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Underwater lovers and K-drama fans alike may have heard of the popular 2016 TV series, “The Legend of the Blue Sea.” This romantic-comedy drama quickly gained popularity, not just for its lead actors, but also for its mythical plotline. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the origins of this legendary tale.
Mythical Origins of the Legend of the Blue Sea
The Legend of the Blue Sea is based on a Korean folklore story about a mermaid, and its roots can be traced back to the Joseon Dynasty. The Korean Mythology Encyclopedia shares that mermaids were believed to warn sailors of impending danger while also bringing good luck and fortune.
The story was first introduced as a fictional work in 1934, when Park Kyong-ni released the story of the Mermaid in 1934. Later on, it was adapted into different mediums, such as films, TV series, and cartoons.
This legend tells a story of a mermaid who falls in love with a human. In order to be with him, she decides to turn into a human being herself. However, this transformation comes with a price. She has to leave her underwater world behind and live like a mortal. The legend of the Blue sea is unique because of its inclusion of Joseon historical elements, such as the presence of enchanting elements and mystical creatures.
The legend is also said to have been inspired by another famous tale in Greek Mythology, the story of Echo and Narcissus. In this fable, Narcissus falls in love with his own reflection in a body of water, and Echo, a mountain nymph who loved him, faded away, leaving only her voice behind.
The drama’s title, “The Legend of the Blue Sea,” was inspired by the “Gospel of Thomas,” a gnostic text from the Nag Hammadi Library that states, “Within the light there is a darkness, but within the darkness, there is also a light.”
The show’s magical and mystical aspects were also influenced by another mythology, “The Chronicles of Narnia’ by the renowned British author, C.S. Lewis. These books consist of magical creatures, and it’s fascinating to see how this iconic set of stories have influenced popular culture worldwide.
The Themes
Aside from the mermaid’s love story, The Legend of the Blue Sea also tackles other related themes, such as the relationship between parents and their children, the power of family, and the value of trust and honesty.
The drama showcases a love that’s unconditional and one that transcends time and binds together people from different worlds. It captures the essence of how love can go beyond differences in race, culture, and beliefs.
The Characters
Jun Ji-hyun, who played the role of Shim Cheong, the mermaid, was able to portray perfectly the innocence and curiosity of the character, and Lee Min-ho, who played Heo Joon-jae, the conceited playboy, who was later drawn to Shim Cheong’s uniqueness, gave justice to his role as well.
Aside from the lead actors, we couldn’t forget the supporting cast, who made the story even more exciting and compelling.
The Popularity
The Legend of the Blue Sea became an instant hit when it premiered on November 16, 2016, in South Korea. It was loved not just by its Korean audiences but also by viewers from all around the world.
This captivating story has garnered numerous awards since its release, including the Excellence Award, Top Excellence Award, and Grand Prize for TV at the Baeksang Arts Awards.
The series has also boosted South Korea’s tourism, particularly the areas featured in the drama, by showcasing picturesque beaches, colorful structures, and historical landmarks.
Conclusion
The Legend of the Blue Sea combines tradition with modernism, bringing us an extraordinary story that’s worth watching. Its otherworldly setting and mystical plotline add layers of depth to the characters and their stories. This k-drama not only highlights cultural richness but also the universal nature of emotions that all people can relate to.
We hope this article gave you insight into the mythological origins and legend of The Legend of the Blue Sea. If you haven’t seen it, watch it and explore the mythical and romantic world that it offers!
Goodbye and till next time, PikiranMedia’s Friends.
Originally posted 2023-03-25 20:08:54.