Image: Gnilenkov Aleksey / flickr (CC BY 2.0)
TL;DR: Lê Lợi (1385-1433) was a national hero who led the Lam Sơn uprising (1418-1427), driving out the Ming invaders and founding the Later Le dynasty. The Lam Kinh Festival is held annually in Thanh Hóa to honor his contributions and those of his generals, preserving the nation's historical and cultural values.
What was the historical context of the Lam Sơn Uprising?
In 1407, after the failure of the Ho dynasty's resistance, Đại Việt fell under the domination of the Ming dynasty. The nation's fate and cultural heritage were at risk of destruction. In this context, Lê Lợi, a wealthy and influential leader in the Lam Sơn region (now Thọ Xuân district, Thanh Hóa province), harbored the ambition to expel the invaders.
In 1416, at Lũng Nhai, Lê Lợi and 18 trusted generals held a solemn oath ceremony, pledging to fight against the Ming. This sacred oath spread, attracting heroes from across the country to gather at Lam Sơn. In early spring 1418, at Lam Sơn, Lê Lợi officially raised the flag of uprising.
Summary table of event milestones and landmarks associated with Lê Lợi and the Lam Sơn uprising.
| Time | Event | Location |
|---|---|---|
| 1407 | Đại Việt fell under Ming dynasty rule | Đại Việt |
| 1416 | Lê Lợi and 18 generals held the Oath Ceremony | Lũng Nhai |
| Early spring 1418 | Lê Lợi raised the banner of uprising | Lam Sơn mountain forest |
| 1426 | Battle of Tốt Động - Chúc Động | |
| 1427 | Battle of Chi Lăng - Xương Giang | |
| 1428 | The uprising achieved complete victory | |
| April 1428 | Lê Lợi ascended the throne as Emperor, establishing the Later Le dynasty | |
| Twelfth lunar month of 1431 | Inscription carved on Pú Huổi Chỏ rock face | North bank of the Da River, Lê Lợi commune, Nậm Nhùn district, Lai Châu |
| 2016 | King Lê Thái Tổ Stele recognized as a National Treasure |
How did the Lam Sơn Uprising progress and win?
The Lam Sơn uprising lasted 10 years with immense hardships. The insurgents endured many difficulties, at times retreating to the western mountains to preserve their forces. Thanks to the resilient spirit and military talent of Lê Lợi and his generals like Nguyễn Trãi, Trần Nguyên Hãn, Lê Lai, they gradually strengthened.
Using unique military tactics, defeating a stronger enemy with weaker forces, the Lam Sơn army shifted from defense to offense. Key battles such as Tốt Động - Chúc Động (1426) and Chi Lăng - Xương Giang (1427) destroyed or captured hundreds of thousands of Ming troops. In 1428, the uprising achieved complete victory, ending 20 years of Ming domination.
What was Lê Lợi's reign and the Later Le Dynasty?
In April 1428, Lê Lợi ascended the throne, taking the reign name Thuận Thiên, restoring the national name Đại Việt, and founding the Later Le dynasty, which lasted over 360 years. In his 6 years as emperor, Lê Thái Tổ built a strong centralized state, issued progressive land policies, developed industry and commerce, promoted education, and maintained peaceful borders. Đại Việt became one of the most prosperous countries in Southeast Asia.
What is Lam Kinh, the second capital?
After ascending the throne, Lê Thái Tổ chose Lam Sơn as the site for ancestral worship, building palaces, mausoleums for kings and queens. This place, called Lam Kinh or Tây Kinh, coexisted with Đông Kinh (Thăng Long). Today, Lam Kinh is a Special National Historical Site, with many structures restored including Thai Mieu, Nghinh Mon, Chinh Dien, and various tombs.
What is the Lam Kinh Festival?
The Lam Kinh Festival is held annually in August (lunar calendar) at the Lam Kinh Historical Site to honor Lê Lợi, the Le kings, generals, and people who contributed to the nation's history. The festival includes ceremonial rites such as the palanquin procession of King Lê Thái Tổ and Trung Túc Vương Lê Lai, and offerings at temples. The festive part features staged performances recreating the Lam Sơn uprising, folk games, and cultural activities.
What is Lê Lợi's imprint in the Northwest Region?
Lê Lợi's legacy also extends to the far northwest. In 1431, after pacifying the region, he had an inscription carved on a cliff at Pú Huổi Chỏ in Nậm Nhùn district, Lai Châu province. This stele was recognized as a National Treasure in 2016. The annual Lê Thái Tổ Temple Festival held here in early spring demonstrates the deep gratitude and reverence of the Vietnamese people for their national hero across all regions.
