Book Reviews1

• French(Français)

  [FRENCH] From the History of Origins to the Origins of Korean History

  Here at last is a complete French-language edition of one of the foundational works of Korean historiography and literature,Samguk Yusa, translated by Choi Mikyung and Jean-Noël Juttet. This unique account of Korea’s ancient Three Kingdoms, written by the monk-scholar Il-yeon (also written Iryeon, 1206-1289), presents a version distinct from that of contemporary official histories, as is clearly suggested by the translation of the title,History and Legends of the Three Kingdoms. Its mixture of history and legends remains the principal source of knowledge on the history, cultures, and customs of ancient Korea, and strongly influenced Korean narratives from the medieval and premodern eras. It continues to inspire fantastic literature, graphic novels, TV series, and films. Reading it allows us to better understand crucial aspects of Korean culture, traditions, and thought. AlthoughHistory and Legends of the Three Kingdomsis not based directly on the original classical Chinese text, but rather on the modern Korean translation by historian Lee Jaeho, it faithfully preserves the structure and sequence of Il-yeon’s work. The original text is divided into nine parts in five volumes, a format that allows readers to discover both the historiographical traditionSamguk Yusaoperates within and the singular qualities that make it a major work of Korean history and literature. To give its readers additional context, Choi and Juttet’s translation is prefaced by a chronology of the kingdoms of Silla, Goguryeo, Baekje, and Gaya, dated according to Chinese imperial eras, before the opening chapter “Records of Great Wonders,” which recounts Korea’s ancient origins through the myth of Dangun. Another of the book’s pleasures lies in its presentation of the fourteen surviving hyangga (literally, “songs of the land”) from the Silla period, which were transmitted primarily throughSamguk Yusa. Often presented in isolation, they have particular resonance here, as Il-yeon places them in historical context. Next come historical, mythical, and legendary tales of the great men and women who shaped the nation’s past, as well as stories of Korean kingdoms’ rivalry and cooperation with China and Japan.Samguk Yusadevotes special attention to narratives of beliefs and customs, and above all to the introduction and spread of Buddhism on the Korean peninsula. This religious history is told through historical records, registers of places of worship, anecdotes of great Buddhist monks, and popular stories and moral tales compiled by the author. While it does not claim to be academic, this sparingly annotated translation is carefully done and successfully reflects the work’s shifting tone, alternately historical, narrative, and lyrical.History and Legends of the Three Kingdomsis therefore recommended to all readers—scholars, students, or the simply curious—who wish to discover an “alternative history” of ancient Korea, along with its foundational myths, legends, and customs. Now, to complement this fine translation, we need only await the publication of its counterpart:Samguk Sagi, orHistorical Records of the Three Kingdoms. translated by Katie Shireen Assef

  2026-02-05

  by Kevin Jasmin Hamard

Related Resources2

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  English(English) Document

  Samguk yusa: The Living (Hi)story
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  English(English) Document

  The Pleasure of Getting Lost in the Maze: Samguk Yusa by Iryeon