The Analysis of the Korean Myths - Essay Example

Ancient Korean bear was considered an animal, which was an ancestor of humans. It is stated in the Tangun myth. Cock, magpie, frog, snail, dragon, and god were also totems. In the middle ages toad, centipedes, snakes, pigs, and earthworms were mythologized. The characters like unicorm-cilin and Bird Feng were adopted from Chinese mythology (Chinese myths). Cult mythology appeared in Korea with the penetration of religious and philosophic systems of Buddhism, Daoism and Confucianism from China.

Many gods and spirits of the primitive religion entered the Buddhist pantheon and were re-considered. In the state of Silla unique Buddhist myths and legends were created, which differed from Indian and Chinese. Confucianism brought the cult of ancestors and heroes and the legendry about mythological and legendary rulers, perfect personalities, and chaste women. Different sacrifices to their spirits were made in Confucianist temples in Korea (Korean myths). The conclusion can be made that Korean mythology was influenced both by China and Japan, but the influence of China was stronger.