taniayong

The students in one of my upper level class just finished a section on Myths. While studying creation myths, we studied what is called the Dangun Myth.

The Dangun Myth
This Korean legend maintains that Hwanin, a heavenly king, sent his son Hwanung to earth. Hwanung so desired to live on the earth that Hwanin sent him and 3,000 other followers. Hwanung ruled the earth through his three advisors the wind-general, the rain-governor, and the cloud teacher. They lived harmoniously and happily as they set laws, moral codes, and taught humans essentials such as the arts, agriculture, and government.
During this time, a bear and tiger desired to become human. They prayed to Hwanung to allow them to become human. Hwanung instructed them that it would be an arduous task to become human. They replied with eager willingness to prove their patience. Hwanung instructed them to live in a cave and eat twenty garlic cloves and a bundle of mugwort. Eventually, the tiger became restless and disobeyed Hwanung’s instructions and came out of the cave. Yet, the bear, following Hwanung’s instructions, was granted his desire to become human. The bear became a woman. In gratitude, the woman, gave offerings to Hwanung. Yet, she soon became sad because she lacked a husband. Hwanung eventually took her as his wife and impregnated her. Out came, Dangun.
Dangun is credited as being the founder of Korea. His life is the beginning of Korean history.

References:
"Culture Shock! A Survival Guide to Customs and Etiquette: Korea," Sonja Vegdahl and Ben Seunghwa Hur. Marshall Cavendish Editions (Singapore, 2005)
"Beginning of Korea," [website] http://www.bergen.org/AAST/projects/Korea/culture/begin.html (Last edited October, 20, 2006)

Thanks to:
Aim High Freshman 2 Class (Jenny, Maria, Sally, and George)