The legend of Gumiho is one of the most fascinating and mysterious stories of Korean folklore tradition. The Gumiho, or "nine-tailed fox," is a mythological creature that often appears in legends and folktales.
According to legend, the Gumiho is a fox who lived for a thousand years and acquired supernatural powers, including the ability to transform into a beautiful woman. This transformation allows her to deceive humans, enchant them and make them subservient, often with the intent of stealing their heart or liver, which according to tradition allows her to maintain her immortality and magical powers. This figure is similar to that of the Japanese kitsune and the Chinese huli jing, but has unique characteristics and stories that distinguish it.
There are numerous narratives in which a Gumiho appears, some of these can be found in the Compendium of Korean Oral Literature 한국 구비문학 대계, Han-guk gubimunhak
The Gumiho is often described as having an enchanting appearance and irresistible beauty, but behind this attractive facade lies a potentially dangerous nature. Visually she is often described as a woman of extraordinary beauty, but some details, such as pointed ears or the shadow of a tail, may betray her true nature. The Gumiho can have 9 to 10 tails.
The Gumiho is an ambivalent character: in some stories, she is seen as a malevolent figure, while in others she is portrayed as a being capable of compassion and love. There are tales in which the Gumiho wishes to become completely human and, to do so, she must demonstrate goodness and resist the temptation to kill humans for a certain period of time, in some legends, to become human she must not kill or eat the liver or heart of any human being for a thousand days, or if she falls in love with a man and he discovers her, he must not reveal her identity to anyone for 10 years, or in the cruelest legend she must eat the livers of 1000 men, otherwise she will turn into bubbles.
The Gumiho, like the Dragons, has with it a magical sphere called Yeouiju, which protects it and which can save the life of another human being, and which it must recharge in the light of the full moon.
An example of this modern reinterpretation can be seen in Korean television kdramas, where Gumiho is depicted as a tragic figure, seeking redemption and a normal life. These stories offer a more complex and nuanced perspective of the Gumiho, transforming her from a simple monster into a creature with human desires and feelings.
Here are some K-drama titles that have the figure of the Gumiho (a nine-tailed fox) as a central theme and enjoy!
- "My Girlfriend is a Gumiho" (2010)
- This drama tells the story of a young man who accidentally frees a Gumiho trapped in a painting and then falls in love with her.
- "Gu Family Book" (2013)
- This historical drama follows a young half-human, half-Gumiho who tries to become fully human.
- "Tale of the Nine Tailed" (2020)
- The story follows a male Gumiho living among humans and a female television producer investigating supernatural events.
- "The Thousandth Man" (2012)
- A Gumiho must collect 1,000 men's livers to become human, but finds herself in trouble when she falls in love with her potential thousandth man.
- "My Roommate is a Gumiho" (2021)
- A romantic comedy about a college student who accidentally swallows a precious pearl belonging to a male Gumiho, forcing them to live together.
-Photo credit of Korean film covers from the web
The legend of the Gumiho continues to be an important part of Korean culture, reflecting themes of deception, love, desire and redemption. His ambiguous figure, which oscillates between good and evil, between the human world and the supernatural, continues to fascinate and intrigue generations of listeners and readers. the Gumiho is a fascinating and complex creature, embodying both beauty and danger, and who continues to capture the imagination of everyone who encounters her stories.
-Cover photo credit Pinterest
Paola Pelissa