Dat Nguyen
Prophecy Beneath
the Waters
This is a 2D animated short film telling an original story created by Dat Nguyen. This 2D animation continues the Vietnamese folktale of Ho Guom (Sword Lake) and weaves it together with real historical wars. When Vietnam was invaded by the powerful and numerous Ming army, the Golden Turtle gave King Le Loi a magical sword to help him protect the country. After winning the war and restoring peace, King Le Loi returned the sword to the Golden Turtle. After the turtle returned to the depths, it used its power of foresight to see that Vietnam would once again face great danger—this time from foreign armies with advanced weaponry. In Dat Nguyen’s version of the story, the turtle found a fisherman on the lake and granted him the ability to see into the future, so that he could protect Vietnam and help restore peace once again.
Artist/Thesis Statement
"The Prophecy Beneath the Water" is a 2D animated film that blends Vietnamese folklore and history with an original story by Dat Nguyen, created to evoke a deep sense of patriotism—both universal and uniquely Vietnamese. By weaving together ancient legends with the historical scars of war that Vietnam has endured, he crafts a narrative that not only honors the past but also ignites pride and inspiration in the hearts of modern audiences.
The protagonist, gifted by the sacred Golden Turtle with the power to see the future, becomes a silent guardian behind Vietnam’s many victories. By advising generals and shaping defensive strategies, he represents the unsung heroes who have safeguarded the nation’s independence throughout its most trying times. Through this, I emphasize the vital role of foresight, strategic wisdom, and unwavering determination in shaping the course of a nation's history.
This project elevates the legendary tale, transforming it into a timeless story of guardianship—bridging the traditions of the past with the storytelling of the present.
Through this work, Dat Nguyen aims to honor the unbreakable spirit of Vietnam and the cultural wisdom that has guided its people through centuries of adversity. Though Vietnam may seem small on the map, its history tells a far greater story a legacy of resilience and brilliance in the face of the world’s most powerful empires. From the Ming Dynasty to French colonization to the American war, Vietnam has continually stood its ground, defending its sovereignty with ingenuity, strategy, and an unshakable will no matter how overwhelming the odds.
Through this work, Dat Nguyen aims to honor the unbreakable spirit of Vietnam and the cultural wisdom that has guided its people through centuries of adversity. Though Vietnam may seem small on the map, its history tells a far greater story a legacy of resilience and brilliance in the face of the world’s most powerful empires. From the Ming Dynasty to French colonization to the American war, Vietnam has continually stood its ground, defending its sovereignty with ingenuity, strategy, and an unshakable will no matter how overwhelming the odds.
When Vietnam was invaded by the powerful and numerous Ming army, the Golden Turtle gave King Le Loi a magical sword to help him protect the country. After winning the war and restoring peace, King Le Loi returned the sword to the Golden Turtle.
After the turtle returned to the depths, it used its power of foresight to see that Vietnam would once again face great danger—this time from foreign armies with advanced weaponry. To prepare for the coming threats, the turtle found a fisherman on the lake and granted him the ability to see into the future, so that he could protect Vietnam and help restore peace once again
