Korean Mythology Archives

The Myth

Bulgae are the legendary fire dogs of Korean mythology, fierce supernatural hounds sent from the dark realm known as Gamangnara, the Kingdom of Darkness. Their role in myth is cosmic: they attempt to seize the Sun and Moon, and their attacks are believed to cause eclipses.

According to the traditional stories, the king of Gamangnara grew tired of eternal darkness and longed for light. He sent his powerful fire dogs to capture the Sun and bring it to his realm. But when a Bulgae bit the Sun, it was too hot, forcing the dog to drop it and retreat.

The king then sent another dog after the Moon. This time the Moon proved too cold, freezing the dog’s jaws and making it release its prize. Again and again the king dispatched fiercer hounds, yet none succeeded.

In Korean cosmological belief, solar and lunar eclipses occur when the Bulgae briefly bite the Sun or Moon before being forced to let go and flee back to the Dark World.

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