The Legend (TV series)
Encyclopedia
Legend is a South Korean TV series created by Kimjonghak Production that aired on MBC
.
The story is loosely based on the legend of Dangun
and Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
. The story also adds mythical elements of the Four Symbols
depicted in fantasy
form as the four guardians who serve the king of Jyushin. The addition of fantasy to a Korean historical drama (사극) makes this series unique and distinguishes itself from its predecessors in Korean television series. The characters also speak in a modernized Korean language which marks a departure from a typical historical drama.
" refers to the title used by kings of Goguryeo
, and means "the Great King."
"Sa Shin" literally translates to "four gods," however, a more accurate description of "Sa Shin" would be "four guardians" because the Sa Shins are mythical creatures that serve the Great King. Although they possess supernatural powers, they are not deities. Rather, they are servants of god of heaven.
Hence, literal translations of the title have yielded English titles such as The Story of the Great King and the Four Gods, The Story of the First King's Four Gods. The hanja
title can also be read in Chinese Mandarin as Tai Wang Si Shen Ji which has the same meaning.
), Woonsa (청룡, the Azure Dragon), and Woosa (현무, the Turtle Snake).
He removed the power of fire from the leader of the Tiger Tribe, Kajin, sealed the power into an artifact called the Heart of Jujak (주작, the Vermilion Bird/Phoenix), and gave it to the woman he loved; Sae-oh. However, Kajin was mortally wounded while attacking another tribe, and she seemed to die until Hwang-woong healed her. This event makes Kajin develop love for Hwang-woong. When her tribe declared in a war council they would Hwang-woong take back the power of fire, Kajin then slew her tribe's elders with her own blade. She then escapes from her own tribe in search of Hwang-woong, deciding to become Hwang-woong's woman.
However, Hwang-woong likes Sae-oh and declared his love for her, not knowing that Kajin was watching them secretly when this took place. Kajin was infuriated by this and began reforming the Tiger Tribe and attacked the Bear Tribe. Unfortunately, this was the time when Sae-oh was pregnant, and when she had given birth, the baby was kidnapped by Kajin who offered Sae-oh a deal to trade her baby for the power of fire. When Sae-oh refuses Kajin, Kajin responds by dropping Sae-oh's baby from a cliff, leading to Sae-oh going out of control and releasing the Heuk-Jujak (Black Phoenix), even though Hwang-woong had saved the baby. (Note: Jujak is roughly the equivalent of Phoenix.) Hwang-woong's subordinates, the White Tiger, the Azure Dragon and the Turtle Snake fought the Black Phoenix, but they were no match for it.
Left with no choice, Hwang-woong used his Heavenly Bow to kill Sae-oh, the source of the power of the Black Phoenix, and managed to seal it once again in the heart of the Vermillion Bird. Kajin committed suicide by jumping from the cliff because she now "had no reason to live in this world any more." Hwang-woong sealed the powers of the 'Four Gods' (The Vermillion Bird, White Tiger, Azure Dragon, and the Turtle Snake) in certain artifacts and left them in the care of certain people, telling them that they will wake when the King of Joo Shin is born.
Many centuries later, Damdeok, the reincarnation of Hwang-woong, was born. Along with him, the artifacts of the guardians of the King were born. Damdeok met difficulties in becoming the king of Goguryeo, mainly because of Yeon Hogae who mistook Damdeok for the murderer of his mother, and his father who turned the king's parliament against him.
Sujini (수지니): The mistress of the Phoenix, the reincarnation of Saeoh. When she was just a little baby, she was hidden in a pot of beans by her sister, Kiha to protect her from danger. Then a village called Hyeon mu, adorning white cloaks found her. It was after they heard a cry from Sujini as a baby, there they found her and saw a phoenix sign embossed on her forehead that only the black Phoenix can have they knew she is the dreaded Black Phoenix. Due to that they always look after her carefully and never allow her to play with fire. The leader was about to kill her, however, one person, Hyeon Go, denied having seen the black phoenix sign but a red phoenix instead. He promised if she became one, he will kill her with his own hands.
Kiha (기하): The reincarnation of Kajin, the Mistress of the Earth. She was born as a noble in Sabi Castle just like her sister, Sujini. On the day of the arrival of the night of the Joo Shin star, the forces of Hwacheon struck the province and killed everyone in sight. Before being killed by the warriors, Kiha's mother instructed her to protect her sister, Sujini, no matter what. Kiha obeyed by hiding Sujini in a pot of beans before fainting in the smoke caused by the fire that the Hwacheon forces started. While unconscious, the heart of the Phoenix exploded in a form of watery energy, extinguishing the fire to save her and her sister. She was discovered shortly afterwards by someone from Hwacheon, the master-of-fights of Hwacheon, and taken to the base of Hwacheon clan. The Daejangro branded her to control her, while using her power of the Phoenix to regain his youth. She was trained in martial arts by Saryang, who developed an elder-brotherly feeling for her and even save her child and went against Hwacheon to help her(although he treated her with high respect to his death & she as a close friend and elder brother since he has always look after her since young).
Hogae (호개): The rival of Damdeok. At first he was very open and pleasant towards Damdeok, but after his mother's death he resolved to take revenge. This was combined with his character changing devastatingly to a cold, cool type from a warm, pleasant person. He had been winning many battles as early as his teens, and grew to a powerful warrior. He joined Hwacheon to kill Damdeok. He was killed by Damdeok in the last battle after killing Damdeok's right-hand general, Gouchung. Damdeok impaled him with the very spear that Hogae used to kill Gouchung. However, Damdeok's look showed great remorse even as he threw the spear, and possibly Hogae came to understand him in his final moments. (His face at death was not enraged. Instead, his eyes were tearful and pure, perhaps implying that he finally understood Damdeok.)
Hyeongo (현고): The leader of the Geomul village and the master of Hyeonmu. He carries a stick given to him when he was appointed as the leader of Geomul. This stick is the Heavenly Artifact of the Turtle-Snake. He is slightly irresponsible and does not act his age enough. Sure enough, he cheated customers by claiming to be an astrologer. He was the leader of the masters of the Four Gods, and was therefore to identify the King of Joo Shin and serve him. Damdeok called him his 'Teacher' and asked him to teach him the basics of a king. (Note: His final fate in the drama was never shown.)
Cheoro (처로): The master of Cheongryong who fights with a spear. He became the lord of the Gwanmi fortress of Baekjae at a mere ten years of age when his father infused Cheoro with the symbol of the blue dragon. Though this made him much more powerful, Cheoro's skin became covered in a blue bark-like substance (because the dragon's element is wood), and always wear a mask. Damdeok was able to remove the artifact, and Cheoro began to serve under him. He is very silent, loves being with trees and forests and it is implied that he loves Sujini, as his previous incarnation as the Blue Dragon loved Saeoh.
Jumuchi (주무치): The master of Baekho who fights with an axe. The leader of the Talgal Mercenaries, he served under Damdeok under the promise that Jumuchi's people will have their land returned to them. His three rules to be hired are 1. not to attack anyone from the rear 2. not harm women, children, or the elderly 3. If he dislikes the client's face, he will not accept. Despite this he did not betray Damdeok even risking his life for him.
Saryang (사량): The right hand man of Daejangro of the Hwacheon. He has long gray hair and a mask that obscures 1/3 of his face. He has ninja like attributes such as great speed and proficiency with shurikens and blades. He is a caretaker for Kiha when she was younger, and appears to be one of the few people who truly care for her. He ultimately betrays the Hwacheon clan at Kiha's request to be on her side, and is used as a shield by Daejangro when Kiha attempted to kill him, dying before Kiha's eyes.
His heavenly artifact is the Cheongung (천궁) which normally takes the form of a fancy cylinder and enlarges to form a glowing white bow. It is said to be able to either kill or give life to anyone it shoots. And its destruction means the death of the King of Joo Shin and the unsummoning of the Heavenly power. Before the coming of the King of Joo Shin, it was sealed inside a royal sword named Chumoshin(추모신검), which should release the seal when the heart of the King of Jushin was introduced to it: that is, when it were to impale his heart. When this was done, it exploded in bright light and disintegrated to fine ash-like mystic powder, revealing the Cheongung in it.
. It is said to activate when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'cold mercy' in his heart." When activated, it can weaken the power of the wielder of fire. It was also shown to speed the healing of its master when in physical contact with him.
Its heavenly artifact is a white twisted piece of metal, awakens when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'pure courage' in his heart."
Its heavenly artifact is a black cylinder that is usually shaped as a long twisted walking stick. It awakens when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'dark rage' in his heart." When it awakens, the time stops along with everything other than its master and the King of Joo Shin, enabling the leader of the Four Guardians to identify the King.
Its heavenly artifact is a large red gem orb. It awakens when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'burning passion' in his heart." It glows in red when activated.
For the first time in Korea, a king has been associated with the Four Gods. King Gwanggaeto
is generally considered as one of the greatest rulers in the history of Korea. The Four Guardians were found engraved in his tomb (as in any other king's), inspiring the drama.
Extended Cast
. It was staged in early 2009 by the Flower Troupe, and starred Sei Matobu and Ayane Sakurano
. Following the success of the first musical, Version II of the musical was staged in late June 2009 by the Star Troupe, starring Reon Yuzuki
and Nene Yumesaki.
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation
Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation Munhwa Broadcasting Corporation (MBC (Hangul : 문화방송주식회사, Munhwa Bangsong Jushikoesa) is one of four major national South Korean television and radio networks. Munhwa is the Korean word for "culture". Its flagship terrestrial television...
.
The story is loosely based on the legend of Dangun
Dangun
Dangun Wanggeom was the legendary founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, around present-day Liaoning, Manchuria, and the Korean Peninsula. He is said to be the "grandson of heaven", and to have founded the kingdom in 2333 BC...
and Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo was the nineteenth monarch of Goguryeo, the northernmost of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. His full posthumous name roughly means "Very Greatest King, Broad Expander of Territory, buried in Gukgangsang.", sometimes abbreviated to Hotaewang or Taewang...
. The story also adds mythical elements of the Four Symbols
Four Symbols (Chinese constellation)
The Four Symbols are four mythological creatures in the Chinese constellations. They are:*Azure Dragon of the East *Vermilion Bird of the South *White Tiger of the West *Black Tortoise of the North...
depicted in fantasy
Fantasy film
Fantasy films are films with fantastic themes, usually involving magic, supernatural events, make-believe creatures, or exotic fantasy worlds. The genre is considered to be distinct from science fiction film and horror film, although the genres do overlap...
form as the four guardians who serve the king of Jyushin. The addition of fantasy to a Korean historical drama (사극) makes this series unique and distinguishes itself from its predecessors in Korean television series. The characters also speak in a modernized Korean language which marks a departure from a typical historical drama.
Alternate English titles
An English reading of the original Korean title is Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi. "Tae WangTaewang
Taewang, meaning "The Greatest of all Kings", was the title used by the rulers of Goguryeo, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, since the reign of Gwanggaeto the Great....
" refers to the title used by kings of Goguryeo
Goguryeo
Goguryeo or Koguryŏ was an ancient Korean kingdom located in present day northern and central parts of the Korean Peninsula, southern Manchuria, and southern Russian Maritime province....
, and means "the Great King."
"Sa Shin" literally translates to "four gods," however, a more accurate description of "Sa Shin" would be "four guardians" because the Sa Shins are mythical creatures that serve the Great King. Although they possess supernatural powers, they are not deities. Rather, they are servants of god of heaven.
Hence, literal translations of the title have yielded English titles such as The Story of the Great King and the Four Gods, The Story of the First King's Four Gods. The hanja
Hanja
Hanja is the Korean name for the Chinese characters hanzi. More specifically, it refers to those Chinese characters borrowed from Chinese and incorporated into the Korean language with Korean pronunciation...
title can also be read in Chinese Mandarin as Tai Wang Si Shen Ji which has the same meaning.
Synopsis
A long time ago, a tribe that respected the tiger and controlled fire called the Ho-jok (Tiger Tribe), ruled the world. They eliminated and assimilated all tribes except the tribe that respected the bear, called the Ung-jok (Bear Tribe). The Tiger Tribe and the Bear Tribe fought, and Hwang-woong could not bear to see so many people getting killed. He brought the three gods of nature; Poong-Baek (백호, the White TigerWhite tiger
The white tiger is a recessive mutant of the Bengal tiger, which was reported in the wild from time to time in Assam, Bengal, Bihar and especially from the former State of Rewa.-Color comparison:...
), Woonsa (청룡, the Azure Dragon), and Woosa (현무, the Turtle Snake).
He removed the power of fire from the leader of the Tiger Tribe, Kajin, sealed the power into an artifact called the Heart of Jujak (주작, the Vermilion Bird/Phoenix), and gave it to the woman he loved; Sae-oh. However, Kajin was mortally wounded while attacking another tribe, and she seemed to die until Hwang-woong healed her. This event makes Kajin develop love for Hwang-woong. When her tribe declared in a war council they would Hwang-woong take back the power of fire, Kajin then slew her tribe's elders with her own blade. She then escapes from her own tribe in search of Hwang-woong, deciding to become Hwang-woong's woman.
However, Hwang-woong likes Sae-oh and declared his love for her, not knowing that Kajin was watching them secretly when this took place. Kajin was infuriated by this and began reforming the Tiger Tribe and attacked the Bear Tribe. Unfortunately, this was the time when Sae-oh was pregnant, and when she had given birth, the baby was kidnapped by Kajin who offered Sae-oh a deal to trade her baby for the power of fire. When Sae-oh refuses Kajin, Kajin responds by dropping Sae-oh's baby from a cliff, leading to Sae-oh going out of control and releasing the Heuk-Jujak (Black Phoenix), even though Hwang-woong had saved the baby. (Note: Jujak is roughly the equivalent of Phoenix.) Hwang-woong's subordinates, the White Tiger, the Azure Dragon and the Turtle Snake fought the Black Phoenix, but they were no match for it.
Left with no choice, Hwang-woong used his Heavenly Bow to kill Sae-oh, the source of the power of the Black Phoenix, and managed to seal it once again in the heart of the Vermillion Bird. Kajin committed suicide by jumping from the cliff because she now "had no reason to live in this world any more." Hwang-woong sealed the powers of the 'Four Gods' (The Vermillion Bird, White Tiger, Azure Dragon, and the Turtle Snake) in certain artifacts and left them in the care of certain people, telling them that they will wake when the King of Joo Shin is born.
Many centuries later, Damdeok, the reincarnation of Hwang-woong, was born. Along with him, the artifacts of the guardians of the King were born. Damdeok met difficulties in becoming the king of Goguryeo, mainly because of Yeon Hogae who mistook Damdeok for the murderer of his mother, and his father who turned the king's parliament against him.
Characters
Damdeok (담덕): The prince of Goguryeo, and also the reincarnation of Hwang-woong. (It should be noted that the same actor plays both Hwanwung and Damdeok.) He came across a girl named Kiha while he was reading a book at night, and later came to her again to ask her to heal his father who was poisoned by Hogae's mother. He had grown to a pleasant young man, but in his heart he always suffered because of Hogae's mother who had committed suicide, causing Hogae to believe that Damdeok killed her. He was later found to be the destined King of Jushin. In order to protect him before he becomes the king, he asked him to not show his true self to anyone, where in he pretended that he has no skills, especially in fighting. The image he showed to everyone was not hidden just by him and his father but he also trusted Kiha about him being a good fighter. It also prevented him from being harmed by people who wanted the throne, who didn't see him as a threat.- However, he proves himself to be an excellent fighter and a schemer who can win entire castles without a s:He was enraged at the idea of the tribal leaders that the King of Joo Shin must be a powerful warrior who can command his army to dominate the world easily. His intention was to unite the world as a brother, not as a coingle casualty on both sides. This was done by avoiding killing, and instead providing love for his future people. Despite being betrayed by his officials, he still saw them as his people.
- At the end of the series, he realizes that the task of the King of Joo Shin was to answer the gods whether humans needed their help to continue surviving. He answers by unsummoning (through breaking the Cheongung/천궁: literally Heavenly Bow) the heavenly artifacts of heaven to avoid killing more people, especially Kiha who was then about to release her power which would consume the world again and of the Four Gods. The answer he told the gods was that he should return the powers and that humans could carry on by themselves. Having said that, he returned to the heavens, leaving behind his lover Sujini and son (who was bore by Kiha) on earth.
Sujini (수지니): The mistress of the Phoenix, the reincarnation of Saeoh. When she was just a little baby, she was hidden in a pot of beans by her sister, Kiha to protect her from danger. Then a village called Hyeon mu, adorning white cloaks found her. It was after they heard a cry from Sujini as a baby, there they found her and saw a phoenix sign embossed on her forehead that only the black Phoenix can have they knew she is the dreaded Black Phoenix. Due to that they always look after her carefully and never allow her to play with fire. The leader was about to kill her, however, one person, Hyeon Go, denied having seen the black phoenix sign but a red phoenix instead. He promised if she became one, he will kill her with his own hands.
- Sujini was pick up as an orphan by Hyeon Go and considered him as her teacher. Growing up in the tribe where men are her companions she developed a boyish traits, but still she was kept by the tribe tenderly. Sujini’s life was hard so she really "loved" money especially used it for buying wine. The way she earned money was quite interesting and funny. She met Damdeok by chance one day while she was getting in somewhat little trouble and Damdeok helped her. Naturally, they had become friends since then. When she got into trouble again, they were watching a polo games. Therefore one more time Damdeok helped her. At that time she discovered that he is actually a prince.
- Damdeok frequently sneaked out of his palace into the streets. Sujini and Damdeok often wandered together and she commonly helped him when he got into trouble. Their relationship was strengthened over time. Sujini also gave a big contribution helping Damdeok to recognize himself as the king of Joo Shin (because of the conflict with Hogae). She always tagged along with him, even onto the battlefield. Sujini was very good at archery (It should be noticed that the artifact that protected Joo Shin King's life is also a bow). When she discovered that she was the one that would release the black phoenix she chose to live alone. She thus moved away without Damdeok's knowledge and brought up the son of Damdeok and her sister. After nine years, they met again but Damdeok had by then realized she was the one he truly loved.
Kiha (기하): The reincarnation of Kajin, the Mistress of the Earth. She was born as a noble in Sabi Castle just like her sister, Sujini. On the day of the arrival of the night of the Joo Shin star, the forces of Hwacheon struck the province and killed everyone in sight. Before being killed by the warriors, Kiha's mother instructed her to protect her sister, Sujini, no matter what. Kiha obeyed by hiding Sujini in a pot of beans before fainting in the smoke caused by the fire that the Hwacheon forces started. While unconscious, the heart of the Phoenix exploded in a form of watery energy, extinguishing the fire to save her and her sister. She was discovered shortly afterwards by someone from Hwacheon, the master-of-fights of Hwacheon, and taken to the base of Hwacheon clan. The Daejangro branded her to control her, while using her power of the Phoenix to regain his youth. She was trained in martial arts by Saryang, who developed an elder-brotherly feeling for her and even save her child and went against Hwacheon to help her(although he treated her with high respect to his death & she as a close friend and elder brother since he has always look after her since young).
- She met Damdeok by chance one night in the royal library and began to fall for him. Their relationship was going well, until the day that Damdeok's father staged his death that made it seemed that Kiha assassinated him to protect Damdeok. She became a cold person since, especially after seeing Damdeok having a good time with Sujini. She came to think herself to have been 'used'. Later finding that she was pregnant, she decided to reform the whole of Goguryeo for her child. She went as far as deciding Hogae to be suitable for the father for her child even though her love for Damdeok never disappeared. At the end of the series, she unwillingly and accidentally cut her and Damdeok's child on the finger and had the power of heaven. Sujini realized that Kiha has the power of the black phoenix, releasing fire but not releasing the black phoenix instead.
Hogae (호개): The rival of Damdeok. At first he was very open and pleasant towards Damdeok, but after his mother's death he resolved to take revenge. This was combined with his character changing devastatingly to a cold, cool type from a warm, pleasant person. He had been winning many battles as early as his teens, and grew to a powerful warrior. He joined Hwacheon to kill Damdeok. He was killed by Damdeok in the last battle after killing Damdeok's right-hand general, Gouchung. Damdeok impaled him with the very spear that Hogae used to kill Gouchung. However, Damdeok's look showed great remorse even as he threw the spear, and possibly Hogae came to understand him in his final moments. (His face at death was not enraged. Instead, his eyes were tearful and pure, perhaps implying that he finally understood Damdeok.)
Hyeongo (현고): The leader of the Geomul village and the master of Hyeonmu. He carries a stick given to him when he was appointed as the leader of Geomul. This stick is the Heavenly Artifact of the Turtle-Snake. He is slightly irresponsible and does not act his age enough. Sure enough, he cheated customers by claiming to be an astrologer. He was the leader of the masters of the Four Gods, and was therefore to identify the King of Joo Shin and serve him. Damdeok called him his 'Teacher' and asked him to teach him the basics of a king. (Note: His final fate in the drama was never shown.)
Cheoro (처로): The master of Cheongryong who fights with a spear. He became the lord of the Gwanmi fortress of Baekjae at a mere ten years of age when his father infused Cheoro with the symbol of the blue dragon. Though this made him much more powerful, Cheoro's skin became covered in a blue bark-like substance (because the dragon's element is wood), and always wear a mask. Damdeok was able to remove the artifact, and Cheoro began to serve under him. He is very silent, loves being with trees and forests and it is implied that he loves Sujini, as his previous incarnation as the Blue Dragon loved Saeoh.
Jumuchi (주무치): The master of Baekho who fights with an axe. The leader of the Talgal Mercenaries, he served under Damdeok under the promise that Jumuchi's people will have their land returned to them. His three rules to be hired are 1. not to attack anyone from the rear 2. not harm women, children, or the elderly 3. If he dislikes the client's face, he will not accept. Despite this he did not betray Damdeok even risking his life for him.
Saryang (사량): The right hand man of Daejangro of the Hwacheon. He has long gray hair and a mask that obscures 1/3 of his face. He has ninja like attributes such as great speed and proficiency with shurikens and blades. He is a caretaker for Kiha when she was younger, and appears to be one of the few people who truly care for her. He ultimately betrays the Hwacheon clan at Kiha's request to be on her side, and is used as a shield by Daejangro when Kiha attempted to kill him, dying before Kiha's eyes.
Korean mythology
- HwanungHwanungHwanung is an important figure in the mythological origins of Korea. He plays a central role in the story of Dangun Wanggeom , the legendary founder of Gojoseon, the first kingdom of Korea. Hwanung is the son of Hwanin , the "Lord of Heaven"...
(환웅): A son of the god in the heavenly world. He had longed to live in the surface world for long until he was finally given permission to do so. He was said to have brought three Guardians of the world: the Blue Dragon, the White Tiger and the Black Turtle-snake. After marrying a woman who was born as a bear, he had a son and returned to the Heaven.
His heavenly artifact is the Cheongung (천궁) which normally takes the form of a fancy cylinder and enlarges to form a glowing white bow. It is said to be able to either kill or give life to anyone it shoots. And its destruction means the death of the King of Joo Shin and the unsummoning of the Heavenly power. Before the coming of the King of Joo Shin, it was sealed inside a royal sword named Chumoshin(추모신검), which should release the seal when the heart of the King of Jushin was introduced to it: that is, when it were to impale his heart. When this was done, it exploded in bright light and disintegrated to fine ash-like mystic powder, revealing the Cheongung in it.
- Blue Dragon (청룡/Cheong-Ryong): The ruler of the East and the guardian of the clouds, hence the alternative name Unsa (운사/雲師: Cloudmaster).Its heavenly artifact is a bluish stone that looks slightly like a shellfish.
. It is said to activate when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'cold mercy' in his heart." When activated, it can weaken the power of the wielder of fire. It was also shown to speed the healing of its master when in physical contact with him.
- White TigerWhite Tiger (Chinese constellation)The White Tiger is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. It is sometimes called the White Tiger of the West , and is known as Baihu in Chinese, Byakko in Japanese, Baekho in Korean and Bạch Hổ in Vietnamese...
(백호/Baek-Ho): The ruler of the West and the guardian of the winds, hence the alternative name Pungbaek (풍백/風伯: Windleader).
Its heavenly artifact is a white twisted piece of metal, awakens when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'pure courage' in his heart."
- Black Turtle-Snake (현무/Hyeon-Mu): The ruler of the North and the guardian of the rain, hence the alternative name Usa (우사/雨師: Rainmaster).
Its heavenly artifact is a black cylinder that is usually shaped as a long twisted walking stick. It awakens when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'dark rage' in his heart." When it awakens, the time stops along with everything other than its master and the King of Joo Shin, enabling the leader of the Four Guardians to identify the King.
- PhoenixVermilion Bird (Chinese constellation)The Vermilion bird is one of the Four Symbols of the Chinese constellations. According to Wu Xing, the Taoist five-elemental system, it represents the fire-element, the direction south, and the season summer correspondingly. Thus it is sometimes called the Vermilion bird of the South...
(주작/Jujak): The ruler of the South and the guardian of the fire. It is not a subordinate of Hwanung, and was portrayed as becoming evil when its 'host' is engulfed with anger. Unlike its actual incarnation, it controls fire, resembling BonghwangFenghuangFenghuang are mythological birds of East Asia that reign over all other birds. The males are called Feng and the females Huang. In modern times, however, such a distinction of gender is often no longer made and the Feng and Huang are blurred into a single feminine entity so that the bird can be...
(봉황) more than Jujak.
Its heavenly artifact is a large red gem orb. It awakens when "The King of Joo Shin feels 'burning passion' in his heart." It glows in red when activated.
For the first time in Korea, a king has been associated with the Four Gods. King Gwanggaeto
Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo
Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo was the nineteenth monarch of Goguryeo, the northernmost of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. His full posthumous name roughly means "Very Greatest King, Broad Expander of Territory, buried in Gukgangsang.", sometimes abbreviated to Hotaewang or Taewang...
is generally considered as one of the greatest rulers in the history of Korea. The Four Guardians were found engraved in his tomb (as in any other king's), inspiring the drama.
Cast
Main Cast- Bae Yong Jun as Damdeok / Hwanung
- Lee Ji-ahLee Ji-ahLee Ji-ah is a South Korean actress. Her first role was in The Legend as Sujini, a lover of Damdeok, the King .-Biography:...
(이지아) as Sujini / Saeoh - Moon So-riMoon So-ri- Career :Moon So-ri appeared in plays and short films such as Black Cut and To the Spring Mountain before finding fame as a leading actress. Her first film role was in Lee Chang-dong's acclaimed Peppermint Candy, however her acting skills were not really showcased until she appeared in her second...
as Seo Kiha / Kajin - Oh Kwang-rok (오광록) as Hyeon-go
- Choi Min-sooChoi Min-sooChoi Min-soo is a South Korean actor known for the "tough guy" image.- Biography :Choi was born in Seoul in 1962. Choi's family has been active in acting, and singing for over the last eight decades. Choi was born as the son of Choi Moo-ryong, a popular actor of the 1960s and 1970s, and Kang...
as Daejangro(Leader) of Hwacheon Clan - Yoon Tae-young (윤태영) as Yeon Hogae
- Park Sang-won (박상원) as Yeon Garyo
- Lee Philip (이필립) as Cheoro
- Park Sung-Woong (박성웅) as Jumuchi
- Park Seong Min (박성민) as Saryang
Extended Cast
- Lee Da-Hee (이다희) as Gakdan
- Yoo Seung-Ho (유승호) as young Damdeok
- Park Eun-BinPark Eun-BinPark Eun-Bin is South Korean actress. She debuted at the age of 7 and appeared in the TV drama White Night 3.98 the following year.-Movies:*Death Bell 2: Bloody Camp *How to Keep My Love...
(박은빈) as young Kiha - Oh Seung-Yoon (오성윤) as young Hyeon-go
- Shim Eun-kyung (심은경) as young Sujini
- Kim Ho-Young (김호영) as young Hogae
Awards and nominations
- MBC Won, Best Drama
- MBC Won, Highest Award 대상 (Bae Yong Jun)
- MBC Won, Populartiy Award (Bae Yong Jun)
- MBC Won, Popularity Award (Lee Ji Ah)
- MBC Won, Best New Actress (Lee Ji Ah)
- MBC Won, Best Couple Award (Lee Ji Ah and Bae Yong Jun)
- MBC Nominated, Top Excellence in Acting 최우수상 (Choi Min-soo)
- MBC Nominated, Best New Actor (Lee Philip)
- MBC Nominated, Popularity Award (Choi Min-soo)
Adaptations
The series has also been adapted into a musical by the Japanese Takarazuka RevueTakarazuka Revue
The Takarazuka Revue is a Japanese all-female musical theater troupe based in Takarazuka, Hyōgo Prefecture, Japan. Women play all roles in lavish, Broadway-style productions of Western-style musicals, and sometimes stories adapted from shōjo manga and Japanese folktales. The troupe takes its name...
. It was staged in early 2009 by the Flower Troupe, and starred Sei Matobu and Ayane Sakurano
Ayane Sakurano
is a Japanese actress in the Takarazuka Revue's Flower Troupe, where she performs as a musumeyaku .-Background:...
. Following the success of the first musical, Version II of the musical was staged in late June 2009 by the Star Troupe, starring Reon Yuzuki
Reon Yuzuki
is a Japanese actress in Star Troupe of the Takarazuka Revue, in which she specializes in playing male parts . She joined the revue in 1999 and became the top star in 2009. She is called Chie from her real name.-General information:...
and Nene Yumesaki.