Every myth carries a truth older than the civilization that told it.
Showing 261–270 of 999
Jowangsin, the Korean kitchen goddess — spirit of the cooking-fire honored by a bowl of clean water above the stove, witness to the family’s conduct and
Sansin, Korea’s Mountain God — the white-bearded elder with his tiger who rules each peak, descended in legend from the founder Dangun and honored at the
Cheonji-wang, the “King of Heaven and Earth” — the supreme sky-god of the Korean creation epic Cheonji-wang Bonpuri, father of the twins who ordered the
Yeomra, Korea’s King of the Underworld — the incorruptible judge of the dead, keeper of the ledgers of human deeds, and foremost of the Ten Kings who
The Jeoseung Saja, Korea’s grim reaper — the black-robed messenger of the other world who collects the dead at their appointed hour and guides their souls
Yongwang, Korea’s Dragon King — sovereign of the seas, master of rain and weather, ruler of underwater palaces, and patron deity of fishermen and farmers
The imoogi, Korea’s colossal water-serpent — a proto-dragon that waits a thousand years and seeks the Yeouiju pearl to ascend into a true celestial
The haetae or haechi, Korea’s lion-like guardian beast — judge of guilt and innocence, devourer of fire, protector of palace gates, and the official
The gumiho, Korea’s nine-tailed fox — a thousand-year shapeshifter who becomes a beautiful woman to devour human livers and hearts, bearer of the
The dokkaebi, Korea’s goblin born from discarded objects — wielder of the wish-granting magic club, lover of wrestling, giver of wealth to the good and