Asiatic Motifs and Korean Identity Inherent in Korean Myths: Wolf, Serpent, and Bird

(2021). Asiatic Motifs and Korean Identity Inherent in Korean Myths: Wolf, Serpent, and Bird. The Review of Korean Studies, 24(2), 147-172, https://doi.org/10.25024/review.2021.24.2.006

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Abstract

This article examines the claim that Korea’s ancient culture was formed by a melange of the northern nomadic and southern marine culture. To verify it, the foundation myth, which is an observable element reflecting cultural archetype, has been investigated. As a result, this paper confirms the theory as valid. However, a widely-known premise that the heavenly descent motif originated in northern Asia and the oviparous birth motif in southern Asia needs to be reconsidered. Rather than being divided by the geographic scheme of the North and South, the mythological motifs in Asia were determined by people’s perception of cultural identity. For example, the egg-birth story of progenitor in Korean myths is not linked to the Southeast Asian motif but to Korean autochthonic sense of identity.

keywords: Korean foundation myth, Korean identity, Asian mythology, mythological motif

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Article Contents

Vol.24 No.2

Asiatic Motifs and Korean Identity Inherent in Korean Myths: Wolf, Serpent, and Bird

Abstract

The Review of Korean Studies