Âu Cơ facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Âu Cơ
Au Co is shown on the left, while her husband Lạc Long Quân is in the center. This display was created for the 2009 Tet festival.

Âu Cơ is a very important figure in Vietnamese stories. She is known as an immortal mountain fairy. People believe she married Lạc Long Quân, who was a dragon king. Together, they had a special egg sac. From this sac, 100 children hatched! These children became the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. Many people honor Âu Cơ as the mother of Vietnamese civilization.

The Story of Âu Cơ

Âu Cơ was a beautiful fairy. She lived high in the snowy mountains. She was also a skilled healer. Âu Cơ loved to travel and help sick people. One day, a scary monster appeared. Âu Cơ quickly changed into a crane to fly away.

Lạc Long Quân, a powerful dragon king from the sea, saw her. He quickly saved her by defeating the monster. Âu Cơ was so grateful. She changed back into a fairy. They fell in love right away.

The Hundred Children

Soon, Âu Cơ had an egg sac. From this sac, 100 children hatched! They were all strong and smart. Even though they loved each other, Âu Cơ missed the mountains. Lạc Long Quân also missed the sea.

So, they decided to separate. Âu Cơ took 50 children with her to the mountains. Lạc Long Quân took the other 50 children to the sea. The children who went with Âu Cơ became great leaders. They were later known as the Hùng Vương, or Hùng kings. These kings helped start the first Vietnamese kingdom.

Âu Cơ in Vietnamese Books

The story of Âu Cơ and Lạc Long Quân is very old. It is written in important Vietnamese books. These books include Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư (from the 15th century) and Lĩnh Nam chích quái (from the 14th century).

The legend of Âu Cơ is taught in schools across Vietnam. It helps people understand their history. It also teaches them about their shared ancestors. This story is a big part of Vietnamese culture.

See Also

In Spanish: Âu Cơ para niños