453- How Real Are Vietnamese Legends? Professor Nam C. Kim and Professor John Phan.

In this episode, archaeologist Nam C. Kim and language historian John D. Phan join host Kenneth Nguyen for an exploration of how Vietnam’s ancient past continues to shape its modern identity. The conversation takes us into the space where myth, politics, linguistics and archaeology meet.

Together, they unravel how iconic women, The Trung Sisters, once dismissed as rebels and “savages” in early Han and medieval Vietnamese records were later reborn as symbols of courage, independence, and identity. Kim and Phan reveal how these shifting portrayals weren’t accidental but reflected the evolving needs of different eras and rulers. From state ideology to local worship, the guests uncover how generations of Vietnamese have told, retold, and reshaped these stories to define who they are.

The discussion also takes listeners on a journey through the archaeological and linguistic evidence of the time, showing how the vibrant Đông Sơn culture blended with Han influences after the conquest to form something uniquely Vietnamese.

Kim draws a striking parallel to Boudicca’s rebellion in Roman Britain—another female-led uprising against empire—raising a fascinating question: could future excavations uncover the physical traces of the Trưng Sisters’ revolt? Beyond the history, this episode celebrates the idea that our understanding of the past is never fixed. It evolves through collaboration, dialogue, and discovery. Together, Kim and Phan remind us that Vietnam’s history is not just something to study—it’s a living story that continues to define the nation’s identity today.

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Many of you still have the chance to record and preserve the legacies of your own families. I’ve sat with families now for interview sessions to record the rich histories of parents and explore the lives of the generations that preceded them. Don’t let your family stories go untold! Take a moment to reach out and together we will bring out your family’s story on a recorded journey. - Kenneth Nguyen

Visit vietnamstorybank.com today for more information!

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