Ỷ Lan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ỷ Lan |
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| Empress Mother Linh Nhân | |||||
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| Empress Mother of Lý Dynasty | |||||
| Reign | 1073–1117 | ||||
| Predecessor | Empress Mother Thượng Dương | ||||
| Successor | Empress Mother Trần Anh | ||||
| Born | Thổ Lỗi (now Gia Lam), Đại Việt | ||||
| Died | 1117 Thăng Long (now Hanoi), Đại Việt |
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| Burial | Thọ Lăng | ||||
| Spouse | Lý Thánh Tông (1063–1072, his death) | ||||
| Issue | Lý Nhân Tông Minh Nhân vương |
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| House | Lý Dynasty | ||||
| Religion | Buddhism | ||||
Ỷ Lan (whose name means leaning on the orchid) was a very important woman in the History of Vietnam. She was an imperial concubine of Lý Thánh Tông, the third emperor of the Lý Dynasty. She was also the mother of Lý Nhân Tông, who became the fourth emperor. Ỷ Lan served as a regent, which means she ruled the country when the emperor was away or too young. She did this first when her husband was on a military trip (1066-1068). Later, she was a co-regent with her son from 1073 to 1117.
Ỷ Lan came from a common family, not a royal one. Emperor Lý Thánh Tông liked her because she gave birth to his first child. She also did a great job ruling the country while he was fighting in Champa. After Lý Thánh Tông passed away, Ỷ Lan became regent again. She is remembered as one of the most powerful women in Vietnamese history.
Contents
Life of Empress Ỷ Lan
Early Life and Royal Marriage
We don't know exactly when Ỷ Lan was born. She came from a village called Thổ Lỗi, which is now part of Hanoi. The story goes that Emperor Lý Thánh Tông was 40 years old and still didn't have a child. He visited many Buddhist temples across the country to pray for a son.
In 1063, the emperor passed through Thổ Lỗi village. He saw a young woman leaning against an orchid tree. Unlike others, she didn't seem curious about the emperor's grand group. Lý Thánh Tông was impressed and chose her to be his concubine. She was given the title Lady Ỷ Lan.
Birth of the Crown Prince
On January 25, 1066, Lady Ỷ Lan gave birth to Lý Càn Đức. This was Emperor Lý Thánh Tông's first child! Right away, Lý Càn Đức was named the crown prince (the next in line to be emperor). Lady Ỷ Lan received a higher title, Imperial Concubine. To celebrate this happy event, the emperor changed the name of his reign period. He also released many prisoners. In February 1068, Ỷ Lan had another son, Prince Minh Nhân.
Ruling While the Emperor Was Away
In February 1069, Emperor Lý Thánh Tông led his army to fight the kingdom of Champa. He left Ỷ Lan in charge of the country as regent. At first, the emperor's army struggled. He thought about giving up. But when he heard how well Ỷ Lan was managing the country, he felt encouraged. He continued his fight and eventually captured the king of Champa.
During her time as regent, Ỷ Lan kept the country peaceful and happy. She also helped spread Buddhism throughout Đại Việt. People admired her so much that they called her "Guan Yin" (a Buddhist figure known for compassion).
Empress Mother and Regent Again
In January 1072, Emperor Lý Thánh Tông died. His son, Lý Càn Đức, became the new emperor, Lý Nhân Tông. Since Lý Nhân Tông was only six years old, he needed a regent. The former empress, Empress Thượng Dương, was made Empress Mother and became the regent. Ỷ Lan, as the emperor's birth mother, received a lower title, Imperial Concubine Mother.
Ỷ Lan was upset that she wasn't the main regent. She convinced her young son, Lý Nhân Tông, to remove Empress Mother Thượng Dương from power. Sadly, Empress Mother Thượng Dương and 76 of her maids were taken to a palace and later died. After this, Ỷ Lan was given the title Empress Mother Linh Nhân. She then took over as regent for her son.
Achievements as Regent
During her second time as regent, Ỷ Lan continued to show her strong leadership. She worked with important officials like Chancellor Lý Đạo Thành and commander-in-chief Lý Thường Kiệt. She focused on helping farmers and improving education in Đại Việt.
- She supported the first imperial examination based on Confucianism. This was a test to choose smart people for government jobs.
- She talked with a monk named Thông Biện about the history of Buddhism in Vietnam.
- She ordered the building of over a hundred pagodas (Buddhist temples). Some believe she did this because she felt bad about what happened to Empress Mother Thượng Dương.
- She cared deeply about her people. In 1103, she gave money to poor women who were struggling.
- In 1117, she made a law against killing buffaloes. She knew buffaloes were vital for farming. She said that harming a buffalo would hurt many people, so those who did it would face serious consequences.
Ỷ Lan passed away on July 25, 1117. She was given a special name after her death, Phù thánh linh nhân hoàng thái hậu. She was buried in the imperial tomb Thọ Lăng.
Legacy and Remembrance
Ỷ Lan is still remembered and honored today.
- Many shrines and temples in northern Vietnam are dedicated to her.
- A street in Gia Lam, near her birthplace, is named after her.
- Every year, people in her home district hold a festival to celebrate her achievements.
- A larger festival for Ỷ Lan takes place at the Ghềnh Temple in Hung Yen.
- In 1997, a group chose Ỷ Lan as one of the most important women in Vietnamese history. She was recognized for her political skills.
- Ỷ Lan is also believed to be the first person to teach Vietnamese people the art of embroidery.
- She is a main character in a famous play called Bài ca giữ nước (The Song of Defending the Country).
