Korean Folk Myth Story

Stephen Kim

Professor McCann

Aesthetic and Interpretive Understanding 35

19 September 2011

The Myth and Meaning of Tan’Gun Wanggom

The concept of history is not as concrete as many may think. One thinks of the word “history” and immediately comes up with facts, dates, and historical texts. From stone tablets to ancient artifacts, the word “history” is often related to sources that are tangible and concrete. However, the intangible sources are just as important. Oral history is one of the most crucial elements to understanding any country’s history. Although it may not be a physically tangible source, the meaning and significance it carries still play a key role in the culture of a country. Whether it be as realistic as the biography of an ancient king, or as fantastic as the legends of the Greek gods, all types of oral history are crucial in understanding a country’s culture.

In Korea’s case, the myth of Tan’Gun Wanggom was a part oral history until it was officially written by the Buddhist monk, Iryon, in his writings titled Samguk Yusa. Although the story contains many exaggerations and godly characteristics, the symbolism behind the story plays a significant role in helping us make hypotheses of what the state of Korea was like during that time period. By breaking down each part of the myth, the mystical characters and fantastical stories come together to create an actual historical account of Korea during its earliest years.

As the story opens up with the god Hwanung, it is most likely that he represents a king of some sort. Being described as a god, Hwanung must have represented an incredibly powerful and influential leader that was so dominant he was unable to relate to his people on an intimate level. His authority was so vast it represented that of a god. As the story continues, Hwanung governs his people to the best of his abilities. He puts to use the three heavenly seals (Earl of Wind, Master of Clouds, Master of Rain) and uses...