Dongmyeong of Goguryeo
Dongmyeong of Goguryeo | |
---|---|
![]() Stone statue of King Dongmyeong. | |
King of Goguryeo | |
Reign | 37 BC – 19 BC |
Predecessor | Kingdom established |
Successor | Yuri of Goguryeo |
Born | 58 BC? Northern Buyeo |
Died | 19 BC? Holbon, Goguryeo |
Burial | |
Spouse | Lady Ye Soseono |
Issue | King Yuri |
Clan | Go clan / Hae clan |
Mother | Lady Yuhwa |
Korean name | |
Hangul | 추모성왕 / 동명성왕 |
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Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Chumo Seongwang / Dongmyeong Seongwang |
McCune–Reischauer | Ch'umo Sŏngwang / Tongmyŏng Sŏngwang |
Birth name | |
Hangul | 추모 / 고주몽 |
Hanja | |
Revised Romanization | Chumo / Go Jumong |
McCune–Reischauer | Ch'umo / Ko Chumong |
Monarchs of Korea |
Goguryeo |
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|
Chumo (Korean: 추모; Hanja: 鄒牟), posthumously Chumo the Saint (추모성왕; 鄒牟
Life and myth
[edit]The records of Chumo are often regarded as semi-legendary, and the extent to which the records are historical or mythological is debated. They are also mixed with legends about Dongmyeong of Buyeo told among the people of Buyeo, Goguryeo, and Baekje — whose monarchs all claim the same ancestry.[3] The founding myths of Goguryeo are told in ancient writings, including the Gwanggaeto Stele. The best-known versions of Chumo's life are found, with slight variations, in the Samguk Sagi, Samguk Yusa, and the "Dongmyeongwang" chapter (동명왕편;
Birth
[edit]Hae Buru, the king of Buyeo, performed religious ceremonies in hope of having a son, as he was getting old without an heir. When he arrived at Gonyeon (or Gon Pond; 곤연; 鯤淵), he noticed his horse was shedding tears in front of a large rock. The king issued an ordered to remove the rock, and there he found a young boy who looked like a golden frog. The king treated the boy as a gift from heaven and named him Geumwa.[note 6] Hae Buru adopted Geumwa and made him the Crown Prince when he became older.[3]
Later, Aranbul (아란불;
After Hae Buru died, Geumwa became the next king of Eastern Buyeo. When he went to Wubalsu (or Wubal Pond; 우발수;
Escaping Eastern Buyeo
[edit]Daeso, the eldest of the seven sons of Geumwa, was worried Chumo would rise as a threat to him, but Geumwa commanded Chumo to take care of the horses. While raising the horses, Chumo intentionally gave more food to slow horses and gave less food to fast and talented horses to make them look unappealing and thin. When Geumwa went on a hunting trip with Chumo and others, Chumo was given a thin horse and fewer arrows, yet he was able to hunt more than anyone else who participated, since his thin horse was faster. This hunting episode further fueled Daeso's desire to kill Chumo. Seeing the growing threat, Yuhwa asked Chumo to leave and use his abilities elsewhere.[3]
Chumo and his three friends — Oi (오이;
Founding of Goguryeo
[edit]After escaping death, Chumo met three people, each wearing different cloths at Modungok (or Modun Valley; 모둔곡;
Rule
[edit]In 37 BC, in the first year of his reign, Chumo launched a preemptive strike on the Mohe[note 17] near the border, fearing raids from them. The Mohe surrendered after the fight.[3]
One day, Chumo saw vegetable leaves floating on the Biryu River. He went hunting farther upstream and arrived at Biryuguk (or the Kingdom of Biryu; 비류국;
In July of 34 BC, the construction of walls and a palace was completed.[7] In October of 32 BC, Chumo sent Oi and Bu to Bunno (부분노; 扶芬
In August of 24 BC, Yuhwa died in Eastern Buyeo. A funeral was held, and a shrine was built to her as the dowager of Geumwa.[10] In October, Chumo sent an envoy along with regional products to Buyeo as a token of gratitude for the virtue and generosity shown by Geumwa.[note 19][11]
In April of 19 BC,Yuryu (유류; 儒留) and his mother fled from Buyeo, arriving at Goguryeo. Chumo appointed Yuryu as the crown prince of Goguryeo.[12] In September, Chumo died at the age of 39. He was buried at Yongsan (or Yong Mountain; 용산;
Comparison and controversies
[edit]Nation | Character | Place of birth or discovery | Birth story | River crossing story | Founding location | Source |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Buyeo | Dongmyeong of Buyeo | Gori or Takri (탁리; 橐離) |
A maid (or concubine) claimed to be impregnated by a holy spirit. She gave birth to an egg. A king attempted to kill the boy, but was protected by animals. | The king became jealous of Dongmyeong's archery skill, so he attempted to kill Dongmyeong. Dongmyeong ran southward, arriving at Yieomsu (or Yieom River; 이엄수; |
Dongmyeong arrived at Buyeo and became the king. | Records of the Three Kingdoms[14] Lunheng[15] |
Baekje | Dongmeyong of Buyeo | Saekri (색리; Goryeo[note 21] |
A maid (or concubine) claimed to be impregnated by a holy spirit. She gave birth to an egg. A king attempted to kill the boy, but was protected by animals. | The king became jealous of Dongmyeong's archery skill, so attempted to kill him. Dongmyeong ran southward, arrived at Eomchesu (or Eomche River) (엄체수; 淹滯 |
Dongmyeong arrived to Buyeo and became the king. | History of the Northern Dynasties[16] Book of Sui[17] |
Goguryeo | Chumo | Northern Buyeo | Chumo was son of Heaven and Lady Habaek (daughter of river god). He was born from an egg. | He was ordered to go (presumably by his mother) and arrived at Eomridaesu (or the Great Eomri River) (엄리대수; 奄利 |
He arrived at Holbon in Biryugok (or Biryu Valley), and built the capital on the mountain. | Gwanggaeto Stele[18] |
Goguryeo | Jumong | Buyeo | The daughter of Habaek was impregnated by sunlight. She gave birth to an egg. The king attempted to crack the egg, but it was protected by animals. A boy was born from the egg. | The people of Buyeo became jealous of Jumong's archery skill, and his mother insisted that he run away. Jumong ran southeastward with two companions, and arrived at the river. He issued a command to the river, then fish and softshell turtles created a bridge for him to cross. His pursuers were forced to return. | Jumong arrived to Bosulsu (or Bosul river; 보술수; |
Book of Wei[19] |
Goguryeo/Tang | Dongmyeong of Buyeo | Dongmyeong, compelled by Spirit, crossed Sacheon (or Sa Stream; 사천; 㴲川), and established the nation. | Tombstone of Yeon Namsan, the third son of Yeon Gaesomun.[20] | |||
Goguryeo/Tang | Jumong | Jumong, embracing the Sun, arrived at Paesu (or Pae River) (패수; 浿水), and built the capital. | Tombstone of Yeon Namsan, the third son of Yeon Gaesomun. | |||
Silla | Hyeokgeose | Najeong (or Na Well) (나정; 蘿井) | Sobyeoldori saw a horse sitting and crying between some trees. When he approached, the horse disappeared but left behind an egg. He cracked the egg, and found Hyeokgeose. | |||
Samguk Sagi | Geumwa | Gonyeon (or Gon Pond) | Hae Buru went to the pond, then his horse shed tears in front of the rock. He removed the rock and found Geumwa. | Geumwa's son Daeso sent out cavalry to pursue Jumong. | Samguk Sagi[3] | |
Samguk Sagi | Jumong as Dongmyeong-Seongwang | Eastern Buyeo | Yuhwa, who had slept with Hae Mosu, was then impregnated by sunlight and gave birth to an egg. Geumwa attempted to crack the egg, but it was protected by animals. A boy was born from the egg. | Geumwa's son Daeso became jealous of Jumong. Jumong ran southward, arriving at Eomsasu (or Eomsa River; 엄사수; 淹㴲 |
Jumong arrived to Jolboncheon (or Jolbon Stream), but could not afford to build a palace. Thus, he lived in a thatched house next to next to Biryusu (or Biryu River; 비류수; |
Samguk Sagi[3] |
By noting the similarities in these myths, we can presume the following:
- The legend of Dongmyeong was shared among kingdoms with Buyeo origins — Buyeo, Goguryeo, and Baekje — with variations.
- There seems to have been an ancient kingdom located north of Buyeo which existed before the creation of Buyeo.
- Dongmyeong and Chumo were considered as separate entities by Goguryeo; however, the legend was mixed together before the reign of Jangsu. Many Buyeo and Goguryeo royals intermarried after the birth of the kingdom of Goguryeo and appear to have mixed naturally or purposely to claim legitimacy and subjugate Buyeo.
- Eastern Buyeo was created after the invasion of Xian Bei. Many people ran to North Okjeo and founded Eastern Buyeo rather than returning to Buyeo.[note 22] The addition of Eastern Buyeo to the myth appears to have occurred in the process of Goguryeo claiming legitimacy and subjugating Eastern Buyeo, or was added during the unified Silla or Goryeo period.[note 23]
- The description of the Book of Wei has the most similarities with the story written in Samguk Sagi. The myth was complete, with the exception of the stories related to Eastern Buyeo, by the time when the Book of Wei was written.
- By the time Samguk Sagi was written, Dongmyeong and Chumo were considered the same person, posthumously changing the title of Chumo to Dongmyeong. The story of Geumwa also seems to be influenced by Heokgeose of Silla.
Alternative story
[edit]There is an alternative story of Chumo, which was noted by the compilers of Samguk Sagi.[note 24] The name Soseono only appears here. The storyline can extend to the theory of a coup led by Onjo, killing both Biryu and Soseono in order to claim Baekje for himself.[note 25]
The following description is based on Samguk Sagi.
Both Biryu (비류;
Soseono supported Chumo in every way possible, paving the way for the future of the Kingdom of Goguryeo, while Chumo helped raise her sons as if they were his own children. However, everything eventually turned against Soseono after Yuryu, the only biological son of Chumo from Lady Ye, came to Goguryeo and was appointed as the crowned prince. Biryu was displeased by the decision since Yuryu had not contributed at all to the creation of the kingdom. Also, fearing a purge by Yuryu after Chumo's death, Biryu led his followers along with Onjo and Soseono, and left Goguryeo to create his own kingdom.[5][note 26]
Records by people of Goguryeo
[edit]There are only a handful of records from Goguryeo still remaining today as many have been lost throughout the centuries. According to the records, Chumo was born in Northern Buyeo. He arrived to Holbon (홀본;
Other records
[edit]According to the Notes on History of the Three Kingdoms, in previous books written by Chinese dynasties, there are huge discrepancies in the history of Goguryeo, as they treated Old Goguryeo (고고구려;
However, there are indications that Goguryeo was actually older than 705 years based on other records.
- Tombstone of Go Ja recognized the history of Goguryeo as 708 years old. (indicating a founding date of 42 BC)[21]
- Silla recognized the history of Goguryeo as 800 years old in 670 AD. (indicating a founding date around 130 BC)[22]
- Tang recognized the history of Goguryeo as 900 years old in 668 AD. (indicating a founding date around 232 BC)[23]
According to Gwanggaeto Stele, Gwanggaeto the Great was the 17th generation (
- Gwanggaeto the Great was the 17th generation after Chumo.
- Gwanggaeto the Great was the 17th generation after Daejuryu.
These other sources suggests there may be significant gaps or issues in the timeline of Goguryeo found in the Samguk Sagi.
Legacy
[edit]The Kingdom of Goguryeo eventually evolved into a great regional territory with considerable power and influence. Goguryeo existed for 705 years and was ruled by 28 consecutive monarchs of the Go Dynasty until the collapse of the central government by the Silla-Tang alliance in 668. Both Balhae and Goryeo succeeded Goguryeo, and the modern descendants of Chumo still bear his family name of "Go."
In Goguryeo, Chumo was deified[citation needed] as an ancestral deity and he was worshipped throughout the centuries.
Today, Korea's Heongseong Go clan (Hanja:
In popular culture
[edit]From May 2006 to March 2007, MBC aired an 81-episode drama, Jumong, to mark the network's anniversary. The series took elements from historical records and mythology, and retold the story in a more down-to-earth manner than found in the myths, recounting how Jumong, the spoiled stepchild of the Buyeo royal family, embarks on a journey of self-discovery, becoming a leading figure of Buyeo, but retreats from Buyeo after his step-brothers' betrayal. Relaunching the armed and militarily capable guerrilla fighters' force his biological father Hae Mo-su once headed, Jumong goes on a life mission to rescue and band together the refugees of the ancient Joseon peoples, leading the fight against the oppression of Imperial China, finally establishing himself as the king of the new nation Goguryeo.
From 2010 to 2011, KBS1 aired King Geunchogo, also known as The King of Legend. In this series, Jumong is portrayed as a tyrant who could not accept sharing the power over Goguryeo with Soseono and the Jolbon faction. After Yuri of Goguryeo's arrival, the declared crown prince and successor to Jumong's throne, Soseono and all her subordinates and servants decided to leave "their beloved Goguryeo" to establish a new kingdom "much more powerful than Goguryeo ever was."
Since 2017, KCTV aired 고주몽, a historical animation directed by Kim Kyung-ho at the SEK Studio.[24][25][26][27] The animation contains the contents of Jumong, when he brings small countries of the same family together and builds up Goguryeo into a powerful nation. It deals with the history from the time when the parents Hae Mo-su and Yuhwa established their family until the birth of Jumong. In the first ten parts, Jumong tells the story of Buyeo, where he was born, and escaped.[28] The first episode was broadcast on January 1, 2017, and so far 24 episodes have been broadcast.[29] South Korean netizens were surprised at the quality development of the North Korean animation.[30]
Actors who have played Jumong
[edit]- Portrayed by Song Il-kook in the 2006–2007 MBC TV series Jumong.
- Portrayed by Lee Deok-hwa in the 2010–2011 KBS1 TV series The King of Legend.
- Portrayed by Jo Jang-ho in the 2017 KBS TV series Chronicles of Korea.
See also
[edit]Notes
[edit]- ^ The name is variously transcribed as "Jumong", "Jungmo", or "Domo".[2]
- ^ From Samguk Yusa, only in one chapter.
- ^ In Silla.
- ^ In Nara Japan, the Korean pronunciation is "Jungmo" (중모;
仲 牟). - ^ In Heian Japan, the Korean pronunciation is "Domo" (도모;
都 慕). - ^ Korean translation of golden frog is geumwa (금와). A frog is also used to metaphorically describe Buyeo and Goguryeo and is related to water. It can be phonetically translated as goma or gom (bear).[3]
- ^ The words Aranbul and Gaseopwon are originally from Buddhism. Buddhism was state religion of Goryeo when Samguk Sagi was written.
- ^ translation: the Great White Mountain
- ^ Yuhwa was recorded as Lady Habaek (Korean: 하백녀; Hanja:
河 伯 女 ) or Maiden Habaek (Korean: 하백여랑; Hanja:河 伯 女郞 ) by Goguryeo and China.[3] - ^ The Shoku Nihongi records that the ancestor of the royal family of Baekje is daughter of the river spirit Habaek (하백;
河 伯 ) which is similar to the Korean Chumo tales.[4] - ^ A river spirit, literally translated as the Firstborn of the River.
- ^ translation: Bear Heart Mountain
- ^
我 是 皇 天 之子 ,母 河 伯 女郎 , 鄒牟王 .爲 我 連 葭 浮龜![3] - ^ In the Book of Wei, one of the oldest record of the myth, it is written "
我 是 日子 ,河 伯 外孫 ,今日 逃走 ,追 兵 垂 及,如何 得 濟 " describing relation to the Sun(日) .[3] Sun in Korean is 해 (Hae), and it is one of the oldest native Korean words. - ^ This can be interpreted as the joining of three different groups, or as a meeting with three saints.
- ^ According to the history of Baekje, Chumo arrived at Holbon Buyeo (Korean: 홀본부여; Hanja:
忽 本 扶餘), married the second daughter of the king of Holbon Buyeo, and had two sons from her. - ^ Mohe or Malgal was the term used by Tang dynasty.
- ^ Damul (
多 勿) is a Goguryeo native word for reclaimed land. - ^ One common error within Samguk Sagi, mixing up Eastern Buyeo and Northern Buyeo. The story involving Eastern Buyeo is a fabricated story hundreds years later. Early descriptions of Eastern Buyeo actually refer to (Northern) Buyeo.
- ^ Translation: Dragon Mountain
- ^ Also can be pronounced as Gori.
- ^ Samguk Sagi often confused Buyeo and Eastern Buyeo. Also the movement of people and troops is only described as being north and south, not west and east.
- ^ This could have been added during the era of Yeon Gaesomun, whose family originated in Eastern Buyeo. The Yeon family often associated themselves with water.
- ^ This storyline is actually more convincing and inartificial with cross validations.
- ^ If Soseono is recognized, then Biryu also must be recognized as the founder of Baekje.
- ^ This is an indication that Lady Ye, who came from Northern Buyeo, had more power and support than Soseono. Lady Ye was more likely a daughter of powerful family of Buyeo, which also prevented Daeso from purging Lady Ye and her family.
- ^
漢 初 ,燕 亡 人 衛 滿 王 朝鮮 ,時 沃沮皆 屬 焉.漢 武 帝 元 封 二 年 , [集 解 4]伐 朝鮮 ,殺 滿 孫 右 渠 ,分 其地爲 四 郡 , [集 解 5] 以沃沮城爲 玄 菟 郡 . [集 解 6]後 爲 夷 貊所侵 , 徙郡句 麗 西北 ,今 所謂 玄 菟 故 府 是也 . [集 解 7] 沃沮還屬 樂 浪 .漢 以土地 廣 遠 ,在 單 單 大領 之 東 ,分 置 東部 都 尉 , [集 解 8]治 不 耐 城 , [集 解 9]別 主 領 東 七 縣 ,時 沃沮亦 皆 爲 縣 . [集 解 10] — [集 解 7]丁 謙 曰, 徙治古高 句 驪西北 ,在 昭 帝 五 年 ,正 朱蒙 開國 後 , 攘斥邊境 , 沃沮與濊貊,爲所 役 屬 時 ,傳 云 ,爲 夷 貊所侵 ,實 卽 高 句 驪也.
References
[edit]- ^ a b "모두루묘지(牟頭婁墓
誌 )". Encyclopedia of Korean Culture. Retrieved 2021-09-11. - ^ Vovin, Alexander (2013). "From Koguryo to Tamna: Slowly riding to the South with speakers of Proto-Korean". Korean Linguistics. 15 (2): 231–232. doi:10.1075/kl.15.2.03vov.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 1". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-08.
- ^ Shoku Nihongi
- ^ a b c "Samguk Sagi Book 23 History of Baekje Part 1 Section 1". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 2". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-13.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 6". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 8". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 10". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-14.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 11". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 12". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 13". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 13 History of Goguryeo Part 1 Section 14". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-15.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ a b c "Gwanggaeto Stele". db.history.go.kr. Archived from the original on 2022-06-18. Retrieved 2021-09-16.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-13.
- ^ "한국사데이터베이스". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-12.
- ^ "Tombstone of Go Ja". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- ^ "Samguk Sagi Book 6 History of Silla 6 Section 103". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- ^ "New Book of Tang". db.history.go.kr. Retrieved 2021-09-18.
- ^ North Korea releases new animation episodes on Goguryeo kingdom founder. The Korea Times. 5 October 2018. Retrieved October 5, 2018.
- ^ 북한 만화영화 '고주몽' 인기몰이…"하나의 핏줄" 강조. Yonhap (in Korean). 28 January 2017. Retrieved January 28, 2017.
- ^ 기다리는 《고주몽》의 련속편들. Uriminzokkiri (in Korean).
- ^ [취재파일] 북한 TV에 등장한 '주몽'. Seoul Broadcasting System (in Korean). 6 January 2017. Retrieved January 6, 2017.
- ^ 력사만화영화 《고주몽》 새로 창작. Uriminzokkiri (in Korean). Retrieved December 13, 2016.
- ^ 고주몽 제1부 (Go Jumong Part 1). YouTube. Archived from the original on 2021-12-12.
- ^ 북한은 왜? <
北 , 최신만화영화 <고주몽> 제작 수준은?>. MBC (in Korean). 6 February 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2017.
Sources
[edit]- MET "List of Rulers of Korea". The MET Museum. Retrieved 2023-10-17.
- KOCIS Lim, Felix (2014-09-04). "Jumong: founder of Goguryeo Kingdom is man of legend, history". Korean Culture and Information Service.
- CEFIA "Korea's Representative Myths: Stories of State-Founding Kings". CEFIA, Toward Globalization of Korean Studies. June 2022.
- RKS Kim Chang-seok (2004-12-01). "Goguryeo Society and Its Economy" (PDF). The Review of Korean Studies. 7 (4): 35–56.