The story of the 700-year-old "historical tree" recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree

Located on the top of a hill, within the grounds of three houses in Kim Son hamlet, Kim Hoa commune, Ha Tinh province, the over 700-year-old fig tree is still full of life and provides cool green shade.

With a height of more than 30m, the ancient fig tree stands tall with its sturdy roots and lush foliage. The tree's bark is especially rough with many lumps and veins, while the hollow base of the tree is large enough for 3-5 people to hide. Every season, the tree bears fruit, bringing a sweet fragrance to the whole area.

Mrs. Tran Thi Nhuan, 86 years old, said: “I have seen this fig tree since I was born. The tree grew by itself, before the village moved here. Every year the tree bears fruit, when ripe it is very fragrant and sweet.”

Associated with the ancient banyan tree is a heroic legend about the early days of the Lam Son uprising. Legend has it that in 1424, when being pursued by the Ming army, King Le Loi had to hide in the hollow of this banyan tree to escape. While searching for the leader of the Lam Son army, the pack of hunting dogs barked continuously around the banyan tree. Suddenly, a white fox jumped out from the hollow of the banyan tree, distracting the hunting dogs and the enemy, helping him escape by a hair's breadth.

Also according to legend, a year later, upon hearing that the leader of the Coc Son uprising, Nguyen Tuan Thien, was inciting an uprising in the Huong Son (old) mountain region, Le Loi came to recruit troops and became sworn brothers. Together they killed a white horse, cut their hair and took an oath, demonstrating their determination to fight off the foreign invaders. Since then, this legend has been passed down through many generations in the verse: “Cut hair, kill a white horse/ Under the banyan tree, swear/ We vow to be of one mind and heart/ To defeat the enemy and build a foundation”.

After successfully driving out the Ming army and ascending the throne, Le Loi appointed Nguyen Tuan Thien as the founding hero. Since then, the local people respectfully called this banyan tree “The Historical Banyan Tree” or “The Oath-Bearing Banyan Tree”.

Nowadays, the banyan tree is carefully preserved and cared for by the villagers of Kim Son. From the elderly to the children, no one dares to cut the tree or break its branches, because to them, the banyan tree is like a god that protects and blesses the whole village. Therefore, on holidays and full moon days, people often come to burn incense in large numbers. Everyone is conscious of protecting the sacred banyan tree.

In particular, on May 30, 2023, the fig tree was officially recognized as a Vietnamese Heritage Tree. The 700-year-old fig tree, standing tall between heaven and earth, is now not only an ancient tree but also a living heritage, a testament to a heroic period of the nation and the resilient, indomitable spirit of our ancestors.

Speaking to Nguoi Dua Tin reporter, Mr. Tran Anh Nam, Vice Chairman of Kim Hoa Commune People's Committee, said that the locality is currently planning a parking lot in front of the banyan tree area; at the same time, calling for socialized resources to renovate the campus and the path to the tree. "Recently, in the resolution of the Kim Hoa Commune Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term, the task of developing eco-tourism and experiences was included. In which, the banyan tree in Kim Son hamlet is the location identified to be included in the program to exploit and promote the value of the Heritage Tree," said Mr. Nam.