신라 상고기 ‘태자’의 성격과 등장 배경

Abstract

This paper examines the records of Crown Prince(太子) before King Jinheung in the Samguksagi. It illuminates the nature of the Crown Princes as portrayed in the historical records and traces the background of their designation as princes in the Samguksagi. In the case of Silla, individuals referred to as Crown Princes are confirmed from the early period covered by the Samguksagi. However, the term “Crown Prince” may not have been used to address them during their time, given that the term could arise after using the title of king or emperor. Nevertheless, the fact that they were specifically recorded as princes in historical records suggests that they shared certain characteristics. The individuals identified as Crown Prince in the records include Namhae, Yuri, Jima, Ilseong, Goljeong, and Uro. The case of Namhae is associated with the characteristics described in the Samgukyusa. The Samguksagi commentary also records a prince in the accession year of the father, which corresponds to Yuri. Jima is mentioned as a Crown Prince in the context of the origin of the royal title of Judah(酒多). it is noted that this article uses the title of king, not Isagum, indicating a later expression. Ilseong's complex genealogy raises doubts about the accuracy of the article recording him as Crown Prince. Goljeong and Uro, despite not ascending to the throne, are considered as their sons succeeded to the throne and were later addressed as Crown Prince. In conclusion, Indiviuals identified as “Crown Prince” in the historical records were all credible heirs to the throne, recognized as such to the extent that they were expected to ascend. However, merely holding the title of Crown Prince did not guarantee accession to the throne; one had to ascend through the bequeathal of the previous king or the approval of the people. The recording of these individuals as princes occurred during a period when the royal lineage was organized, and the title “King” was used as a royal title. Notable during this time is From Namul to Nulji. In this time, Silla, through Goguryeo and Chinese dynasties, likely understood the exclusive meaning of the title “King.” Nulji, who ascended to the throne with the support of Goguryeo, made various efforts to stabilize his reign. He brought back royal members who had sought refuge in Goguryeo, repaired ancestral shrines, and organized the genealogies of rival royal families. This was aimed at affirming the continuity of Silla's royal line from Hyekgeose(赫居世), formalizing it as an official recognition. In this process, the awareness of the official heir to the throne, the Crown Prince, emerged. However, due to continued Wa(倭) invasions, Goguryeo's dominance, and a lack of institutional foundation for the Crown Prince system, the implementation of the Crown Prince system did not progress further.