Shimcheong was the devoted daughter of Shim Bong-sa, a blind man who raised her alone after her mother’s death. To support them, Shimcheong worked tirelessly from a young age. One day, her father accidentally fell into a ditch and was rescued by a monk who claimed that if the father offered 300 sacks of rice to the Buddha, his sight would be restored. Desperate to help her father, Shimcheong struck a deal with sailors seeking a human sacrifice to appease the Dragon King of the Indangsu Sea for safe passage. She sold herself for the rice and jumped into the churning waves. However, the Dragon King was so moved by her filial piety that he protected her in a giant lotus flower and sent her back to the surface. She was discovered by the King of the land, who was enchanted by her grace and married her. As Queen, she hosted a grand banquet for all blind men in the kingdom. When her father arrived and heard her voice, his eyes miraculously flew open through the power of his immense joy and her unwavering devotion.
Filial piety and selfless devotion to one's parents are the highest virtues, capable of moving the heavens and creating miracles.
Advertisement
Questions about this story
What is the moral of Shimcheong the Filial Daughter?
The story emphasizes 'hyo' or filial piety, suggesting that sincere devotion to one's parents is a supreme virtue that the gods will eventually reward.
Why did Shimcheong jump into the sea?
She sold herself to sailors as a sacrifice to the Dragon King in exchange for 300 sacks of rice, hoping the offering would restore her father's sight.
Who is the Dragon King in Korean mythology?
He is a deity who rules the seas and weather. In this tale, he acts as a compassionate judge who recognizes Shimcheong's virtue and saves her life.
How did Shimcheong's father regain his sight?
After Shimcheong returned as Queen and held a banquet for the blind, her father's eyes opened from the pure shock and joy of hearing his daughter's voice again.
Advertisement
