An Thư: The Tale of a Clever and Resourceful Young Girl!

“An Thư” tells the story of an intelligent young girl who uses her wit and resourcefulness to outsmart a greedy mandarin, highlighting the importance of cleverness over brute force in Vietnamese folklore. This ancient tale, believed to have originated around the 3rd century, speaks volumes about the cultural values of ingenuity and resilience prevalent in ancient Vietnam.

The story revolves around An Thư, a poor but brilliant young girl known for her quick thinking and sharp tongue. She lives with her widowed mother and struggles against poverty. One day, the village is visited by the tyrannical mandarin named Trương, infamous for his insatiable greed and relentless pursuit of wealth. He demands an exorbitant tax from the villagers, threatening dire consequences if they fail to pay. The villagers are terrified and distraught, unable to afford such a hefty sum.

Seeing the suffering of her community, An Thư devises a cunning plan to outsmart the oppressive mandarin. She approaches Trương and offers him a seemingly impossible task: she claims to possess the ability to weave cloth from moonlight. Intrigued and desiring something as rare and precious as moonlit cloth, Trương agrees to waive the villagers’ tax if An Thư succeeds in her endeavor.

An Thư, however, knows this task is nothing but a ruse. She doesn’t actually have the power to weave moonlight into cloth; instead, she uses her wit and ingenuity to create an illusion of success. Over several nights, she patiently collects dew drops from leaves, carefully spreading them onto lotus fibers. The glistening dew, catching the moon’s light, creates the appearance of shimmering fabric.

As days turn into weeks, An Thư diligently pretends to weave the “moonlight cloth,” her actions subtly observed by Trương. He becomes increasingly excited at the prospect of possessing such a unique and valuable artifact, his greed clouding his judgment.

Finally, the day arrives when An Thư declares her task complete. She presents Trương with a shimmering piece of fabric – the dew-soaked lotus fibers, catching the morning sunlight in a delicate dance. Trương is ecstatic, believing it to be the product of genuine moonlight weaving. He readily accepts An Thư’s work, forgetting about the villagers’ unbearable tax.

Cleverness vs. Brute Force
An Thư uses her intelligence and ingenuity to overcome the powerful mandarin.
Trương relies solely on his authority and threats, demonstrating a lack of insight.

The story of “An Thư” celebrates the triumph of intellect over brute force. An Thư’s success lies not in physical strength or magical abilities but in her sharp wit, quick thinking, and unwavering determination. She proves that even the most formidable challenges can be overcome through cleverness and resourcefulness. This theme resonated deeply within Vietnamese culture, emphasizing the value of education, cunning, and adaptability in navigating life’s complexities.

Furthermore, “An Thư” subtly critiques social injustice and tyranny. The story portrays Trương as a symbol of corrupt authority who preys on the vulnerable for personal gain. An Thư’s actions represent a rebellion against such oppression, highlighting the power of individuals to challenge unjust systems through cunning and ingenuity.

The enduring popularity of “An Thư” throughout Vietnamese history testifies to its timeless appeal and cultural significance. The story continues to be shared among generations, serving as a reminder of the importance of intelligence, resilience, and standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.