한일 트릭스터형 인물전설로서의 방학중과 깃초무(吉四六)설화 연구

Abstract

This study examined the characteristics and meanings of folktales by focusing on Banghakjung and Kitchomu among trickster-type characters in South Korea and Japan. By comparing and contrasting the tales of these two characters, the study derived the characteristics of each narrative and attempted to identify the world orientation and socio-cultural background of the story narrators. First of all, the author looked at the similarities between Banghakjung and Kitchomu as real and legendary figures. Then, in order to find out the characteristics of the two character stories, and analysis was conducted based on the space, target, and purpose of tricks. As a result, the author could derive the following their characteristics. First, in terms of the space where the tricks occur, Banghakjung’s tale shows the characteristics of a ‘dynamic path narrative’ of ‘road’, ‘Seoul’, and ‘Yeongdeok-Seoul-Yeongdeok’. On the other hand, Kitchomu’s tale exhibits the characteristics of a ‘static regional narrative’ that is centered on his community and everyday space. Second, in terms of the target for tricks, a vertical confrontation structure stands out between Banghakjung and his targets, whereas a horizontal confrontation structure is prominent between Kitchomu and his targets. Third, in terms of the purpose for tricks, Banghakjung mainly uses tricks for harassment, discipline, and revenge, while Kitchomu usually plays tricks for profit-seeking. Through the analysis, the author could derive the world-oriented and socio-cultural meanings inherent in the folktales of Banghakjung and Kitchomu. First, Banghakjung appears as a heroic trickster with a central upward orientation. Such a trait reflects the image and wishes of successive narrators who raised questions over the existing order. In this sense, Banghakjung can be said to be a heroic trickster reconstructed by the people to answer their questions and fulfill their wishes. Second, Kitchomu exhibits the traits of an ordinary trickster with a tendency toward group integration. This reflects Japan’s ‘Shitsuke’ culture the values group-centered culture, manners, and customs as a ‘Mura’ village community. Therefore, through the story of Kitchomu, readers and get a glimpse of the awakening and doubts of modern, lower-class Japanese people who agonize and struggle over balancing the essential desires of individuals with the group-centered order. Through the discussion, it can be seen that both characters were legendary and historic figures that were molded newly by those who enjoy folktales. Both men were the same trickster-type characters, but showed different characteristics in therms of the space, target, and purpose of tricks. Furthermore, it can be understood that behind such uniqueness lies the world orientation and socio-cultural background of the people of the time.