(VNF) - The round-table discussion themed on ‘Linh Nam chich quai’, a compendium of traditional Vietnamese folk tales with the participation of painter Ta Huy Long, Dr. To Lan and writer Luu Son Minh will be held on September 20^th at L’Espace.

Linh Nam Chich Quai, the collection, published by Kim Dong Publishing House. (VNS Photo)

'Linh Nam chich quai' is an important work of great value of Vietnamese literature from the 10^th to 19^th century. The past, with all its glory, stories and colors, is ever-present and worth revisiting regularly in the present day.

During the discussion entitled “The Living Past”, three guest speakers will talk about their working processes of reconstructing the past and bringing it to audiences in full glory.

An exhibition of painter Ta Huy Long’s illustrations of the 14^th-century Vietnamese historical work will also take place at the mezzanine of L’Espace from September 4^th to 30^th.

The collection, published by Kim Dong Publishing House has sold out just one week after it was launched on June 24^th.

The book includes 36 strange stories from the Hong Bang Era (assumed to be from 2879 BC) to the Tran Dynasty (1226-1400 AD). Comparable with Grimms’ Fairy Tales for European and Western audiences, 'Linh Nam chich quai' is the foundation of Vietnamese children’s bedtime stories and is beloved by most locals.

These include the famous tales of Lac Long Quan and Au Co, believed to be the ancestors of Vietnamese people; a story about the arena nut tree, and another on Tan Vien Mountain, among others.

This latest edition is aimed at adults and has been illustrated by artist Ta Huy Long, who has brought each of the 30-plus traditional Vietnamese tales alive. (Image courtesy of Ta Quoc Ky Nam and Kim Dong Publishing House)

Originally, the collection of stories had been written in Han Chinese language by scholar Tran The Phap from the Tran Dynasty. Over time, it was revised by various noted scholars such as Vu Quynh and Kieu Phu. The collection is considered a masterpiece of ancient Vietnamese literature on history, traditional customs and behaviour in society.

This time, the anthology was translated by scholars Dinh Gia Khanh and Nguyen Ngoc San, and has around 200 illustrations drawn by hand in the style of traditional wood block paintings by Ta Huy Long./.

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