Hoan Kiem Lake (Vietnamese: Hồ Hoà n Kiếm, meaning "Lake of the Returned Sword" or "Lake of the Restored Sword", also known as Hồ Gươm - Sword Lake) is a lake in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The lake is one of the major scenic spots in the city and serves as a focal point for its public life. According to the legend, Emperor Lê Lợi was boating on the lake when a Golden Turtle God (Kim Qui) surfaced and asked for his magic sword, Heaven's Will. emperor Lê Lợi concluded that Kim Qui had come to reclaim the sword that its master, a local God, the Dragon King (Vietnamese: Long Vương) had given Lê Lợi some time earlier, during his revolt against the Chinese Ming Dynasty. emperor Lê Lợi renamed the Hoan Kiem Lake to commemorate this event. The Turtle Tower (Tháp Rùa) standing on a small island near the centre of lake is linked to the legend. Near the northern shore of the lake is Temple of the Jade Mountain (Ngoc Son Temple), The temple was erected in the 18th century. It honors the 13th-century military leader Tran Hung Dao who distinguished himself in the fight against the Yuan Dynasty. The Ngoc Son Temple is connected to the shore by The Huc Bridge (meaning Morning Sunlight Bridge).
