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The Legend of Lady Yuhwa
Apr. 10th, 2018 07:41 pmThe Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), was compiled in 1145 by Kim Busik. It is a comprehensive history of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla. It traces the kingdoms from their myth-shrouded origins to their unification under Silla. However, since it was compiled during a period when Confucianism held sway, some of the more fantastical elements of the foundation myths have been excised. One of these myths is the foundation of Goguryeo, starting with the birth of its leader, Jumong. Fortunately, a complete version of Jumong and Yuhwa's story can be found in an excerpt of the now lost text Gu Samguk Sagi (Earlier History of the Three Kingdoms).
Translator's Notes: The Goddesses of the Han River are a unique duo in Chinese Mythology. Usually river goddesses are very sensual, always willing to take one lover after another. Only the Goddesses of the Han River are untouchable. It is said that the elder goddess's beauty was so enticing that even Confucius and his students pursued her when she appeared before them, but she politely refused them. Another incident has a young scholar propositioning the two goddesses by comparing them to an orange he wanted to swallow up, peel and all. The girls gave him a jade ornament, but turned him away as well.
Copyright: This work is an amateur translation that I'm doing because I'm bored. Any attempts to pass it off as an work of actual literary merit that you can make money from will probably get you laughed off of whatever site you're using. In other words, copy and sell at your own discretion.
( Translation under cut )
Translator's Notes: The Goddesses of the Han River are a unique duo in Chinese Mythology. Usually river goddesses are very sensual, always willing to take one lover after another. Only the Goddesses of the Han River are untouchable. It is said that the elder goddess's beauty was so enticing that even Confucius and his students pursued her when she appeared before them, but she politely refused them. Another incident has a young scholar propositioning the two goddesses by comparing them to an orange he wanted to swallow up, peel and all. The girls gave him a jade ornament, but turned him away as well.
Copyright: This work is an amateur translation that I'm doing because I'm bored. Any attempts to pass it off as an work of actual literary merit that you can make money from will probably get you laughed off of whatever site you're using. In other words, copy and sell at your own discretion.
( Translation under cut )