Kim So-Un - The Magic Gem: A Korean Folktale about why cats and dogs do not get along

Published by Tuttle Publishing, an imprint of Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd, with editorial offices at 364 Innovation Drive, North Clarendon, VT 05759-9436, USA and 61 Tai Seng Avenue, #02-12Singapore 534167.

Text 2006 Periplus Editions (HK) Ltd
Illustrations 2006 Jeong Kyoung-Sim
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written permission of the publisher.

LCC Card No: 200602910
ISBN: 978-1-4629-0875-2 (ebook)

First printing, 2006

Printed in Singapore

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Cultural Background

The Magic Gem is a Korean folktale that has been handed down by word of mouth from one generation to the next. It has been told by grandparents to their grandchildren, huddled on the heated floors of Korean homes in the bitterly cold days of mid winter, with snow-laden winds raging outside; repeated in the yards of Korean homes to children seated on straw mats in the cool of a summer evening; and shared by farmer folk as they rested from their work in the fields in the shade of a nearby tree.

The author, Kim So-un, first heard this tale when he was a child. He hopes that a wider audience will now enjoy this story, and that readers will feel a kindred spirit with the people of ancient Korea. Kim So-un is also the author of Korean Childrens Favorite Stories and The Tigers of the Kumgang Mountains .

Once upon a time there was an old fisherman who lived with his wife in a small hut on the bank of a large river. One day, as usual, he went to the river to fish as he was too old to work. All day long he cast his line, but he did not catch a single fish. He thought of returning home empty-handed, but he would not give up and threw his line into the water one last time.

This time there was a big tug and, when he pulled out his line, he found that he had caught a huge carp. The old man was overjoyed. But, as he put the carp into his basket, he noticed that the fishs eyes were full of tears.

On top of that, the carp was opening and shutting its mouth, as if it were trying to say something. The fisherman was suddenly struck with pity for the poor fish.

Oh, youre trying to say Let me go, arent you? he said. Yes, I understand. Ill let you go.

So, the gentle old man set the fish free in the river. He then slung his empty wicker basket on his shoulder and set off for home. He knew that he and his wife would have nothing to eat for supper, and would be hungry again, yet he felt at peace.

The next morning the old man returned to the river to fish. Suddenly a beautiful young girl stood before him and bowed politely. The old man was taken aback and asked: Who are you?

The young girl bowed again, and replied: I am a messenger from the Palace of the Dragon King. The carp you saved yesterday is really the prince of the Dragon Palace. Thanks to your mercy, he returned home safely.

The King of the Dragon Palace was deeply moved when he heard how you spared his sons life, and he wishes to repay you. He invites you to visit him and sent me to take you back to the palace. Please come with me.

The lovely young girl mumbled some strange words as though chanting a magic spell. Suddenly the waters of the river parted in two, and before the fishermans eyes there appeared a bright yellow path leading down underneath the water, the likes of which he had never seen before.

The old fisherman could not tell whether he was dreaming or not. But he rose to his feet and followed the young girl down into the river. To his astonishment, he could breathe underwater!

The two walked on and on. Just when it seemed as if the path had no end, the Dragon Palace suddenly appeared before them. The sight would have surprised anyone, for it was very grand and beautiful. The old fisherman had often heard stories of the Dragon Palace underneath the waters, but never in his wildest dreams had he imagined he would see it!

The Dragon King was waiting outside the palace and greeted the old fisherman with open arms. The prince also came out to welcome the old man, and to thank him. I am the carp you caught yesterday. I have you to thank for saving my life, yet I do not know how to express my gratitude, the prince said.

The old fisherman felt as if he were in a dream.

They went inside the palace where the king had spread a great feast, and a host of fish began to dance. First a bream, and then a sole, performed special dances for the honored guest.

Many days were spent feasting and merrymaking. But, amidst these pleasures, the old fisherman began to worry about his wife and home. His worries mounted with the passing of each day. He thought how lonely his wife must be all by herself.

The prince noticed how troubled the old man had become and said: You need not worry any longer. You may return home any time you wish. But there is one thing I would like to tell you before you leave. My father will offer you a gift upon your departure. When he offers you something, you must say you do not want anything but the green gem that is kept in the palace treasure box. As long as you have this magic gem you can wish for anything you desire, and your wish will be granted. Dont forget. Be sure to ask for the green gem.