Article by Gil "hannaone"
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Dalsun and Haesik, the Sun and the Moon, a Korean folktale

Korean folktales have been passed down through generations, enriching the country's cultural heritage. These tales often revolve around themes of love, sacrifice, and the natural world. Many of them seek to explain natural phenomena, teach valuable lessons, or showcase the values and traditions of Korean society.

These tales offer a captivating lens into the collective psyche of the Korean people, reflecting their beliefs, customs, and spiritual worldview. The storytelling tradition has played a significant role in shaping the Korean identity and continues to captivate audiences both in Korea and around the world.

The Sun and The Moon in Korean Culture

Included in Korea’s collection of folklore is a renowned legend recounting the origin of the sun and moon, as well as the unique red shade found in sorghum. This particular myth hails from the Goguryeo Kingdom and centers on two children who became the Sun and the Moon.

The Legend of Dalsun and Haesilk

In a time long ago, the world had no moon or sun. Instead, stars were the sole source of light, but they were not sufficient to brighten the surroundings and guide the way. Among those living in this dimness was Dalsun, a lovely girl who resided with her brother Haesik and their mother, a rice cake vendor.

After a long day of labor, she was making her way through the mountains towards home, balancing snacks on her head for her children. Suddenly, a tiger emerged and demanded the snacks, threatening to eat her if she refused. Despite feeling upset, she had no choice but to give in to the tiger's demands. After eating the snacks, the tiger ran off.

After briefly disappearing over a nearby hill, the tiger returned and once again demanded her arm. “Just let me eat one arm and I won’t eat the rest of you,” the tiger said ravenously.

Faced with powerlessness, the woman in poverty yielded to the tiger's demands, allowing it to consume yet another snack before fleeing. But soon after, the tiger returned and once more demanded her remaining arm, which she hesitantly relinquished.

Now missing her arms, the lady neared her home, but the tiger returned once more and this time, he ate her whole. Following his meal, the tiger had a sudden inspiration. Donning her attire, she proceeded to knock on the door with a voracious appetite for the children within.

“Open the door, mommy’s here,” the tiger said. “But you don’t sound like our mommy,” the children said. “That’s because I have a sore throat from working all day,” the tiger lied.

Still suspicious, the children asked the tiger to show his hand through the door’s keyhole. When he did, the children exclaimed that their mother’s hands were soft, not rough. Despite the tiger's insistence that his hands were calloused from a day of harvesting grain, the children remained steadfast in their refusal to allow him inside. In a fit of rage, the furious tiger forcefully smashed through the door.

The siblings managed to flee by feigning a need to use the outhouse. They stumbled upon a nearby tree and sought refuge by scaling its branches. As the tiger searched for them after realizing their escape, he caught sight of their reflection in the well. Upon his demand for them to emerge from the well, their location was betrayed by their laughter emanating from the tree.

Fuming with frustration, the tiger demanded to know their strategy for climbing the tree. The brother smugly replied that they had applied grease to the tree beforehand. Clearly, this method did not have the intended effect on the tiger. Surprisingly, the younger sister piped up and revealed that they had resorted to using an axe.

As the majestic feline effortlessly ascended, the children pleaded: "Lord, bless us with a sturdy rope for our salvation, or a ragged one if you choose to abandon us."

Fortunately, a strong rope suddenly appeared from above. As they journeyed upwards, the boy transformed into the moon and his sister became the sun - she had confided in her brother that she was fearful of darkness. However, when the tiger requested a rope, he received a worn and tattered one. Despite this, he attempted to climb it and tragically met his demise on a field of sorghum, which was stained red by his blood.

Symbolism and Moral Lessons

Embroidered within the tale of Dalsun and Haesik is a treasure trove of symbolism and moral lessons. The sun and the moon are not just celestial bodies; they represent the yin and yang, the balance of life, and the eternal cycle of day and night. Dalsun, with its blazing glory, symbolizes the light that dispels darkness, much like a mother's protection against the adversities of life. In contrast, Haesik's gentler luminescence echoes the comforting presence and protection one feels under the moon's watchful eye during the night's silence.

The presence of the tiger, metaphorically, teaches us about the adversities and challenges that we all encounter. Facing our fears, like the family climbing towards the heavens, requires courage and the strength to rise above troubles. The narrative encourages perseverance, and the ascent to the sky serves as a reminder that reaching for higher ground, metaphorically and spiritually, can lead to transformation and salvation.

In addition to these lessons, the folktale instills values of the tight-knit family bond symbolized by the united ascent to safety. It speaks to the resilient spirit of Koreans and the belief in the protective power of one's ancestors. This narrative is an inspiration, offering hope and teaching us that light prevails, warmth returns, and after the dark, the cycle of life continues with the dawning of a new day.