The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

As the novel explores the fine line between myth and reality, Oh’s reinterpretation of the elements of traditional Korean folklore becomes a central element of the novel, for her nuanced critique shows how profoundly a single folktale can symbolize societal beliefs about the relationship between humans and the divine. Significantly, the novel itself poses the questions, “[H]ow much of myth is truth?” and “[W]hat do you do when your belief in it is breaking?” (229), and much of the novel is dedicated to crafting a creative answer to this dilemma and stressing the importance of myth even to a contemporary audience. To this end, the story highlights the dynamic nature of folklore and its evolution over time, as well as its impact on individual belief systems. Ultimately, the novel posits that folklore, while rooted in tradition, is not static, for it adapts to reflect the evolving values of those who keep it alive. Thus, it is no accident that The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea is popularly characterized as a feminist retelling of an original Korean myth, for as Mina learns to exercise her own sense of agency, she grows beyond the static role of her metaphorical “ancestor” of legend.

On a larger scale, folklore and mythology represent repositories of collective wisdom and experience, encapsulating the collective dreams of a given culture. Exploring such universal themes as love, sacrifice, heroism, and the struggle against adversity, these stories are passed down through the generations and come to represent more than just fantastical narratives. Instead, they are allegorical reflections of common human experiences and emotions, and it is this very universality that allows them to resonate with new audiences long after the original versions of the stories were conceived. In Oh’s novel, Mina’s journey also echoes these archetypal themes, providing insights into the human condition and Korean culture. Her experiences in the Spirit Realm parallel the challenges that people must often face in reality, such as grappling with identity, making difficult choices, and confronting hidden fears. This traditional motif of crossing into the supernatural world is therefore a rite of passage, for it often leads to personal transformation and the acquisition of wisdom or power. In many Korean myths, such as those of the legendary King Dongmyeong or the folklore hero Jumong, the protagonists often have divine ancestry or receive guidance from powerful deities, and Oh makes it a point to parallel this pattern in Mina’s interactions with gods and spirits. Mina’s quest is therefore a literal journey and a metaphor for internal growth and understanding, and it can also be interpreted as a modern reimagining that speaks to contemporary themes such as self-identity, empowerment, and the importance of challenging predestined roles.

The connection with ancestors is a common theme in folklore and mythology, and this factor is deeply ingrained in the cultural fabric depicted in the narrative. Serving as much more than a backdrop, ancestral reverence is a fundamental element that drives the story’s progression and character development. As the narrative stresses, the “tradition in the seaside villages [is] to write wishes onto pieces of paper before folding them carefully into boats to set upon the river” (3), and this custom acts as a physical representation of the connection between living people and their ancestral guides, for such boats symbolize the desire of the living to communicate with their ancestors in the Spirit Realm, thereby honoring a mutual relationship of respect and dependence. The act of sending these wishes indicates a belief in the ancestors’ ongoing presence and influence in the lives of their descendants, a concept that is deeply rooted in traditional Korean culture. This practice underscores the idea that, far from being forgotten entities of the past, the ancestors are in fact active participants in the ongoing narrative of the family and community.

In the novel, this connection is further explored through Mina’s interactions with her ancestors in the Spirit Realm. For example, her journey leads her to a reunion with figures from her family’s past, such as Mask (her great-great-grandmother) and Dai (her grandfather). These emotional reunions stand as crucial moments that guide Mina forward in her journey, for her ancestors provide wisdom, insight, and support and dedicate themselves to helping her navigate the challenges that she must face. Thus, this dynamic highlights the ancestors’ multifaceted role as guardians, guides, and key figures who help Mina to reshape her path and decisions. Furthermore, the ancestors in the novel serve as a link between Mina’s personal journey and the broader cultural and historical context of her world. They embody the collective memory and experience of her lineage, providing a sense of continuity and belonging. This implicit connection deepens the narrative even further, allowing it to transcend the immediate story of Mina and touch on broader themes of heritage, legacy, and the cyclical nature of life and death.

On another note, Shin’s statement to Mina that “[P]eople suffer not because of any great will of the gods, but because of their own violent acts” (30) challenges the conventional portrayal of deities as omnipotent beings who callously manipulate human fate. This perspective encourages a more introspective understanding of human agency and responsibility, suggesting that the roots of many problems lie in human actions rather than in the whims of divine will. This dynamic is further illustrated when Mina responds, “My fate is not yours to decide. My fate belongs to me” (31). With this exchange, the author implies that if humans suffer because of their own violent acts, then they also have the agency to create positive change. This reinterpretation of folklore serves as a commentary on contemporary issues, urging reflection on how individual human actions impact both the environment and society.

The narrative further delves into the idea of the soul’s existence in various forms, even in gods and mythical creatures. This concept underscores the interconnectedness of all beings in the universe, a belief that is prevalent in Korean culture. By integrating these elements, the novel both honors and redefines traditional folklore, making it relevant to modern audiences. Ultimately, The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea speaks to the enduring power of folklore in shaping cultural consciousness. Through its narrative, the novel demonstrates how folklore can be reinterpreted to reflect contemporary values and concerns, thus maintaining its relevance and influence in modern society.