A Nong (c. 1005-1055) was a military leader and shaman who led her people in resistance against Vietnamese and Chinese armies.
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 Pioneers, Dreamers, Villainesses, STEMinists, Warriors & Social Justice Warriors, and many more. Encyclopedia Womannica 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.
Encyclopedia Womannica was created by Liz Kaplan and Jenny Kaplan, executive produced by Jenny Kaplan, and produced by Liz Smith, Cinthia Pimentel, and Grace Lynch. Special thanks to Shira Atkins and Edie Allard. Theme music by Andi Kristins.
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Hello! From Wonder Media Network, I’m Jenny Kaplan. And this is Encyclopedia Womannica.
In case you’re just tuning in, here’s the deal! Every weekday, we’re telling the stories of women from throughout history and around the world who you may not know about, but definitely should. Each month is themed and this month is all about Witches & Saints.
Throughout history, women have been celebrated and condemned for wielding spiritual power. This month, we're highlighting women who made incredible contributions to and through religions, as well as those who were charged and punished for alleged heresies or supernatural abilities.
Today we’re talking about a spiritual, political, and military leader who held her own against seemingly unbeatable forces. This is the story of A Nong.
A Nong was born around the year 1005, in a region between northern Vietnam and southern China. The ethnic group that occupied that area was known as the Zhuang, an indigenous population that still numbers more than 15 million today.
A Nong spent her childhood learning the spinning and weaving techniques that the Zhuang were famous for. Unlike in many other cultures at that time, gender roles were relatively fluid in Zhuang society so A Nong may have also learned necessary skills for war including the use of spears, swords, and crossbows. Her father was a warrior and lord of the valley where they lived.
The Zhuang’s land was rich with resources including gold, sugar, ivory, medicinal herbs, and rare animals. This made the region a very lucrative spot for the surrounding countries, despite the presence of dangerous animals and rough weather conditions.
Around puberty, A Nong was selected to undergo special training as a shaman, or Wu, the Chinese word for witch. Her lineage and natural talent made her stand out. In training, A Nong studied the history of Zhuang gods, goddesses, and demons. She also studied animals, plants, medicines, and poisons. The Zhuang were known for their use of deadly poison on their weapons.
A Nong went on to marry Nong Quanfu, and they had several children, including a son who would become another prominent warlord.
In 1035, A Nong and Quanfu decided to declare the Zhuang an independent kingdom, seeking the power that can come through state organization. However, China and Vietnam considered the Zhuang region too lucrative an area to let go. In 1039, Vietnam marched armies into the area and murdered Quanfu.
A Nong and her son managed to escape. Though they fled, they didn’t give up. A Nong was determined to mount a counterattack.
Her son was coming into his own as a leader, expanding the power of his people and distracting the Chinese and Vietnamese with monetary tributes. In the meantime, A Nong prepared her forces for war.
In 1052, A Nong and her son declared the independence of the Zhuang and sent armies to storm several major Chinese towns along the southern border. They successfully took over strongholds like the port city of Canton.
But in the end, they couldn’t stand up to the sheer numbers of soldiers in the armies of the Chinese empire. In 1054, China attacked and conquered the Zhuang capital. A Nong and her son fled once again into the highlands, but Chinese forces chased after them and offered hefty rewards for their capture. Soon, Zhuang people who resented the power of the Nong family were also on their trail.
In 1055, A Nong was captured. She was deemed too dangerous to hold in prison and was immediately executed.
Though their numbers were small, the Zhuang put up a serious fight against Chinese and Vietnamese forces under the direction of A Nong and her family. Today, she is still remembered for her skill and military prowess.
Tune in tomorrow for the story of another spiritual woman who made her mark on history.
Special thanks to Liz Kaplan, my favorite sister and co-creator.
Talk to you tomorrow!