동북아 소수민족의 ‘메르겐 문학’의 관점에서 본 고구려 <주몽신화>의 신화적 성격

The Mythical Character of Goguryeo Jumong Myth from the Perspective of ‘Mergen Literature’ of Northeast Asian Minorities

This paper comprehensively understands Mergen literature, such as Yimakan, Mosukun, and Uchin, which have been handed down from the Hezhe, Oroqen, and Dawoer ethnic minorities living in the Heilong River(黑龍江) and Songhua River(松花江) basins in Northeast Asia. It is intended to a new understanding of the mythological status and character of Jumong Myth. As a result of consideration, it can be seen that the Jumong Myth is an ancient document that shows the correlation with Mergen literature in Northeast Asia. In this regard, the Jumong Myth can be an important medium when grasping the history and characteristics of Mergen literature such as Yimakan, Mosukun, and Uchin, which have been handed down by the Hezhe, Elunchun, and Dawoer ethnic minorities. In addition, the Jumong Myth is a ‘founding myth’ based on the Northeast Asian Mergen literature, which can define its mythical character. Focusing on the protagonist Mergen, Jumong can be defined as a shamanic hero. Therefore, taking into account all these points, the Jumong Myth could be defined as a myth that epicized the process of a shamanic hero to a founding hero, that is, a myth that layered religious and political elements.