos recording the "sword-holding turtle" is likely a product of recreating the legend in cultural events, live tourism or edited to create a spreading effect on social networks. Scientists and environmental experts have confirmed that there is currently no evidence that any large turtles still live in Hoan Kiem Lake.

Some turtle images that appear elsewhere, such as on the Perfume River or the lower reaches of the Day River, are sometimes also called "divine turtles" by local people, but that is just a popular name, not the legendary Turtle of Hoan Kiem Lake.

The story of the "turtle holding a sword" although not yet verified, still makes the online community proud of the sacred symbol of the capital. The legend of Hoan Kiem Lake is not only an ancient story but also a spiritual heritage, reminding Vietnamese people of the heroic history of defending the country, the meaning of peace and gratitude to ancestors. From viral videos to legendary stories, what is most precious is the way Vietnamese people cherish the past and preserve the sacred symbol of the nation.

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