A gom (Korean: 곰) is a Korean word meaning "bear". In Korean mythology, bears are significant figures, often associated with origins and transformations. The most famous gom in Korean folklore is Ungnyeo (웅녀), who plays a vital role in the founding myth of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom.
According to the myth, Hwanung, the son of the Lord of Heaven, descended to earth and desired to rule over humanity. A bear and a tiger prayed to Hwanung to become human. Hwanung gave them sacred mugwort and garlic, instructing them to eat only these and avoid sunlight for 100 days. While the tiger failed, the bear persevered and transformed into a woman named Ungnyeo.
Ungnyeo then prayed for a child. Hwanung, moved by her devotion, took her as his wife, and she gave birth to Dangun, the founder and first king of Gojoseon.
The gom, therefore, symbolizes endurance, transformation, and maternal power within the context of Korean mythology. Ungnyeo is revered as the mother of the Korean people and a symbol of their ancestral origins. The tale highlights themes of patience, faith, and the potential for transformation through dedication and perseverance.
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