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 by Ilyon; trans. by Ha Tae-Hung, Grafton K. Mintz
size: 153*225mm; 456pages,
publisher: Yonsei University Press,
1997.
About this book
Samguk Yusa was written in the late thirteenth century by the Buddhist monk Ilyon. The title may be roughly translated "Legends of the Three King-doms," although the word yusa cannot be precisely rendered in English as it means not only legends but also history, anecdotes, memorabilia, etc.
Actually the title is somewhat of a misnomer, since the book is concerned mainly with the Silla kingdom and goes far beyond the Three Kingdoms period in Korean history, covering in addition the following era, during which Silla ruled the whole peninsula, and in a few cases extending to the Koryo dynasty, during which Ilyon lived, which succeeded Silla.
The book is composed of various elements. The early parts contain various legends and folk tales, especially those connected with the founding and early history of the three kingdoms. We find here, for example, the earliest documentary version of the legend of Tangun, who is said to have founded Korea some four thousand years ago. These tales are mingled with a considerable amount of fairly accurate history.
The later parts are mainly accounts of the founding of various Buddhist temples and agodas,
events connected with them, and the lives and miracles of famous monks. A few tales of filial piety in the Confucian manner are added at the end.
The values of the book are many. Perhaps one of the greatest is that we have here an account of the beliefs and customs of the people of medieval Korea, something which can be found in no other contemporary document in such copious form. The Samguk Yusa is thus extremely important for the study of Korean history and society. Moreover, Ilyon had access to many ancient documents which have since vanished, both Korean and Chinese, and his book thus sheds light on many areas of East Asian history.
In addition to its value to the scholar, this is a book of great charm and literary grace. The genial personality of its author shines through in many places, and the tales of miraculous births, dragons, monks flying through the air and so on can stand comparison with any of the fairy-tales of Europe.
It is thus a book which has value not only for the scholar but also for the general reader who is interested in Korea, a nation which it is becoming more and more important for the western world to understand.
The English version presented here has been prepared with this general reader in mind. The
scholar, of course will wish to study the original text. Footnotes have been kept to a minimum, and most of the explanation felt to be necessary have been incorporated in the text. A general introduction has also been provided which should give the reader sufficient background information for an understanding of the book.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Preface
Introduction for the Readers
Book One
1. Wonder 1 (the Founding of the Kingdoms)
Book Two
2. Wonder 2 (United Silla)
Book Three
3. Rise of Buddhism
4. Pagodas and Buddhist Images
Book Four
5. Anecdotes of Renowned Monks
Book Five
6. Miracles
7. Tales of Devotion
8. Seclusion
9. Filial Piety
Epilogue
Appendix
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