정렴 설화를 통해 본 예언자적 지식인의 앎과 초극 의지 - 설화의 전승과 도덕적 문제의식의 확장에 관하여 -

Abstract

Jeong-Ryeom (1506-1549) received attention during his time as a person who knew without learning, had clairvoyance, and became a god (神仙). Anecdotes related to his excellent knowledge were introduced from the beginning, and the wonder of his knowledge was highlighted as narrative was added to the story later. However, while admiring his knowledge, the legend contains his gloomy life, that had to leave the world, so his special knowledge in the tale has not become a prophecy containing a moral message to the community, but remains the confirmation of his personal existence. Since then, however, people have combined the life-sustaining and revenge motifs that appear mainly in existing tales with Jeong-Ryeom's life and family history; building him up as a prophetic intellectual who can do things purely for others and act morally while suffering from the problem of knowing and enduring a painful life. Significantly, in his tale the world does not return to an order in which good people are blessed. Nevertheless, he listens to the pain of others, reduces his life span for them, and attempts impossible hospitality while enduring those who come to him with hostility. These figures resemble those who endured a painful life in our culture, but eventually became goddesses through sacrifice and devotion. In this way, Jeong-Ryeom's representation touches us through this divinity and leads to reflection that we did not value the existence given to the community as a gift.