일본 소(牛) 관련 민담의 유형 및 서사구조-인간과 소의 관계 맺기 양상을 중심으로-

Abstract

Japanese folktales that feature cows can be divided into those that describe the mutually beneficial relationship between humans and cows, and those that discuss cows from an ecological perspective. The former includes folklore, such as “Cows and Buddhism” and “Repenting as a Cow,” and the latter includes “The Origin of the Twelve Branches.” The reason cows are depicted as mythical creatures in “Cow and Avalokitesvara” is because the twelve animals that appear in Buddhist scriptures are believed to be akin to Buddha. Thus, it is believed that they deliver enlightenment to people. Kshitigarbha appears as a young monk in the “Cow and Kshitigarbha” because of the unique Japanese faith in Earth, where Kshitigarbha is considered to be a guardian bodhisattva for children. The image of a “boy riding a black cow” metaphorically depicts people whose nature is aligned with Buddhism, as described in the Ten Bulls. “Repenting as a cow” is a widespread folklore that is meant to teach people the value of hard work, life, and good deeds. In these folklores, cows are depicted in light of human laziness, disregard for the value of life, and evil deeds.