Description
A must-have collection of folktales for anyone interested in Korean literature and culture! For centuries, Koreans have passed down tales of magic and mystery that delight adults and children alike. Tales of Korea is a classic collection of Korea’s most well-known folk tales that present the imagination and wonder of Korean storytelling. Collected by Yi Ryuk and Im Bang in the 15th and 17th centuries, these 53 tales explore fascinating worlds filled with enchanted animals, fairies, goblins, ghosts, witches, and more. The stories include:
- “The Home of the Fairies” –A young man happens upon a magical fairy town where he stays for several years before returning home to an uncertain future.
- “Charan” –A beautiful dancing girl befriends the governor’s son. As their friendship blossoms into love, their lives take an unexpected and agonizing turn.
- “Ten Thousand Devils” –A prince welcomes a distant relative for a visit only to discover that the guest controls thousands of evil creatures that converge on the prince’s home.
- “An Encounter with a Hobgoblin”–A man experiences horrifying visitations in his home and fears that he is living with a sinister force.
- “The Snake’s Revenge” — After a soldier kills a snake, the reptile is reborn as the man’s son and seeks revenge in a gruesome way.
This new edition has thirty full-color minhwa paintings (Korean folkart) to vividly show the magic and mystery of Korean folklore. A new foreword by Korean folklore expert Heinz Insu Fenkl explains the lasting importance of this fascinating collection of traditional stories. Tales of Korea is perfect for mythology fans and bedtime story lovers of all ages.
