The The Pig : Cultural Meanings in Korean Myths and Legends

Abstract

In Korean myths and legends, the pig holds profound cultural significance, bridging the conceptual gap between the human world and the supernatural realm. In these narratives, the pig is perceived as a mystical animal with special insight, capable of identifying auspicious locations for settlements or the founding of capital cities. It also serves as an intermediary between humans and deities. The pig is believed to possess precognitive instincts and to function as a terrestrial deity, bestowing fertility and protecting agricultural harvests. In another aspect, the pig is elevated to the role of a “matchmaker,” facilitating childbirth and the establishment of lineages, particularly in the birth myths of kings or the founding of major clans. The pig is also considered as a guardian of both human life and property; consequently, its symbolism is intrinsically linked to wealth, abundance, and security. Additionally, the pig plays a role in funerary rituals, serving as a psychopomp (spirit guide) and symbolizing sustenance in the afterlife. It is also used in folk beliefs as a talisman and a medium for therapeutic healing. Finally, the pig is regarded as an animal capable of gratitude, known to repay the kindness of its benefactors. In conclusion, the pig in Korean mythology and folklore is an auspicious animal with multifaceted roles, reflecting a worldview in which the relationship among humans, nature, and the divine is deeply interconnected and mutually supportive.