17․18세기 류큐(琉球) 곡물 기원 신화의 재편과 류큐 왕권의 논리

Abstract

In the 17th and 18th centuries, when Ryukyu were invaded and controlled by Satsuma, some types of myths about Origin of Grains were documented on official texts. This study attempts to delineate the features of the documented myths as those of sovereign power. The myths are grouped into four types as follows. (A) Amamiku(阿摩美久) brought the five grains from the heaven. (B) Five grains were naturally grown up. (C) Grains were washed up on the shore. (D) Amamiku brought the rice grain from the Nirai-kanai(ニライカナイ)(A) and (B), the elements of foundation myths written by civil servants of Ryukyu Dynasty, show the mythical principles of sovereign power. What the (A) shows is the principle of 'god-nation' and what the (B) shows is the principle of confucian kingship. The important thing is that the purpose of both types is same. The both types aim for not mythical but reasonal principle which supporting strong sovereign power or kingship. (C) and (D) are regional oral tradition in Kudakazima(久高島) and Tamagusuku(玉城). As the official ritual system accepted and changed into agricultural rites, the type (C) and (D), regional myths about grains-origin,are organized into new official mytholpgy. And in this case, the principle of official mythology is that the sovereign power or kingship rules the rice-farming hero and must be offered agricultural richness. These myths of Ryukyu, are different from other dynasty's myths about sovereign power or kingship in some respects. For further comprehension we need to focus on the other myths about myth of kingship, of Ryukyu dynasty.