Ỷ Lan (d. 1117). One of the most powerful women in Vietnamese history, Ỷ Lan began her life as a silkworm keeper in Thổ Lỗi Village, Gia Lâm District (Hanoi). When King Lý Thánh Tông came to visit Dâu Pagoda, he noticed her indifferently leaning against the trunk of a Ngọc Lan (a species of magmolia) tree while the crowds flocked around the royal cortege. Called to the King, she answered all his questions with simplicity and dignity. Delighted, Lý Thánh Tông took her to the capital and named her Ỷ Lan (lady of leaning against the Ngọc Lan tree).
She became Queen and gave birth to Prince Kiến Đức, heir to the throne. In 1069, when Lý Thánh Tông went to war, Ỷ Lan took the affairs of the kingdom in her hands. She carried out this task skillfully, keeping well informed on the life of the people, severely punishing abusive mandarins and corrupt officials. After the King died in 1072, Kiến Đức, 7 years old, mounted the throne as Lý Nhân Tông under the regency of his mother, assisted by Minister Lý Đạo Thành and General Lý Thường Kiệt. Her administration carried out reforms in the army, education and social services, using state funds to repurchase the freedom of poor women who had been sold to rich people. In her retirement, Ỷ Lan entered a Zen monastery.
