The Water Snake and Its Wise Old Grandmother: An 11th Century Vietnamese Folktale Exploring Themes of Greed, Respect for Elders, and Unexpected Consequences

Deep within the tapestry of Vietnamese folklore lies a trove of captivating tales passed down through generations, each imbued with timeless wisdom and cultural insights. Today, we embark on a journey to explore one such gem, an 11th-century folktale titled “The Water Snake.” This story transcends mere entertainment, weaving together intricate themes of greed, respect for elders, and the unforeseen consequences that arise from neglecting ancient wisdom.

“The Water Snake” introduces us to a young fisherman, perpetually lured by the promise of wealth and ease. His insatiable desire for riches blinds him to the contentment he already possesses in his simple life by the river. One fateful day, while casting his net, he unexpectedly catches an extraordinary creature: a shimmering water snake with emerald eyes and scales that shimmered like moonlight on water.

Overwhelmed with both fear and greed, the fisherman struggles with what to do with this rare catch. He contemplates selling it for a fortune, imagining the luxurious life he could lead. However, as the snake pleads for its freedom, whispering tales of an ancient and wise grandmother residing deep within a secluded cave, doubt begins to creep into the fisherman’s heart.

Torn between his desire for riches and the strange, compelling voice of the snake, he finally relents and agrees to accompany the creature to its grandmother’s dwelling. The journey through winding waterways and dense bamboo forests is fraught with peril, yet the snake assures the fisherman that the grandmother possesses untold wisdom and can grant him greater fortune than he ever dreamed.

Upon reaching the secluded cave, the fisherman encounters the grandmother, a venerable water snake with eyes that hold millennia of knowledge. Her presence exudes tranquility and power, instilling in the young man a profound respect he hasn’t felt before. The grandmother listens patiently to his tale, her ancient wisdom penetrating the veil of the fisherman’s greed.

She reveals that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in contentment, humility, and kindness towards all creatures. She cautions him against the dangers of unchecked ambition and reminds him of the importance of respecting elders and heeding their advice. As a test of his character, she challenges the fisherman to choose between a chest overflowing with gold or a single lotus seed.

Bewildered by this seemingly impossible choice, the fisherman grapples with his desires. He yearns for the gold, imagining the power and comfort it would bring. Yet, something within him stirs – perhaps the grandmother’s words resonating deep within his soul – urging him to consider the potential hidden in that simple seed.

Finally, overcome by a newfound sense of clarity and trust in the grandmother’s wisdom, he chooses the lotus seed. The grandmother smiles approvingly, explaining that the seed holds the promise of growth, prosperity, and a life lived in harmony with nature – a wealth far surpassing any fleeting riches gold could offer.

True to her words, the lotus seed blossoms into a magnificent plant, bearing fruit that sustains the fisherman and his family for generations to come. He learns valuable lessons about contentment, respect for elders, and the dangers of greed. The tale serves as a powerful reminder that true wealth lies not in material possessions but in living a virtuous and fulfilling life.

Unpacking the Symbolism:

“The Water Snake” resonates with readers not just through its fantastical elements but also through its exploration of timeless human experiences: the struggle against greed, the power of wisdom passed down through generations, and the search for true happiness. This Vietnamese folktale invites reflection on our own values and choices, reminding us that genuine wealth resides in living a meaningful life aligned with nature and guided by respect for the wisdom of our elders.

As we delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Vietnamese folklore, let “The Water Snake” serve as a beacon, illuminating the path towards a more mindful and fulfilling existence.