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Who was the Longest-Living Hùng King: A Four-Century Reign and a Name Synonymous with Vietnamese History?

The legendary king is not only renowned for his longevity but also holds a very special place in the hearts of the Vietnamese people. He is considered the progenitor and founding father of our great nation.

Administrator

20 September, 2024

From the 3rd millennium BC to the 3rd century BC, Vietnam was ruled by the Hung Dynasty, considered the first dynasty of our country. Various legends, historical narratives, and even official histories document this era.

Alongside the contributions of the Hung Kings, it is noteworthy that these ancient rulers lived exceptionally long lives. The shortest-lived among them was Hung Huy Vuong of the sixth generation, who reigned for 87 years and lived to be a hundred.

However, the most well-known for their longevity was Hung Hien Vuong, the second king of the Hung Dynasty. He ruled for 400 years and lived to be 420 years old.

Interestingly, the Hung King with the longest lifespan is also a familiar figure to the Vietnamese people, commonly known as Lac Long Quan.

Lac Long Quan and his wife, Au Co, are revered as the ancestors of the Vietnamese nation. The legend of “a hundred eggs” and the story of their 50 children, half of whom followed their father to the sea and the other half their mother to the mountains, is a tale told to every Vietnamese child.

A sculpture of Lac Long Quan at Ho Quoc Pagoda in Phu Quoc. (Illustrative image)

Lac Long Quan is celebrated for his heroic deeds in defending the territory of the nation. Notably, he is famed for slaying the giant Ngư Tinh, which was over 50 tridents in length, and capturing the nine-tailed Hồ Tinh.

The longevity of the Hung Kings has long been a subject of debate and skepticism, even among feudal historians. Ngo Thi Si, a renowned historian, once questioned: “If people are not made of gold or stone, how could they live so long? This is truly incomprehensible.”

Considering the realities of ancient times, when science, medicine, and human knowledge were less advanced, it is remarkable to consider the longevity attributed to these rulers. In feudal times, a Vietnamese ruler living past 60 years was considered a long life, and even then, such individuals made up only 12% of the population.

One theory suggests that the 18 generations of Hung Kings may not refer to 18 individuals but rather 18 branches or lineages. Additionally, attributing incredible lifespans to these kings may have been a way for the people to deify and honor their ancient rulers.

Frequently asked questions

The longest-reigning Hung king was Hung Vuong XVIII, or King Thuc Phan, who ruled for 65 years from 252 BC to 187 BC.

The Hung Kings’ rule was significant as it laid the foundations of Vietnamese civilization and is considered the first independent state of Vietnam. This period is known for its advanced bronze-age culture, with the kings introducing wet rice cultivation and developing a complex social hierarchy.

There were 18 Hung Kings in total, and they were collectively known as the ‘Hồng Bàng Dynasty’. This dynasty ruled for approximately 2,600 years, with each king taking on the name of ‘Hung Vuong’ followed by a number to indicate their order.

The era of the Hung Kings is of immense significance in Vietnamese history and culture. It represents a time of independence, unity, and the development of a unique Vietnamese identity. Many traditions, such as the worship of ancestors and the celebration of lunar new year, can be traced back to this period.

The Hung Kings’ era came to an end with the invasion of the Chinese army led by General Zhao Tuo in 257 BC. Despite fierce resistance, the Hung Kingdom eventually fell, and Vietnam entered a period of Chinese rule for the next thousand years.