Thetis was a sea nymph, whose beauty captured the heart of Zeus. However, it was told to Zeus that it was Thetis’ fate to have a son who would be far more powerful than his father. Because of this, no god could marry her because her son would grow so powerful that he [...]
Mother of Chumong and eldest daughter of the water god Habaek. She was abducted by the sun god Haemosu, but was returned after her father protested. An official marriage ceremony was held, but Yuhwa escaped Haemosu’s chariot before they could ascend to heaven. Enraged at her for bringing disgrace to his house, Habaek had his [...]
The Korean dragon-god of the seas.
An ancient Korean wind goddess, she is celebrated in shamanic rituals where she is fed rice cakes.
The eldest of three demi-god brothers, appearing in the Samseong myth.
A bear who changed into a woman. She became to mother of Tangun.
Stone Grandfather: Tol-Harubang are large phallic statues found on Jeju Island at the southern tip of South Korea. The name ‘Stone Grandfather’ was coined in the 1940’s or 50’s as a reference to their obvious masculine shape. The once-official name for them was ‘Beoksumeori’. Traditionally, Tol-Harubang are gods offering both protection and fertility. These ancient [...]
A goblin-like creature of Korean folklore.
The legendary founder of the first Korean kingdom, Old Choseon, in 2333 BCE near modern P’yeongyang. His full name was Tangun Wanggeom, which is actually more of a title than a name; Tangun means “high priest” and Wanggeom means “king,” symbolizing the spiritual and political power invested in the ruler. His father was Hwanung, son [...]
The Cosmogonic Goddess of Cheju, Solmundae Halmang.
The goddess Solmundae Halmang (Grandmother) is the creator of the islands, mountains, valleys, hills, and rivers on Cheju Island, Korea. Physically she is a giantess: the highest mountain on Cheju Island (Hanla Mountain is over 6,000 feet in elevation) reaches below her elbow, and the deepest river reaches near [...]
