Trieu Thi Trinh (c. 226 - c. 248) was a legendary figure, sometimes called the Vietnamese Joan of Arc. She was only 19 when she led an army that beat back invading Chinese forces.
Trieu Thi Trinh (c. 226 - c. 248) was a legendary figure, sometimes called the Vietnamese Joan of Arc. She was only 19 when she led an army that beat back invading Chinese forces.
This month, we’re highlighting Women of Resistance. Whether fighting tyranny, oppression, sexism, racism, reproductive control, or any number of other ills, these women created paths for change.
History classes can get a bad rap, and sometimes for good reason. When we were students, we couldn’t help wondering... where were all the ladies at? Why were so many incredible stories missing from the typical curriculum? Enter, Womanica. On this Wonder Media Network podcast we explore the lives of inspiring women in history you may not know about, but definitely should.
Every weekday, listeners explore the trials, tragedies, and triumphs of groundbreaking women throughout history who have dramatically shaped the world around us. In each 5 minute episode, we’ll dive into the story behind one woman listeners may or may not know–but definitely should. These diverse women from across space and time are grouped into easily accessible and engaging monthly themes like Educators, Villains, Indigenous Storytellers, Activists, and many more. Womanica is hosted by WMN co-founder and award-winning journalist Jenny Kaplan. The bite-sized episodes pack painstakingly researched content into fun, entertaining, and addictive daily adventures.
Womanica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Grace Lynch, Maddy Foley, Brittany Martinez, Edie Allard, Lindsey Kratochwill, Adesuwa Agbonile, Carmen Borca-Carrillo, Taylor Williamson, Ale Tejeda, Sara Schleede, and Alex Jhamb Burns. Special thanks to Shira Atkins.
Original theme music composed by Miles Moran.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan and this is Womanica.
This month on Womanica, we’re highlighting women who led extraordinary lives of resistance. Whether fighting tyranny, oppression, sexism, racism, or reproductive control these women created paths for change.
The story of today’s woman of resistance is the stuff of legends. Considered the Vietnamese Joan of Arc, she was only 19 when she led an army that beat back invading Chinese forces.
Meet Trieu Thi Trinh.
Trieu Thi Trinh, also known as Lady Trieu was born in a small town in northern Vietnam, in the third century. Her real name is unknown. When Lady Trieu was only a toddler, she was orphaned and was subsequently raised by her older brother and his wife.
When Lady Trieu was growing up, the Eastern Wu Dynasty of China dominated her homeland. During this time, the Chinese sought to seek control of Vietnam by killing its leaders, exploiting its people for labor, and taking its resources.
Motivated by the turmoil of her country, Lady Trieu decided at a young age to leave home and take refuge in a mountain forest where she learned combat.
Lady Trieu’s bravery and resilience earned her loyal followers – who soon became her army. They were determined to go to war against the Chinese.
According to legends, Trieu’s brother tried to persuade her not to fight. She told him, "I want to ride the storm, tread the dangerous waves, win back the fatherland and destroy the yoke of slavery. I don't want to bow down my head, working as a simple housewife."
Lady Trieu was able to win over her brother and soon he joined forces with her.
Lady Trieu became a prolific fighter. She and her army defeated the Chinese forces in more than thirty battles.
Because Lady Trieu was a woman, many people underestimated her. It was said that the Eastern Wu Emperor was embarrassed that he was losing to a female warrior and decided to make his army more robust to defeat her. He recruited 8,000 soldiers and found an experienced leader to lead them. After six months of battling, the new Eastern Wu army was finally able to defeat Lady Trieu.
No one knows what happened to Lady Trieu, but legends tell us that she committed suicide by throwing herself in a river to escape being captured. She was only 22 or 23 years old at the time of her death.
Lady Trieu made a huge impact on Vietnam by inspiring her people to continue to fight their oppressors. After she died, she became a symbol to other fighters, giving them strength on the battlefield.
Folktales about Lady Trieu describe her as being nine feet tall with a voice as clear and loud as a temple bell. They say that she was so terrifying that a Chinese commander had nightmares about her even after her death.
Even though Lady Trieu’s attempt to overthrow the Chinese wasn’t successful, the Vietnamese were able to finally win their freedom in the year 939.
Her impact and influence never died and her legacy reigns on.
All month, we’re talking about women of resistance.For more on why we’re doing what we’re doing, follow us on facebook and instagram @womanicapodcast.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!