Article by Gil "hannaone"
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Hwanung, Son of Heaven, and Ungnyeo the Bear Woman

This story serves as the introduction to a Korean legend, highlighting the heavenly ancestors of the Korean people.

The Tale

Hwanin, the ruler of the Heavens, had a son named Hwanung who yearned to govern the earth. He often gazed upon it from his home in the Heavens with great longing. Eventually, Hwanung sought permission from his father to descend and take control of the earth, and Hwanin granted his request.

Hwanung, accompanied by three heavenly seals and 3000 followers, descended to a sacred sandalwood tree on the peak of Myohyang-san. This location would become known as Shinshi - the spirit-city.

Under his leadership, the spirits of Wind, Rain and Clouds were appointed as Ministers. Hwanung then created a government that consisted of 360 departments to govern all aspects of society, including agriculture, grain-storage, hunting, fishing, sickness and medicine, education, the arts and family-life.

Moral codes were also established to guide the determination of good and evil within this new society. Together, he and his ministers were instrumental in achieving bountiful harvests and promoting prosperity through effective management and governance.

Some time after the divine city began ruling mortal affairs, a bear and a tiger approached Hwanung and prayed to become human. Upon hearing their plea, Hwanung instructed them to spend 100 days in darkness and consume only garlic and mugwort. Without hesitation, the animals complied and took shelter in a nearby cave.

At first, the tiger and bear thrived. However, after three weeks, the tiger couldn't handle it any longer and departed from the cave. The bear, on a mission to become human, remained and accomplished Hwanung's wishes. As promised, Hwanung transformed the bear into a human being. From then on, the former bear was known as Ungnyeo (웅녀 Bear Woman), now a part of humanity.

Ungnyeo, filled with loneliness and a deep desire for companionship, sought assistance from Hwanung by offering prayers at the Holy Tree of Life, also known as Shindansu. Moved by her pleas, Hwanung assumed human form and married Ungnyeo. From their union, a son named Dangun was born.

Dangun was blessed with the energy of Heaven from Hwanung and that of the earth from Ungnyeo. His courage and wisdom were unparalleled. Later, he embarked on a journey to discover a new nation, accompanied by ten thousand people. However, that is another tale.

From Generation to Generation as a Spoken Tale

The Tale of Hwanung, Son of Heaven, and Ungnyeo the Bear Woman is an ancient Korean folktale that has been passed down through generations. It tells the story of how the first human beings were created and the role played by two mythical figures - Hwanung and Ungnyeo.

The tale of Hwanung, Son of Heaven, and Ungnyeo the Bear Woman is still celebrated today as it represents the strong relationship between humans and nature. It also teaches us about the importance of self-sacrifice for the greater good and how true love can conquer all obstacles. This timeless folktale continues to inspire many in modern-day Korea, reminding them of their rich cultural heritage and traditional values.