In the common consciousness, the lives, behavior and careers of the nation’s great heroes are not only folklorized with many magical elements, but also associated with sacred symbols, such as dragons, turtles and claws. Dragons and turtles are sacred animals representing invincible power, while claws are magical crossbow weapons that cannot be defeated. These sacred images express the folks’ aspirations and longing for national heroes who preserve the country and defeat foreign invaders. The sacred in the images of dragons, turtles and claws discussed in this paper are miracles created by the Việt people to decipher the historical phenomena of the victory over the enemy, as well as explain the defeat of their heroes. This paper discusses the place of turtles, dragons and sacred claws in oral history, legends related to two kings, namely An Duong Vuong and Trieu Quang Phuc, prior to and since AD, converging magical elements, historical reality, as well as in expressions of the folks’ aspirations. Both King An Duong Vuong and King Trieu Viet Vuong were supported by the spirit of the golden turtle (thần Kim Quy), who would appear to help and give magical claws. The images of dragons, turtles and sacred claws in the folk consciousness represent thoughts and feelings of the Việt people towards the merited kings who have contributed to defeating the enemy and fighting against foreign invaders.

Keywords: Sacred, Dragons, Turtles, and Claws in the Folk Consciousness, the Việt