A branch of Tran Dynasty
Among the feudal dynasties in Vietnam, it was Tran Dynasty that impressed me most for the victories against Mongol invasions, the sensational love stories that went beyond the Confucian concepts and the singular connection with Buddhism. In my imagination, people of Tran Dynasty always look somewhat youthful, powerful and arrogant. Thus, I was a bit surprised looking at the family tree of Tran Dynasty sketched by Đăng Thiên, in which the historical figures were quite mellowed and serene as if they had undergone a life of ups and downs. The past is forever an unanswered question, and each of us, holds a different perspective on it.
The artwork let us see a branch of Tran Dynasty from Trần Thái Tông (reign: 1225 – 1258) to Trần Minh Tông (reign: 1314-1329). The dynasty began since the marriage of Tran Canh and Ly Chieu Hoang – the only Empress Regnant during the history of Vietnam, and lasted until Ho Quy Ly usuped the throne from his maternal grandson Tran Thieu De (1225-1400). Emperors of Tran Dynasty often abdicated the throne in favor of their son after a long time reigning, becoming a retired emperor, and continued to advise the new Emperor. When the Ming invaded Dai Ngu (Vietnam’s name under Ho Dynasty), Tran Ngoi proclaimed himself emperor and founded Later Tran Dynasty, waging a revolt against the Ming. Later Tran Dynasty lasted for 7 years with two emperors then ended up being defeated by the Ming.
Art by Dang Thien
Written by Kim Nhu Nguyen
