신라 元聖王의 <身空 詞䐉歌>와 관련 설화의 역사적 이해 = Understanding the Historical Context of Singongsanoega by King Wonseong of Silla

다국어 초록 (Multilingual Abstract)

The passage on King Wonseong in Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) can be seen as the background narrative for the poem Singongsanoega. It vividly portrays the mythical image of King Wonseong, who is credited with laying the foundation for the later stages of the Silla dynasty. The inaugural narrative of King Wonseong features both the well of Cheongwansa Temple and Bukcheon (Alcheon) Stream. These symbols signify the continuity of royal authority, demonstrating that the king inherited the rites of the early period that originated from the founder of Silla.
In Silla, wells were considered sacred, where divine life, similar to revered figures like Hyeokgeose and Lady Aryeong, were believed to be conceived. Legends say that water deities, such as dragons, resided in or frequented these wells. Bukcheon (Alcheon) Stream of the Alcheon Yangsan Village served as the gathering place of the six ancestral tribes of the Jinhan confederacy, where they convened to welcome the king. The stream is where the legendary figures Hyukgeose and Lady Aryeong were reborn as sacred individuals through a ritual that involved bathing in the East Spring and the Bukcheon Stream.
Furthermore, upon King Wonseong’s ascension to the throne, his father handed down the symbolic item known as Manpasikjeok (a pipe), signifying the continuity of royal authority in the middle period of Silla. This event played a crucial role in preventing Japan’s invasion of Silla. In addition, by maintaining friendly ties with the Tang dynasty, King Wonseong protected the “Guardian Dragon,” a symbol of the diminished central authority of Silla, and thwarted the schemes of individuals from the state of Haseo. This illustrates that King Wonseong emerged as a pioneer of a new royal authority in the later period, one capable of addressing the challenges faced by the powerful middle-stage kingship of Silla during the King Muyeol era.
The mystical portrayal of King Wonseong in the narratives is substantiated historically through his demonstrated abilities in politics, economy, and religion. This includes his foundation of an economic base rooted in Buddhist temples, his expertise in water management demonstrated in the construction of reservoirs, records of auspicious signs even in the face of numerous disasters, and his diplomatic relations.
Even before his enthronement, King Wonseong presided over religious ceremonies that combined Confucianism, Buddhism, and Daoism, resembling a divine ritual with a religious character akin to a hwarang or an elite warrior of the country. Moreover, he personally composed the work Singongsanoega, which belongs to the category of “hometown songs.” This piece falls into the realm of moving the spirits of heaven and earth, fostering unity within the community. He performed this composition during ritual ceremonies.