Ngũ Long Công chúa
Definition
Proper Noun (Mythological Figure):
- The Five Dragon Princesses: A collective title for five immortal princesses from Chinese-inspired Vietnamese mythology, specifically from the novel "The Tale of the Tang Dynasty" (Thuyết Đường). They are the daughters of the Dragon King (Long Vương) and are named after colors/dragons: Thanh Long (Azure Dragon), Hắc Long (Black Dragon), Bạch Long (White Dragon), Xích Long (Red Dragon), and Hoàng Long (Yellow Dragon).
Proper Noun (Extended Context):
- A Group of Immortal Beings: These princesses are depicted as cultivators of immortality (tu tiên) on Ngũ Long Mountain (Five Dragons Mountain). They possess magical abilities (phép lạ) and are known for their intervention in mortal wars, notably by deploying a Five Elements battle formation (trận ngũ hành) to aid the Western Fan Kingdom (nước Tây Phiên) in a conflict against the Tang Dynasty army.
Usage Examples
- Proper Noun:
- Trong "Thuyết Đường", Ngũ Long Công chúa là những nhân vật pháp thuật cao cường. (In "The Tale of the Tang Dynasty," the Five Dragon Princesses are characters with powerful magic.)
- Ngũ Long Công chúa đã giúp nước Tây Phiên bằng trận ngũ hành. (The Five Dragon Princesses aided the Western Fan Kingdom using the Five Elements formation.)
Advanced Usage
- The term is primarily used in the context of discussing classical Vietnamese/Chinese literature, mythology, or folklore. It refers specifically to this set group of five sisters and their legendary exploits.
Variants and Related Words
- Long Vương (n): Dragon King; their father in the myth.
- Tu tiên (v): To cultivate immortality; to practice Taoist immortal arts.
- Trận ngũ hành (n): Five Elements formation; a magical battle array based on the principles of Wu Xing (metal, wood, water, fire, earth).
Synonyms
- The Five Dragon Immortals: Emphasizes their immortal, celestial nature.
- The Dragon King's Daughters: A descriptive synonym focusing on their lineage.
Related Concepts
- Ngũ Hành (Wu Xing): The Five Elements philosophy (metal, wood, water, fire, earth) central to their magical formation.
- Tiên (Immortal/Fairy): A category of beings in East Asian mythology to which they belong.