문학 작품에 나타난 무굿의 치료적 성격 - 김동리의 「을화」, 이윤택의 『오구, 죽음의 형식』을 중심으로

Abstract

When we, Koreans have to point out one of the prominent cultural phenomena in the 21st century as the age of high technology, shamanism has penetrated deeply into our life. This is greatly attributed to the therapeutic characteristics of shamanism. This shamanism has often been adopted and applied to literary works where they strive to attract the sentimental resonance from readers. This essay aims at identifying how the therapeutic characteristics of shamanic exorcism have been embodied in literature, based on “Eulhwa” by Kim Dong-ri and Ogu, Formality of Death by Lee Yun-taek. While studying shamanism, many Western scholars have found out that the incantatory therapy has various supporting efforts. Shamanic exorcism in Korea has not only these effects but also symbolic functions to elevate the meanings for the residuals of emotion (resentment) and secular pain to the divine pain. It is no exaggeration to say that shamanic exorcism as a basic stratum of culture with the Korean people for a longtime has been rooted deeply in the sentiments of the Korean people. For such a reason, shamanic exorcism has been applied to the suggestion of a new consultation model as well. As other religions provide stability for believers through the mental reactions, shamanism does the same. These therapeutic characteristics of shamanic exorcism, which have touched spirits of Korean people for a long time, have been adopted in literature, as there were. We can say that those representative works include “Eulhwa” by Kim Dong-ri and Ogu, Formality of Death by Lee Yun-taek. Through “Eulhwa”, Kim Dong-ri wanted to seek for solutions in the contemporary society where shamanism as Korean native religion clashed against Christianity which was newly introduced to Korea. While seeking for his solutions, he addresses that what is important in the end is not what religion it is about, but how it plays a role for someone. In other words, shamanic exorcism which Eulhwa has carried out can be said to have played its role if it has controlled the mind of living people through the process of dissolving resentments. Ogu, Formality of Death by Lee Yun-taek also discloses no limit between these daily lives and plays through Ogu exorcism. Therefore, shamanic exorcism which can be said theatrical actions, has also played a role in comforting the daily life like plays.