Le Minh Khai's SEAsian History Blog (+ More)

“Savages” in Vietnamese History: A Tale of Borders and Beliefs

When we think about ancient Vietnamese history, what often comes to mind are its great dynasties, cultural achievements, and epic battles against foreign powers. But a lesser-discussed topic is how the Vietnamese state viewed and managed its relationship with the so-called “savages” (蠻). These groups, often living on the periphery of the Vietnamese kingdom, played a complex and fascinating role in shaping the nation’s identity and borders.

Let’s dive into some stories from Đại Việt Sử Ký Toàn Thư (大越史記全書), Vietnam’s official chronicle, to explore how the Vietnamese court perceived and dealt with these “savage” tribes.

The “Savages” as Limbs of the Empire

The Vietnamese court had a clear view of where these peripheral groups stood in their grand vision of civilization. One passage famously compares the relationship of the Central Kingdom (Vietnam) to the savages to that of the human heart and limbs:

“中夏之於蠻貊，猶人身之有四肢也。運動伸縮，隨諸人心。”
(The relationship of the Central Kingdom to the savages is like the relationship of the heart to the limbs in a human body. Their movement and actions are guided by the will of the heart.)

This analogy is steeped in a Confucian worldview. It paints Vietnam as the civilized core, with an obligation to guide and discipline the “uncivilized” groups on its borders. These groups, labeled as “蠻” (man) or “獠” (liao, mountain tribes), were seen as extensions of the empire’s domain but requiring control to function harmoniously.

Rebellion and Retribution

Managing these “savages” wasn’t always smooth sailing. Rebellions were common, and the imperial court often resorted to military campaigns to reassert control. For example:

“帝親征麻皇、大發、丹波四洞，拔之。”
(The emperor personally led a campaign against the Ma Hoang, Da Phat, and Dan Ba caves, subduing them.)

These punitive expeditions weren’t just about crushing dissent. They were opportunities to showcase the emperor’s strength and reinforce the moral superiority of Vietnamese civilization. Yet, the relationship remained fragile, with rebellions flaring up repeatedly.

In one particularly grim episode, the emperor is said to have derived amusement from punishing the savages:

“使人以杖擊之，蠻人甚痛，啼號屢犯大行諱，帝悅甚。”
(The emperor ordered the savages to be struck with sticks. Their cries of pain repeatedly violated the emperor’s sacred name, which greatly pleased him.)

This chilling account highlights the harsh realities of imperial control and the dehumanizing rhetoric that often accompanied it.

Civilization Missions: Changing Clothes and Customs

But it wasn’t all about swords and sticks. The Vietnamese state also sought to “civilize” these groups, often through cultural assimilation. A recurring theme in the chronicles is the imposition of Vietnamese customs:

“使人教其衣冠，去其野俗。”
(He sent people to teach them proper dress and customs, abandoning their barbaric ways.)

These efforts were part of a broader strategy to integrate the periphery into the Vietnamese state. From clothing to language, the court believed that bringing the “savages” into the fold of Vietnamese culture was both a moral duty and a political necessity.

One particularly symbolic act was the requirement for “savage” leaders to present tribute at court:

“蠻貊貢獻，歸化於朝廷，以表文明之德。”
(The savages offered tribute and returned to the court, demonstrating the virtues of civilization.)

These ceremonies were not only acts of submission but also theatrical affirmations of the court’s authority and cultural superiority.

The Eternal Struggle of Center vs. Periphery

Despite these efforts, the relationship between the Vietnamese state and its “savage” frontiers remained tense and unstable. The chronicles are filled with accounts of rebellions, showing how tenuous control over these regions often was:

“蠻獠叛服不定，屢起亂事。”
(The savages and mountain tribes repeatedly rebelled and caused disturbances.)

These uprisings highlight the limits of central authority and the resilience of local cultures against assimilation.

A Reflection on “Savages” and Sovereignty

Reading these stories, it’s clear that the term “savage” (蠻) in Vietnamese history was more than a simple label. It reflected a worldview shaped by Confucian values and the challenges of governing a diverse, often unruly frontier. For the imperial court, the “savages” were simultaneously a threat, a responsibility, and a marker of their own civilization’s supposed superiority.

But these narratives also invite us to question: Who gets to define civilization, and who gets labeled as “savage”? The story of Vietnam’s borders is not just one of conquest and control—it’s also a story of cultural exchange, resistance, and the complexities of identity in a multiethnic world.

So, the next time you hear about “savages” in history, remember: the real story is often far more nuanced than it seems.