[Lee Jong-gil's Autumn Return] The Value of Samguk Yusa Is Evident When You Look at Samguk Sagi

Jang In-yong Author 'Classics vs Classics'
A Humanities Book Comparing Classics on the Same Field and Theme, Approaching Their Value and Core
Samguk Yusa Filled with Unrealistic Stories...A Valuable Record Showing Life and Society of the Time

Treasure No. 419-3 Samguk Yusa Volumes 4-5 (Cover)

The ‘Samguk Yusa Volumes 4-5 (三國遺事 卷四∼五)’ housed at Beomeosa Temple in Busan was designated a National Treasure last August. Although it is not a complete set, it is highly valued for its bibliographic significance. At the time, the Cultural Heritage Administration explained, "It holds great historical and academic importance as material necessary for collation and restoration of the original edition of the ‘Samguk Yusa’."

‘Samguk Yusa’ forms the foundation of research on ancient Korean history. It was compiled by the monk Il-yeon (1206?1289) in the 7th year of King Chungnyeol of Goryeo (1281). It weaves together historical and cultural stories from Gojoseon to the Three Kingdoms period. Therefore, it is often compared with Kim Bu-sik’s ‘Samguk Sagi,’ which covers the same era.

The two books have contrasting natures. ‘Samguk Sagi’ is an official history produced as a state project, written from a Confucian perspective. ‘Samguk Yusa,’ on the other hand, is far from orthodox history. It is filled with improbable legends and fantastical tales. While ‘Samguk Sagi’ does contain some such content?like the founding myth of Park Hyeokgeose hatching from an egg?‘Samguk Yusa’ includes a variety of legends featuring beings such as Buddhas, immortals, and ghosts. Because of this, it struggled for some time to be accepted within the formal historical canon.

Author Jang In-yong’s book ‘Classics vs Classics’ is a humanities work that compares two similar classics to approach their value and core. It contrasts differing arguments and claims in books covering similar fields or themes, such as ‘Fabre’s Insect Book’ and ‘Seton’s Animal Stories,’ or ‘The Little Prince’ and ‘The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn.’ In the comparison of ‘Samguk Sagi’ and ‘Samguk Yusa,’ the focus is on ‘what should be regarded as historical record.’ It can be seen as concentrating on finding the value and appeal of ‘Samguk Yusa.’

‘Samguk Sagi’ records a natural phenomenon that occurred in Gangju in the 2nd year of King Hyegong of Silla (756). "The ground sank and became a pond, measuring about 50 cheok in length and width, and the water was dark blue." Considering the many recorded earthquakes at the time, this is not particularly remarkable. However, ‘Samguk Yusa’ conveys the same event as follows: "To the east of the government office building in Gangju, the ground gradually sank and became a pond, measuring 13 cheok in length and 7 cheok in width. Suddenly, five or six carp appeared and kept growing, and the pond also expanded accordingly."

There is a clear difference between the two descriptions. ‘Samguk Sagi’ explains only the process of the pond’s formation and its appearance. In contrast, ‘Samguk Yusa’ adds the appearance of carp in the pond and the resulting expansion, showing a legendary narrative development. It gives the impression that the pond’s creation carries some revelation. The story of carp growing and causing the pond to enlarge is very different from simply describing the pond’s formation.

Author Jang explains about ‘Samguk Yusa,’ "Even now, very simple facts often get embellished as stories are passed down, making them seem to have special meanings." "For example, a flood is not just conveyed as heavy rain but interpreted as a punishment for the world, or when an epidemic strikes, it is explained as the wrath of gods."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

Folktales and legends cannot be dismissed simply because they are unscientific. They offer insight into the psychology and thoughts of people at the time. Rather, they have the potential to provide new historical meanings. Even if not literally factual, they are valuable records as they reflect daily life and social conditions.

Stories rich in imaginative folklore were not highly regarded in the past. But now, they are valued for expressing the fundamental nature of human sensibility. Folktales with rich literary imagination are also entertaining. Many people may not have read ‘Samguk Yusa’ but are familiar with the stories it contains, thanks to adaptations into fairy tales, novels, movies, and dramas. The fact that these stories are made into works across various genres is proof of their strong appeal. Author Jang describes this as "the human essence beyond rigid history."

"People probably did not live by reality and facts alone, so ‘Samguk Yusa’ was created to preserve and pass down all stories imbued with human breath to future generations. Thus, the hearts and essence of the people of the Three Kingdoms period, which we might otherwise never know, are conveyed."