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Deep in the "Land of the Morning Calm," laid its protector, the Li Lung. The Li Lung was serpent-like in appearance, however, had the ability to shape shift depending on whether defense or offense was needed. For centuries, it's been regarded as the symbol of Korea, having the ultimate ability defend Korea from all troubles from foreign invaders. The story of the Li Lung was a turbulent one.
When the Creator separated his life force into 3 different creatures of his imagination, Li Lung was the most troublesome in reaching maturity. Li Lung's life force was imbued in a lowly carp, three weeks away from being prey to the humans that wanted it for its flesh. However, with the Creator's powers, Li Lung was successful in dodging any dangers that it came against. For a long time, Li Lung could not figure out his destiny and became frustrated. He became tired of being a lowly carp and felt that he could never live up to the expectations of the Creator. One day, a monk was taking a venture up the mountains, where he came across Li Lung.
"Hello, little carp. I see that you are in deep discontent with yourself. What is troubling you, young one?" the monk asked of him.
"O monk, you see I am no normal carp. I am born of the Creator, the being that once ruled the world. The other two dragons that were born of him, my brothers, are now fully-fledged protectors of their respective lands. However, I am still a young, lowly carp. I can't seem to escape this tragic body," Li Lung expressed his frustrations.
The Li Lung. Source: Wikimedia
Jeongbang Waterfall. Source: Wikimedia
"I know not of this Creator you are talking about. However, this seems like a problem that requires wits and determination," the monk answered. "I will give you a task. I don't know if this will transform you into your desired body, but it will require much perseverance. You will need to climb this waterfall up to the very top of this mountain."
"O great monk! But that is impossible!" Li Lung bemoaned.
"Anything comes with great perseverance, young one," the monk instructed the young carp.
Finally, Li Lung agreed. For years, the young carp would try again and again to jump further than the last time to reach the top of the mountain. The monk would come by periodically to check on the progress of Li Lung, but to no avail. Decades passed and the young carp's hopes dwindled as the years went by. However, one day, he mustered enough concentration and energy to leap all the way to the top of the waterfall! At once, a bright light engulfed the young carp. Li Lung flew in the air, and was transformed into a large dragon. From what were the fins of young carp became massive wings of a fully-fledged dragon.
And that is the story of Li Lung, the protector of the Land of the Morning Calm. From that day on, Li Lung ruled the waters and land below him with utmost come and an undeniable power, protecting Korea from invaders that came from all direction. However, a great evil was brewing during the time that he spent training to attain his final form. An evil that he could not handle alone.
Common Carp. Source: CT
Author's Note: The story was based on Li Lung, described as one of the four spiritually endowed creatures in Korean mythology per Korean and Water Spirits by Ernest Ingersoll. In the story expressed by the author, the Li Lung was one of a number of dragons who were described as "fish-dragons" where only through a certain amount of time will they become full-fledged dragons. However, this metamorphosis came from ferocity and a long-lasting determination, which I wanted to express in my interpretation above. As for the storybook itself, I made this story as a backstory of one of the dragons themselves, each with a mystical origin that brought forth its maturation. I also added the presence of a monk that visited the young carp, which served as mentor and a facilitator for his ultimate growth. This was also consistent with the many stories of Korean dragons, where its evolution was "propitiated with sacrifices and prayers."
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