『우라시마 전설(浦島傳說)』의 생성과 대중화–나라(奈良)·헤이안(平安)시대의 전승과정을 중심으로–

Abstract

The Legend of Urashima, a leading ancient story of Japan, has been adapted and modified for many eras and genres. Literary works that represent typological changes of the ancient Legend of Urashima include Nihonsyoki, Manyosyu, and Tango Huudoki, written during the Nara period. The ancient Legend of Urashima used in these three works was adopted as classical knowledge by the nobility during the Heian period, and it was adapted in new literary forms, a good example of which is Urashimakoden, the first novel written in Chinese characters in the Heian period. Urashimakoden made the ancient Legend of Urashima take root as a literary form and served as a bridge for the creation of monogatari. Elements of the philosophy of Taoist hermits feature strongly in the transition from the ancient Legend of Urashima to Urashimakoden. The philosophy was influenced by ancient Chinese fantasy novels. The organization and expressions of Urashimakoden were adapted based on the ancient Legend of Urashima. Urashimakoden is a popular literary work of the Heian period that contains the nobility’s admiration of the philosophy of Taoist hermits and abundant imagination.