Tradition: Vietnamese mythology
Alternative Names: Yêu tinh
Category: Demon
The Myth
Yêu tinh is described as one of the supernatural forms assumed by Lạc Long Quân through his magical powers of transformation. No specific physical appearance is given for the Yêu tinh itself. Instead, it is mentioned alongside other frightening forms such as demons, dragons, snakes, tigers, and elephants.
When Đế Lai came to the southern land of Xích Quỷ, Lạc Long Quân was away in the underwater realm. Đế Lai left his beloved Âu Cơ and her attendants at a temporary palace while he traveled throughout the country. He became fascinated by the strange plants and flowers, exotic animals, precious stones, gold, spices, and other wonders of the southern land, and stayed there for a long time.
The people suffered because Đế Lai’s presence disturbed their peaceful lives. They desperately called for Lạc Long Quân to return and save them. Lạc Long Quân eventually came back and saw Âu Cơ, whose extraordinary beauty attracted him. He transformed himself into a handsome young man and approached her, eventually taking her to Long Trang Nham.
When Đế Lai returned and discovered that Âu Cơ was gone, he sent his ministers and followers throughout the land to search for her. Lạc Long Quân used his supernatural powers to transform himself into a hundred different forms. Among these forms were Yêu tinh and Quỷ sứ, as well as dragons, snakes, tigers, and elephants. These terrifying manifestations frightened the searchers so badly that they no longer dared to search for Âu Cơ.
Unable to find her, Đế Lai was forced to return to the north.
Sources
Nguyễn Hữu Vinh and Trần Đình Hoành. Lĩnh Nam Chích Quái Bình Giải. 2010. (trandinhhoanh.wordpress.com) (TRẦN ĐÌNH HOÀNH)
https://trandinhhoanh.wordpress.com/2010/03/21/linh-nam-chich-quai-d%E1%BA%ABn-nh%E1%BA%ADp/