Shaman Motive in Korean Literature

Abstract

This paper analyzes literary works that allow one to trace the changes in the perception of shaman cult in various periods of Korean social development and sheds light on the popularity of shaman motive in the 21st century. In Kim Tonni’s “Portrait of a shaman” (1936), the conflict between traditional and Western beliefs is shown through the image of a shaman woman symbolizing the ignorant Korean past and her son who converted to Christianity. Han Seungwon in his novels, uses the motive of the call for blood of those people possessed by ghosts and describes shamans’ life, traditions, and rituals. Shaman rituals are also described in the works of Park Wanseo. In her childhood memories, shaman women are depicted as transcendental beings tied to the other world. Epic novels by Park Kyongni, Cho Chongnae, Choi Myunghee describe the life of ordinary villagers against the backdrop of historical events. The main character is usually a shaman or her daughter in a love relationship. Shaman motive is also present in some novels written in the 21st century, in which main characters believe in spirits and shamans’ prophecies coming true. This implies that the belief in spirits is an inseparable part of Korean cultural identification, even for those who claim to be an atheist. Because shamanism in Korea is perceived as an important part of culture, the interest in shamans and shamanism continues to grow.