Korean Mythology: Legend of Jumong
(ORDO NEWS) — Korean mythology is mainly based on myths that describe the emergence of states and the fate of their rulers.
One of these stories is the myth of Chumon, a heavenly boy who appeared in the world in a rather unusual way and possessed many supernatural qualities and properties.
This myth does not exist on its own, in isolation from the whole, but refers to a legend rich in plot that tells about the tribes inhabiting the northern and eastern regions of the state, and their connections with the Pujo people and the Pekje state.
Separate stories, elements of the legend, depicting mostly the same heroes, form a rather concise and logical story. Thus, Korean mythology is multifaceted and interesting.
Some facts from history
Legend has it that around 58 BC. e. the heavenly king Gemos, from whom the whole history of the state began, descended to earth in the vicinity of Solsingol.
The entire royal retinue admired its beauty and grandeur – the king arrived in a carriage drawn by 5 dragons, and his court sat on the backs of swans.
Apparently, then, by the time the deity appeared, even the sky was painted with the brightest colored clouds. King Gemos, in the place where he arrived, founded the state and called it Northern Pujo.
Heburu’s reign
The descendant of the Heavenly King was his son Heburu, who became the heir to the throne. During his reign, he made an important decision to move the capital of the state to the east and renamed it East Pujo. King Heburu based this change on the visions of his chancellor, Aranbul.
A voice from heaven informed the chancellor that in the future, the son of the god of heaven should establish his monastery on the site of the former capital of the country.
He also ordered that the kingdom be transferred to other lands, equally fertile, from which, thanks to the mild climate, a significant harvest can be obtained.
King Heburu humbly submitted to this will of Heaven and transferred his abode and the whole kingdom to the east.
The king had as many as seven sons, but none of the other brothers could compare with Jumong in skill, which caused them envy and hatred for Yuhwa’s son.
They intended to take his life, and when they failed to turn their father against him, they decided to destroy him themselves. Chumon’s mother found out about the secret fratricidal plans and warned her son, advising him, along with his faithful companions: Oi, Mari and Hyoppu, to flee the state.
The brothers sent a chase after him, but in vain, because Chumon, having come to the river, began to ask for help from the deity, referring to his heavenly origin, and then the fish and sea turtles formed a bridge for him across the river from their own bodies.
After a successful flight, Chumon reached Jolbondzu and built his headquarters on the Pullyusu River and founded a new state, which is still called Kogurjo.
—
Online:
Contact us: [email protected]
Our Standards, Terms of Use: Standard Terms And Conditions.
