The Origin of the Mosquito: a Vietnamese Legend

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Apr 16, 2004

Legends often contain important lessonsabout the cultures from which they spring or, at least, clues about the beliefs and customs of the people who lived in them. This is true of the Vietnamese legend of the origin of the mosquito, which reveals a great deal about the traditional Vietnamese aspiration towards the avoidance of emotion, as well as attitudes towards women.

A humble rice farmer, Ngoc Tam, fell in love with and married Nhan Diep, who came to live with him and spent her time raising silkworms. Nhan Diep dreamed of a life of ease and luxury, which she concealed from her husband. Alas, she then suddenly died. Ngoc Tam was distraught for his love for his wife was unconditional. He refused to abandon his hope that Nhan Diep would return to him. Instead of burying her body, therefore, he sold all of his possessions to buy a sampan – a small boat – and sailed away with his dead wife.

After a period of travelling, Ngoc Tam came across a fragrant hill, decorated with many beautiful flowers. He had come across Thien Thai, the mountain of the genie of medicine, which moved around the world to give people the chance to learn about science and medicine. The genie offered Ngoc Tam the honour of becoming his disciple but he refused. He said he only wanted to have his wife restored to him. The genie thought it would be better for Ngoc Tam to abandon his attachments to the world but, taking mercy on the farmer’s continued entreaties, decided to bring back Nhan Diep. He opened the coffin and cut Ngoc Tam’s finger and let three drops of blood fall onto the body of his wife, who opened her eyes and smiled. The genie instructed Nhan Diep to be mindful of her obligations to her husband.

Ngoc Tam began to row the sampan back home eagerly, keen to resume his old life. One night, he stopped near a town to collect some provisions. While he was gone, a rich merchant brought his boat close to the sampan and, attracted by Nhan Diep’s beauty, invited her on board his vessel. She accepted. The merchant at once ordered the boat to sail away. Ngoc Tam searched for his wife for a month before finding the merchant’s vessel. By this time, Nhan Diep had become accustomed to a life of luxury and was not interested in returning to her husband.

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