인면조

BirdKorea · East AsiaLegendFear 3/10

Description

한국 설화에 등장하는 Bird. Inmyeonjo (Korean: 인면조; Hanja: 人面鳥; lit. 'human face bird') is a mythological creature from Korea th

Origin & Background

The Inmyeonjo is a mythical being in Korean folklore, described as a bird with a human face. This legendary creature, passed down since the Goguryeo period, is known as a sacred bird that connects heaven and earth. The Inmyeonjo frequently appears in the murals of Goguryeo tombs, particularly in the Anaggun tomb, the ancient Deokheungri tomb, the Samsil tomb, and the Muyong tomb. They are symbols of longevity and are also referred to as Cheonchu (천추) and Manse (만세), known to live for a thousand years.

The Legend

The Inmyeonjo is a bird with a human face, usually depicted in a female form, although some appear as male. This creature is considered a sacred bird that connects heaven and earth, and its image can be found in the murals of Goguryeo and Baekje tombs. The Inmyeonjo is also interpreted as embodying the wish for rebirth in the Pure Land, influenced by Buddhism, which relates to the Kalavinka from Indian mythology. The Inmyeonjo appears in a peaceful world and plays a role in connecting heaven and earth while living for a thousand years.

In Popular Culture

During the opening ceremony of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics, an Inmyeonjo puppet appeared, attracting much attention. This puppet moved to the center of the stage with dancers dressed in Goguryeo attire, aiming to express a peaceful harmony with ancient nature and animals. The Inmyeonjo is known as a fantastic being with a human face and a bird's body in East Asian mythology and Buddhist scriptures, and is regarded as a symbol of longevity.

This article is based on the Wikipedia article "Inmyeonjo" (CC BY-SA 4.0) · Wikipedia