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A Study on General Heroism of Gureongdeongdeong Sinseonbi Story: Focusing on Meaning of Heomeul and Building Relationship

Lee, Junghoon 1

1전북대학교

Candidate

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study is to identify how characters in the Gureongdeongdeong Sinseonbi Story build relationship between them, considering the meaning of 'Heomeul' in the story. This study refers to heomeul or molting process of a snake as self-improvement capability. Such ability to change is a quality of a hero. Although it is less important compared to achievement of historic tasks, self-improvement for changing him/herself also is heroic qualification. The relationship between the snake husband and the third daughter is ideal in enhancing heroic qualification of each other. Heomeul prohibition set by the snake evokes change of the existence by the third daughter. However, the request was ignored as it was very sudden. Efforts made by the third daughter is the expression of spontaneous and independent will. There are two sisters who burnt Heomeul. The intervention of two sisters cause eternal separation between the snake husband and the third daughter. While the snake husband and the third daughter regenerate, two sisters burn Heomeul, which represents their errors or mistakes. This story shows also the relationship between the snake husband and the second wife. The second wife does not know the past (Heomeul) of her husband. She married the husband with practical reasons. Therefore, when the first wife who witnessed the change process made an appearance, the second wife was abandoned. This story shows heroic energy that can enhance the existence by him/herself with changing process of the snake. In addition, it emphasizes that initiative and individual efforts are necessary to build ideal relationship. However, roughness to maintain harmonious life in the marriage is also seen considering the fact that they meet the husband again only when the third daughter completes the impossible task with endless efforts.

Citation status

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

This paper was written with support from the National Research Foundation of Korea.