🇰🇷Intro to Premodern Korean Literature Unit 2 – Early Korean Myths and Folklore

Key Myths and Legends

• The Myth of Dangun explains the founding of the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, by the legendary figure Dangun Wanggeom
  • Dangun is said to be the offspring of Hwanung, a heavenly prince, and a bear-woman
  • This myth emphasizes the divine origins of the Korean people and their rulers
• The Legend of King Dongmyeong tells the story of the founding of the Goguryeo Kingdom by Jumong, who was born from an egg laid by his mother, Lady Yuhwa
• The Tale of Princess Bari follows the journey of a princess who travels to the underworld to obtain the elixir of life for her ailing parents
  • This story highlights filial piety and the importance of family in Korean culture
• The Myth of Chasa Bonpuli revolves around the sun goddess and her brother, the moon god, and their rivalry
• The Legend of Cheoyong depicts a clever nobleman who uses wit and music to drive away a plague-causing spirit
• The Tale of Shim Cheong tells the story of a devoted daughter who sacrifices herself to the sea god to restore her blind father's sight
  • This tale emphasizes the virtue of filial piety and self-sacrifice

Origins and Historical Context

• Korean mythology and folklore have roots in ancient shamanic practices and beliefs that predate the introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism
• The myths and legends often reflect the historical and cultural contexts of the Three Kingdoms period (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla) and the subsequent Unified Silla period
• The introduction of Buddhism and Confucianism during the Three Kingdoms period influenced the development and interpretation of Korean myths and folklore
• Many of the myths and legends were passed down orally through generations before being recorded in various historical texts and anthologies
  • The Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) and Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) are notable sources of Korean myths and legends
• The myths and legends often served to legitimize the rule of kings and dynasties by attributing divine origins or supernatural abilities to them
• The geographical features and natural phenomena of the Korean peninsula, such as mountains, rivers, and the sea, play significant roles in many myths and legends

Themes and Symbolism

• Filial piety, or the devotion and respect towards one's parents and ancestors, is a recurring theme in Korean myths and legends (The Tale of Shim Cheong, The Tale of Princess Bari)
• The harmony between humans and nature is often emphasized, with natural elements and animals playing crucial roles in the stories
• The concept of fate and predestination is prevalent, with characters often fulfilling prophecies or destinies predetermined by higher powers
• The struggle between good and evil is a common theme, with heroes and heroines overcoming challenges and adversaries to restore balance and order
• Shamanism and the belief in spirits, gods, and goddesses are integral to many Korean myths and legends, reflecting the ancient spiritual practices of the Korean people
  • The sun, moon, mountains, and rivers are often personified as deities or powerful spirits
• Symbols such as dragons, tigers, and bears are frequently used to represent strength, wisdom, and other desirable qualities
• The use of numbers, particularly three and seven, holds special significance in many stories, often representing completion, perfection, or divine intervention

Cultural Significance

• Korean myths and legends have played a crucial role in shaping the cultural identity and values of the Korean people throughout history
• The stories often serve as moral and ethical guides, teaching important lessons about filial piety, loyalty, courage, and other virtues
• The myths and legends have influenced various aspects of Korean culture, including art, literature, music, and dance
  • Traditional Korean dance and music often depict scenes or themes from famous myths and legends
• Many of the legendary figures, such as Dangun and King Dongmyeong, are still celebrated and honored in modern Korean society through festivals, memorials, and cultural events
• The stories have helped to preserve and transmit traditional Korean beliefs, customs, and values across generations
• Korean myths and legends have also contributed to the development of a shared cultural heritage among the Korean people, fostering a sense of unity and national identity
• The themes and motifs found in Korean mythology have influenced and been influenced by the mythologies of neighboring cultures, such as China and Japan
  • This cultural exchange has led to the adaptation and incorporation of foreign elements into Korean myths and legends over time

Literary Techniques and Storytelling

• Korean myths and legends often employ a narrative structure that follows a hero's journey or quest, with the protagonist facing challenges and overcoming obstacles to achieve their goal
• The stories frequently use repetition and formulaic expressions, such as triplication (repeating an event or action three times), to emphasize key moments and create a sense of rhythm and memorability
• Dialogue and direct speech are commonly used to convey the thoughts, feelings, and motivations of characters, as well as to advance the plot
• Symbolism and metaphor are prevalent literary devices, with natural elements, animals, and colors often representing abstract concepts or human qualities
  • For example, the color white may symbolize purity, while the dragon represents power and authority
• Many stories incorporate elements of fantasy and the supernatural, such as talking animals, shape-shifting creatures, and magical objects or powers
• Foreshadowing and prophecy are often employed to build anticipation and create a sense of destiny or inevitability in the narrative
• The use of humor, irony, and satire is not uncommon, particularly in stories that aim to critique social norms or human foibles
• The stories often feature vivid descriptions of settings, characters, and actions, allowing listeners or readers to visualize and immerse themselves in the narrative world

Influential Characters and Archetypes

• The wise and benevolent ruler archetype is exemplified by figures such as Dangun and King Dongmyeong, who are often portrayed as ideal leaders guided by virtue and a sense of duty to their people
• The filial daughter archetype, embodied by characters like Shim Cheong and Princess Bari, represents the ultimate expression of devotion and self-sacrifice for one's parents and family
• The clever trickster archetype, such as Cheoyong, uses wit, cunning, and sometimes deceit to overcome challenges and achieve their goals
  • These characters often serve as foils to the more straightforward and virtuous heroes and heroines
• The loyal retainer or servant archetype, often depicted as an animal companion or supernatural being, aids and supports the protagonist in their quest or journey
• The evil stepmother or jealous sibling archetype serves as an antagonist, creating obstacles and conflicts for the protagonist to overcome
• The wise old sage or hermit archetype, often living in seclusion in the mountains or forests, provides guidance, wisdom, and magical assistance to the hero or heroine
• The shape-shifting animal or creature archetype, such as the fox or the dragon, can be either benevolent or malevolent, depending on the story and context
• The star-crossed lovers archetype, while less common in Korean myths and legends, depicts the tragic love between two characters whose relationship is forbidden or doomed by fate or social circumstances

Comparative Analysis with Other Cultures

• Korean mythology shares many similarities with Chinese and Japanese mythologies, reflecting the cultural exchange and influence among these neighboring countries
  • For example, the Chinese legend of the cowherd and the weaver girl shares themes of forbidden love and celestial beings with some Korean folktales
• The concept of a divine or semi-divine ancestor giving rise to a nation or civilization is found in many cultures, such as the Chinese legend of the Yellow Emperor or the Japanese myth of Amaterasu and her descendants
• The use of animals as symbols and anthropomorphic characters is common in many mythologies worldwide, such as the trickster fox in Japanese and Chinese folklore or the wise tortoise in African and Native American stories
• The theme of filial piety and the importance of family ties is also prevalent in other East Asian cultures, particularly in Chinese mythology and Confucian teachings
• The hero's journey or quest narrative structure is a universal archetype found in mythologies across the globe, from the Greek epic of Odysseus to the Sumerian tale of Gilgamesh
• The personification of natural elements and phenomena as deities or powerful spirits is a common feature in many ancient mythologies, such as the Greek gods of Olympus or the Norse gods of Asgard
• The use of numbers and colors as symbols with specific meanings or associations is found in various cultural traditions, such as the significance of the number four in Native American mythology or the color red in Chinese folklore
• The concept of fate, destiny, or divine intervention shaping the lives of mortals is a recurring theme in mythologies worldwide, from the Norse concept of the Norns to the Greek notion of the Fates

Modern Interpretations and Adaptations

• Korean myths and legends have been adapted and reinterpreted in various modern media, including literature, film, television, and video games
  • For example, the 2016 South Korean television series "Guardian: The Lonely and Great God" (also known as "Goblin") incorporates elements from the Tale of Chasa Bonpuli and other folktales
• Modern authors and artists have reimagined traditional stories, often updating them to reflect contemporary social issues, values, and aesthetics
  • The 2007 South Korean film "Hansel and Gretel" transplants the classic European fairy tale into a modern Korean setting, exploring themes of child abuse and abandonment
• Some adaptations have blended Korean myths and legends with elements from other cultural traditions, creating new, hybrid narratives that resonate with global audiences
  • The 2020 South Korean film "Peninsula" (a sequel to the 2016 film "Train to Busan") combines elements of zombie horror with themes and motifs from Korean shamanism and folklore
• Modern interpretations of Korean myths and legends have also been used to promote Korean culture and tourism, with festivals, theme parks, and cultural events featuring characters and stories from traditional folklore
• The influence of Korean mythology can be seen in the works of contemporary Korean artists, such as the sculptures of Gwon Osang or the paintings of Jung Yeon-doo, who often incorporate traditional symbols and motifs into their art
• The popularity of Korean popular culture, particularly K-dramas and K-pop, has led to increased global interest in Korean myths and legends, with many international fans exploring the cultural roots of their favorite stories and characters
• Modern adaptations of Korean myths and legends have also sparked discussions about cultural appropriation, authenticity, and the preservation of traditional stories in the face of globalization and commercialization
  • Some critics argue that modern adaptations may distort or dilute the original meanings and values of the stories, while others see them as a way to keep the stories alive and relevant for new generations