Vietnamese Mythology Retold: Kinh Dương Vương and Athena

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Where were we? Creation of the Universe, Water Dragons, their King, and an uprising on the horizon, along with a wedding.

But we have been dwelling under water for so long, let’s get back to the surface, since there’s a nice little story to be had here, on that kingdom right next to the Xích Quỷ.

Lộc Tục, who will become Kinh Dương Vương (King Kinh Dương), was anything but kingly when he was younger. Since fairy godmothers seem to enjoy turning fruits and vegetables into horse carriages, it’s not a stretch to assume one stuck five bamboo sticks and a watermelon together, said voila, and there Lộc Tục was. Even his mother, who vouched she gave birth to him and cared for him, seems to have lapses in her memories. “Maybe he came out like that, all tall and scrawny and awkward,” she said. “But,” she helpfully added, in an attempt to not embarrass the future king any longer, “he was the nicest any boy can be.” And that was true. Second son of a King and grandchild of a God, Lộc Tục didn’t enjoy his literal god-given prilileges like his older brother, Đế Nghi. While Nghi was enjoying being fed grapes from a host of wet nurses and concubines, Tục was talking to them, asking about their day and their education. Sometimes, he fed them the grapes.

In exchange for social skills, young Tục was blessed with both the quill and the blade. So much so that he soon caught the attention of Athena, Greek Goddess of War and Wisdom. Back then, when the Gods were still coming up with their prophecies, Athena found herself stuck on an idea for a war, one against her mother Hera and sister Aphrodite. “It will be glorious,” thought the Goddess as she roamed around the world for the perfect battleground. On that faithful day, just before Athena arrived at the famous Slumbering Red Demon (she hasn’t had many chances to travel since coming out of Zeus’s forehead), she saw Lộc Tục sparring with his master.

Athena has never been a fan of her relatives’ constant frolic with the humans. To be more specific, she understands that love is merely a chemical reaction. And a relationship with a creature that dies so quickly would be like eating instant noodle: what left in the end is always emptiness and dissatisfaction and regret. That day, however, the Goddess was willing to call a cheat day. Tục wasn’t a handsome man in any account, and his lanky body makes him a hazard to any antique stores. You would never expect him to be so elegant with the blade.

“What do you call that swordsmanship, Prince? I have never seen such a feat.” - Athena, couldn’t contain her awe, appeared in front of Tục.

“My lady.” - Tục bowed - “It is my honour to be in your grace.”

“You spoke like you know who I am, Prince.”

“Fair Lady, pardon my assumption. But that Owl sigil on your shield, and your armor, you must be Lady Athena, am I mistaken?” - Tục said, bowing ever lower.

“Seems like your mind is as sharp as your blade, Mortal Prince. Please, raise your head. I am a here as an admirer of your skills and is a guess in your kingdom. We shall talk to each other with mutual respect.” - Athena had her hand on Tục’s bony shoulder. To even know of her name and her symbols, Athena was definitely feeling her chemicals reacting.

“I am not worthy, Fair Lady. After all, what I did earlier…” - He picked up his sword and demonstrated, a stab going for the heart of the practice dummy, with a twist of his wrist, has changed direction to pierce the neck clean off. “…was inspired by your animal, the Snake.” - What remained was a headless dummy and an infatuated Goddess.

Believe it or not, that was Athena’s first unrequited love. For other members of the family, it would have been utter humiliation to have get what you wanted, especially if it’s love from a mortal, but Athena was ultimately happy for the friendship with Tục. Can’t blame a Goddess for trying, though, because she did. She would make advances, showered him with gifts, they would have long walks by the mountains, talking about swordsmanship and books, she would lie on his lap, and have him stroke her hair. Yet, Tục never thought himself as worthy of her, and no matter of convincing from her could change his mind, even the ultimate offer of making him a God.

“Lady Athena, I am forever indebted to you, for you have given me the most precious thing in the world, your time. A lowly man I am, I could not have asked for anything more than your presence, but lately I have developed unbecoming emotions that if I were to act on it, I’m afraid I would lose myself and tarnish my memories of you. Perhaps in the future, when I have achieved something of worth, may I call what you and I have a companionship? Perhaps when I fulfil my duty as a Prince, when I have a kingdom of happy citizens, will I be able to face you without shame.

Lộc Tục”

Gods don’t sleep, but being with him was a peace she has never and will never experience again. When she opened her eyes that day, on that same mountain cliff where they sparred and talked and laughed, she found that letter. Gods don’t cry, so she held that letter in her fist so tightly she bled. Gold blood quickly smeared the words and drench the piece of paper. “Stupid.” She thought. He knew, or maybe he didn’t, she told herself that he didn’t, that she would have given her godhood for him.

Next time, Kinh Dương Vương’s marriage.