In all countries, where there are societies, cultures must exist, and there are myths where culture exists. Myths include holiness and godliness, and they keep a seriousness and a dignity that a fairy tale or a legend does not have. Myths deeply influence making the culture of each country. The myths of the West and the Orient are as different as the cultures of the West and the Orient.
The Gilgamesh Epic was found in the Sumer civilization that is the root of the Western culture. Gilgamesh felt a deep impact from the death of his friend, so he had a long journey to find an herb of eternal youth. When he crossed the Ocean of the Dead, one woman said to him, “Gilgamesh, where are you going in a hurry? You cannot find eternal youth. You had better fill your stomach with fresh foods. Have a party and dance every day. Amuse yourself with your kid’s cute tricks and your wife.” This story influenced the Western culture that aimed at ‘Carpe diem,’ so it formed a liberal Western culture.
On the other hand, the Dan-gun myth reflects Korean emotions. The myth emphasizes the blood relation of Hwan-ung and Hwan-in, who are descendants of the heavenly god, and clears up the sacredness of Dan-gun. Furthermore, that inspired the unity of the nation for the descendants of Dan-gun. In addition, a story about a bear that endured great hardship and became a human at last shows the Korean people’s strong desire for raising their status.
Mongolia has a special culture and myth. A firewood gatherer caught a woman who changed from a swan. He hid a feather from the swan, and the woman could not change back to a swan. Therefore, they lived together and had five kids. The woman persuaded her husband and took the feather. She changed into a swan and flew to the sky with the five kids.
The Buryat people originated from the swan who was a daughter of the heavenly god. The Mongolian myth explains the reasons why Mongolians perform a ceremony for the swan and women have more power than men.
Our history started from a myth. In addition, myths make culture. Before you travel to other countries, you need to understand their cultures. How about studying the myths of your next destination?
Buryat: 부랴트 몽골족