Korean Fairy Tales by William Elliot Griffis

Description

Korean Fairy Tales is a book by William Elliot Griffis, first published in 1922. This collection introduces readers to the rich folklore and mythical heritage of Korea at a time when much of Asia remained exotic and little understood in the Western imagination. Griffis, an American orientalist and former educator in Japan, sought to present these tales not only as entertainment but as windows into the values, beliefs, and imaginative traditions of Korean culture. The stories range from moral fables and magical adventures to tales of animals, ghosts, and legendary heroes, capturing the spirit of Korean oral storytelling as it was passed down through generations. At a time when Korea was undergoing immense political and cultural change, Griffis's compilation served both as preservation and interpretation. While his perspective was inevitably shaped by his era, the book remains one of the earliest English-language collections of Korean folk narratives, offering a rare and charming glimpse into the mythological landscape of the country. For modern readers, Korean Fairy Tales provides not only an engaging literary experience but also historical insight into how Korean traditions were first introduced to Western audiences.

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