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A Study of the Discourse of Altruism in Jeju Island shamanic myths ‘Josang-sin-bon-pulli’

  • The Research of the Korean Classic
  • 2023, (62), pp.153-181
  • Publisher : The Research Of The Korean Classic
  • Research Area : Humanities > Korean Language and Literature > Korean Literature > Korean classic prose
  • Received : July 25, 2023
  • Accepted : August 11, 2023
  • Published : August 31, 2023

kang ji-yeon 1

1서원대학교

Accredited

ABSTRACT

This study analyzes the way humans relate to their ancestors, focusing on 〈kwangcheng-aki-pon〉, 〈naju-giminchang-josang-bon〉, and 〈yangi- moksa-pon〉 among the ‘Josang-sin-bon-pulli’. In doing so, it aims to examine the meaning of altruism embodied in Bonpulil. The narrative of ‘Josang-sin-bon-pulli’ focuses on a special ‘relation󰠀ship’ with humans. It tells the story of how an ancestor becomes a deity who protects a family. The discourse of altruism is associated with the central event that dominates Josang-sin-bon-pulli, explaining the context of the ancestor’s ongoing relationship with humans. The attitudes of the characters were analyzed from the perspective of ‘agreement’ and ‘rejection’, and the background of the formation of human relationships with ancestors was identified. The attitudes of consent and rejection serve as the basis for judging a character’s altruism. Without a consenting attitude, altruism cannot be realized, and acts that follow from altruism, such as caring and cooperation, cannot emerge. In 〈kwangcheng-aki-pon〉 and 〈yangi-moksa-pon〉, the altruism of il-wol-jo-sang is highlighted, and in 〈naju-giminchang-josang-bon〉, the altruism of the an-ssi-seon-ju. The manifestation of altruism in their relationship is based on the principle of consent, which is sympathy for the actions and will of others. In the process of ancestors becoming gods who are served by humans, and humans becoming special descendants of ancestors, we can see one aspect of the thought behind recognizing and serving the other. From this perspective, the background of becoming a god is discussed in terms of selflessness, and by identifying the essence of selfless thinking, a practical alternative to the problems caused by selfishness today is proposed. “Josang-sin-bon-pulli” goes beyond our relationship with our ancestors to teach us about the way we relate to others. It provides opportunities for reflection on how we communicate with others and how we resolve conflict with others.

Citation status

* References for papers published after 2023 are currently being built.