Identity of the Vietnamese narrative culture: archetypal journeys from folk narratives to fantasy short stories

This study investigates the cultural identity embedded within Vietnamese narrative traditions, focusing on the archetype of journeys to otherworldly realms. The research question centers on how this archetype, present in folk narratives and later adapted in literary works, reflects the socio-historical context of Vietnam, particularly the interplay between Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous beliefs. The purpose is to understand how the transformation of these journey motifs reveals the evolving cultural landscape and the perspectives of medieval Vietnamese Confucian writers. The study's importance lies in its contribution to understanding the complex interaction between folklore, religious ideologies, and political realities in shaping Vietnamese literary traditions. The researchers analyze journey motifs to the upper and lower worlds, initially appearing in early collections of folk narratives written in Han characters, comparing them to their later adaptations in the fantasy short stories of Nguyen Du's *Excursive Notes on Weird Stories*. By examining these narratives through a sociohistorical lens, the study aims to uncover the hidden political and religious messages embedded within them, shedding light on the cultural identity of the Vietnamese Confucian intellectual.

The paper draws upon existing scholarship on Vietnamese history, literature, and folklore. It references works exploring the historical context of medieval Vietnam, including the rise and dominance of Confucianism alongside the influence of Taoism and Buddhism. The research also engages with studies on the *chuanqi* genre in Chinese literature and its impact on the development of Vietnamese fantasy short stories. Key sources include works analyzing the literary style and thematic concerns of *Truyen ky man luc*, and those exploring the relationship between Vietnamese folklore and literary traditions. The study integrates insights from comparative mythology and folklore studies, drawing upon frameworks for analyzing archetypal journeys and motifs.

The research employs a sociohistorical approach, combining textual analysis with historical and cultural contextualization. The methodology involves a comparative analysis of journey motifs in two main sources: (1) Early collections of Vietnamese folk narratives written in Han characters (such as *Viet dien u linh* and *Linh Nam chich quai*), and (2) Nguyen Du's *Excursive Notes on Weird Stories* (*Truyen ky man luc*). The analysis of the folk narratives focuses on identifying and categorizing journey motifs to the upper and lower worlds, analyzing their symbolic meaning within the context of Vietnamese animistic beliefs and the worship of mountain gods. The analysis of *Truyen ky man luc* examines how these motifs are adapted and transformed in the fantasy short stories. The researchers analyze the narrative structures, character development, and thematic concerns of the stories, paying close attention to the use of language and imagery. The study explores how the stories reflect the political and social climate of medieval Vietnam, focusing on the tensions between Confucianism, Taoism, and indigenous beliefs, and the ways these conflicts are expressed through the symbolic language of journeys to other worlds. The analysis considers the historical context, drawing upon relevant historical documents and scholarly works to interpret the stories’ deeper meanings. The comparative analysis highlights the evolution of these motifs and their significance in representing the cultural identity of the Vietnamese Confucian intellectual.

The study reveals that the archetype of the journey to the upper world, often associated with sacred mountains and encounters with mountain gods, reflects the Vietnamese belief in the power of sacred places and the desire to overcome natural challenges such as floods. The journey to the upper world in folk narratives and *Truyen ky man luc* often symbolizes enlightenment, escape from worldly troubles, and the pursuit of a utopian society. The analysis of Nguyen Du's stories, such as "Tu Thu Married a Fairy," reveals a complex interplay between Confucian ideals, Taoist philosophy, and folk beliefs. The stories' narrative structures use the journey motif to critique the limitations of Confucianism in the context of political turmoil and war. In contrast, the journey to the lower world, often associated with hell, symbolizes regression, punishment for misdeeds, and the consequences of actions. The analysis of stories like "The Chancellor at Tan Vien Temple" shows how this motif is used to explore themes of karma, justice, and the relationship between the earthly and spiritual realms. The study finds that Confucian writers in medieval Vietnam skillfully adapted folk narratives and archetypal journeys, blending them with their own political and religious perspectives. The stories reflect the competition between Confucianism and Taoism, with Confucian writers often incorporating elements of Taoism and folklore to create a more nuanced and critical representation of their social and political realities. The analysis demonstrates how the seemingly fantastical narratives function as subtle critiques of the prevailing Confucian order and the desire for social and political transformation.

The findings address the research question by demonstrating how the archetype of otherworldly journeys in Vietnamese narratives reflects the historical, cultural, and religious complexities of medieval Vietnam. The transformation of journey motifs in *Truyen ky man luc* reflects the internal conflicts and adaptations within the Confucian intellectual class facing a period of social and political upheaval. The integration of folk elements into literary works suggests a complex negotiation between dominant Confucian ideology and persisting indigenous beliefs and practices. The significance of the results lies in their contribution to a deeper understanding of the cultural identity of medieval Vietnamese narratives and the ways in which literary works served as vehicles for social and political commentary. The study highlights the importance of considering the historical and cultural context in interpreting literary texts and the potential of archetypal analysis to illuminate the deeper meanings embedded within them. The findings are relevant to broader fields such as comparative literature, folklore studies, and the study of cultural identity in East Asia.

This research demonstrates how archetypal journeys in Vietnamese fantasy short stories reflect the complex interplay of folklore, Confucianism, and Taoism in shaping medieval Vietnamese cultural identity. The adaptation of folk narratives by Confucian writers served as a means of expressing social and political critique and exploring the limitations of Confucian orthodoxy. The study reveals the enduring power of folklore in shaping literary traditions and the ability of literature to engage with both past and present cultural values. Future research could explore the influence of specific folk traditions on literary narratives, analyze the reception and impact of *Truyen ky man luc* on subsequent literary developments, and further investigate the relationship between literary works and social and political change in medieval Vietnam.

The study primarily focuses on a limited selection of folk narratives and fantasy short stories. A broader corpus of texts might reveal more nuanced patterns and perspectives. The interpretation of the stories relies heavily on secondary sources and scholarly interpretations of Vietnamese history and culture. While the study integrates historical context, further research involving primary sources and interdisciplinary perspectives could provide deeper insights. The research emphasizes a particular interpretation of the interaction between Confucianism and Taoism, and alternative interpretations might exist.