Tradition / Region: Korean Mythology
Alternate Names: The Blue Cow; Blue Ox of Danyang
Category: Cow
The Myth
During the time of the Joseon Dynasty, in the mountainous lands near Danyang, people spoke of a strange and powerful ox that appeared among the hills.
Its body was blue in color, and it stood larger than any ordinary ox. Its head was broad, and its horns spread wide apart, giving it a fearsome and imposing look. Because of its color, it became known as Cheongwoo, the Blue Cow.
Though it seemed wild and strong, the beast was not beyond human control. A man named Yi Ji-beon managed to tame it and made it serve him. Once mastered, Cheongwoo allowed itself to be ridden like a horse, carrying the man across the land.
The creature feared neither cold nor mountain. It moved easily through winter winds and climbed steep slopes without tiring, crossing rocky paths where no common animal could travel. Its strength, endurance, and strange nature made it a wonder among the people.
The tale of Cheongwoo was later written down so that the memory of the blue cow — the mountain beast that bore a man upon its back — would not be forgotten.
Gallery
Sources
Namuwiki contributors. (n.d.). 청우 (한국의 요괴). In Namuwiki. Retrieved from https://namu.wiki/w/%EC%B2%AD%EC%9A%B0(%ED%95%9C%EA%B5%AD%EC%9D%98%20%EC%9A%94%EA%B4%B4)
Interpretive Lenses
Religious Readings
- Christian Ascetic Deep Dive
Philosophical Readings
- Nietzschean Deep Dive
Psychological Readings
- Jungian Deep Dive
Esoteric Deep Dive
- Hermetic Deep Dive
Political / Social Readings
- Marxist Deep Dive