Lý Thường Kiệt

Lý Thường Kiệt (李常傑; 1019–1105), born Ngô Tuấn (吳俊), was a Vietnamese military general and admiral during the Lý dynasty. He served as an official under the reigns of Lý Thái Tông, Lý Thánh Tông, and Lý Nhân Tông. His career included participation in the Song–Lý War, where he played significant roles in military campaigns against the Song dynasty and Champa.

== Early Life and Family Background ==

Lý Thường Kiệt was born in Thăng Long, the capital of Đại Việt, present-day Hanoi. His real name was Ngô Tuấn. His father was a military officer of modest rank. The area of his birth, Thái Hòa ward, was part of Thăng Long's citadel, and its name is associated with a small mountain located to the west of the city center, near the Bách Thảo dike.

There are two primary theories regarding his surname and family lineage. The first, supported by the "Genealogy of the Vietnamese Ngô family" and "Thần phổ Lý Thường Kiệt" writings from the Nguyễn dynasty, suggests his original surname was Ngô, and he was the son of Ngô An Ngữ, a general. This theory holds that his family descended from Ngô Quyền, the founder of Vietnamese independence, being the grandson of ambassador Ngô Xương Xí and the great-grandson of Ngô Xương Ngập.

The second theory, based on inscriptions from the An Hoạch Báo Ân stele (1100) and the Cồ Việt quốc Thái úy Lý công thạch bi minh tính tự (1159), posits that his surname was Quách, with his original name being Tuấn. According to these sources, he was born in An Xá village, Quảng Đức district. His father, according to the stele, was Quách Thịnh Ích, a commander-in-chief under Lý Thái Tông. After royal favor, he was bestowed the surname Lý, becoming Lý Thường Kiệt.

Further, historical Chinese texts refer to him as Lý Thường Cát or Lý Thượng Cát. He had a younger brother named Lý Thường Hiến, with some evidence suggesting that "Thường Hiến" was a post-maturation name, consistent with naming conventions of the period.

== Family and Early Education ==

His family traditionally served as mandarins across generations, establishing a bureaucratic lineage. Education and martial training were emphasized in his upbringing. According to Nhữ Bá Sĩ, his youth was marked by diligent study of literature and military tactics. His father, during the period of Lý Thái Tông’s reign, was involved in border patrols until his death in 1031 when Ngô Tuấn was around 12 years old. Following his father's death, Ngô Tuấn showed interest in both scholarly pursuits and martial skills, training in archery, horseback riding, and military strategy.

At age 18, he experienced the death of his mother, after which he and his brother managed the funeral rites. Subsequently, he was appointed as Cavalry Captain, a minor military officer position.

== Contributions and Military Campaigns ==

Lý Thường Kiệt is renowned for his military achievements, including leading the invasion of Champa in 1069, raiding three Song provinces (Yongzhou, Qinzhou, Lianzhou) during 1075–1076, and defending Vietnam against the Song invasion led by generals Gou Kui and Zhao Xie.

He is credited with composing the poem "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà," which is considered a patriotic declaration motivating Vietnamese resistance against invaders. The poem's authorship remains debated, but it is widely attributed to him or associated with his era. Historically, the poem served as a cultural symbol of Vietnamese independence and resistance.

Additionally, Lý Thường Kiệt authored the poem "Phạt Tống lộ bố văn" (An Account of the Campaign to Punish the Song), reflecting his military campaigns against the Song dynasty.

== Legacy ==

Lý Thường Kiệt is recognized as a national hero in Vietnam. His contributions to military history and national identity are commemorated through various memorials and cultural references. His poetry remains influential, with "Nam Quốc Sơn Hà" regarded as a declaration of independence celebrated in Vietnamese history and culture.

== External References ==

- "Lý Thường Kiệt with the poem 'Nam quốc sơn hà'" (Vietnamese source)

- Records of the Song–Lý War campaigns and his role as admiral and general