The Story of Hong Gildong by Translated with an Introduction and Notes by Minsoo Kang Page B

or a high minister in a time of peace, to have my portrait hung at Girin House 49 and my name renowned for a thousand years. For such is the destiny of a great man. But I was subject to a misfortune and my fate turned out to be a harsh one, so I could not participate in the affairs of the world. I became filled with frustration all my life. Given such difficulties I have had to face, the two tasks you have put before me are nothing.”
    The men were pleased by his words and spoke to him. “If all that is so, we will test you as you wish.”
    They led him to the spot where Sobu Stone lay. Gildong folded up his sleeves, picked up the rock, and took several steps before he threw it in the air.
    As he then walked proudly back to the bandits, they talked excitedly among themselves. “That is one powerful man. None among thousands of us could lift that rock, yet today he came and threw it in the air. How can we not be pleased that Heaven has helped us by sending him to us to be our leader?”
    They sat Gildong on a high seat and offered him cups of spirits they poured for him. They then presented themselves to him officially, bringing him a sealed book that listed their names in rows, and another that gave a full account of their possessions and supplies. After Gildong perused the texts, he ordered a white horse to be sacrificed and drank its blood.
    He swore an oath before all the men. “From this moment on, we will combine all of our strength and never abandon oneanother, even in a time of disaster. And so we will stay together for all time without ever forgetting one another. But if any of you should betray us or disobey me, you will be dealt with through military law.”
    All responded as one. “We soldiers would not dare go against the command of our general.”
    Gildong was satisfied and enjoyed himself throughout the feasting.
    From that day on, Gildong participated with the multitude in practicing horsemanship, archery, and swordsmanship. Within a month, discipline became firmly established in the ranks of the soldiers, who constantly and rigorously practiced their martial skills.
    One day Gildong brought everyone together and addressed them. “Soon I plan to have us attack Haein Temple in Hapcheon County. Anyone who goes against any of my commands as I unfold my stratagem will be subjected to military justice.”
    Everyone prostrated themselves before him in gratitude.
    Gildong picked a sturdy donkey to ride on, then selected several tens of followers and dressed them up as the retinue of a traveling nobleman from the family of a high minister.
    He spoke to all. “I will go to the temple, so wait a few days for my return.”
    Then he went on his way in a casual manner, looking exactly like a noble son from a high minister’s household. Everyone praised him profusely for his perfect mimicry.
    Gildong urged his donkey onward until he arrived at the entrance to the temple, where he sent a man ahead to announce his coming. “The son of High Minister Hong of Gyeongseong has come to study.” 50
    At the news, the pleased monks of the temple spoke among themselves. “How great our temple is that a high minister’s progeny should visit us. A noble son from Minister Hong’s family has come here to study, which could benefit us all.”
    Thousands of monks came out and bowed to him with theirpalms pressed together in greeting. “We are grateful that you have come such a long way to be here.”
    Gildong replied with a serious countenance. “I have always heard that yours is a great and famous temple where the surrounding scenery is magnificent. So I have come to enjoy the view and to stay for a few months to study for the qualifying examination 51 next spring. I request that you prohibit outsiders from coming into the temple during my sojourn and prepare a quiet place for me to live in.”
    The monks acquiesced to his wishes with bows and began to