
### **Echoes of Broken Steel**

The sound of iron shattering in the dead of night is the only warning some get. Blackened footprints, scorched into the earth, mark the path of something monstrous—something insatiable. It is said that when a Bulgasari descends upon a village, no blade, no armor, no chain is spared from its insatiable hunger. Warriors stand helpless as swords rust in their hands. Merchants weep over shattered wares. When the beast departs, it leaves only brittle husks where iron once stood.

### **The Devourer of Iron**

The Bulgasari is unlike any ordinary predator. It is a beast covered in tough, needle-like spines, its hide growing harder with every piece of iron it consumes. Some say it moves like a bear, others like a hunched boar, while some claim it resembles a monstrous pangolin clad in jagged plates. Regardless of its form, all accounts agree on its immense size—large enough to crush carts beneath its bulk. Sharp spines jut from its back, each one glimmering with an eerie sheen, as though still hot from the forge. Its tusks, curved and wicked, glint under the moonlight like polished daggers.

Its most terrifying feature, however, is its mouth—a jagged maw that devours iron as if it were dry leaves. It consumes swords whole, grinds armor to dust, and drinks molten metal like water. Some say that the more iron it consumes, the stronger it becomes, its body forging new plates with each meal.

### **Born of Wrath, Sustained by Hunger**

Legends tell that the first Bulgasari was not born, but **given life**—a creation meant to end war but destined for ruin. It was meant to be a guardian, an end to the bloodshed that steel had wrought. Yet, as it fed, its hunger deepened. No weapon, no chain, no scrap of metal could sate its growing appetite. That night, the creature **stirred**—its form shifting unnaturally, growing beyond the monk’s control. With a hunger boundless, it swept through the land, devouring swords, armor, and fortresses alike before disappearing into the mountains, leaving only rust and ruin in its wake.

Tales of the Bulgasari have endured for centuries, passed down through generations, though whether the beast itself endures or only its legend remains uncertain. Others believe it is eternal, wandering the world in search of iron, never satisfied, never dying.

### **Where the Iron Eater Roams**

It is said that these creatures are drawn to places rich in iron, though whether they truly roam the lands or are simply a tale to keep blacksmiths wary is uncertain. **Ruins and battlefields** are common hunting grounds, where shattered weapons and rusted armor lie scattered. **Mountain forges**, too, attract their hunger, drawn by the scent of molten metal and freshly hammered steel. Villagers who rely on iron tools live in fear of the beast, for even a simple horseshoe could lure disaster.

Signs of the Bulgasari’s presence are unmistakable:

- **Metal corrodes overnight**: Swords left unsheathed weaken and crumble.
- **Rust-covered footprints**: As if the ground itself carries the decay of every weapon it has consumed.
- **The silence of crows**: Even scavengers flee in the wake of its hunger.

### **A Hunger That Never Ends**

The Bulgasari is spoken of as **relentless**, an unstoppable force that sweeps through iron-rich lands, leaving only ruin in its wake. It does not stalk like a tiger or strike like a wolf. It descends like a storm, driven only by hunger. It does not need to sleep, nor does it tire. Some survivors claim it **smells iron from miles away**, drawn to even the smallest traces.

Attempts to fight the beast are said to end in disaster. Arrows bounce off its metallic hide, and spears shatter upon impact, leaving warriors defenseless as their weapons crumble in their hands. Warriors speak of entire regiments whose weapons rusted to dust before they could strike, forcing them to flee with nothing but their bare hands. Even the mightiest warriors, clad in the strongest steel, have been left defenseless as their weapons crumbled in their hands.

### **Escaping the Bulgasari’s Grip**

Few who claim to have survived an encounter with the Bulgasari tell of one thing—leave no metal behind, lest the beast follow its scent.

If you suspect a Bulgasari is near:

- **Abandon iron**: Any weapon, tool, or piece of armor will betray your presence.
- **Flee to wooden structures**: The beast shows no interest in stone or wood.
- **Distract it with bait**: Some have survived by hurling weapons into the distance, giving them precious moments to escape.
- **Fire and ash**: Though the Bulgasari is drawn to flame-heated metal, it despises soot and ash. Smearing your weapons in burnt charcoal may slow its advance.

### **When Metal Screams**

If you wake to find your sword rusting beside you, listen closely. Some believe the wind carries faint echoes of the Bulgasari before it arrives—whether truth or superstition, none dare to test. If the scent of rust lingers in the air, it may already be too late. The Bulgasari is never far when iron begins to vanish. And should you ever hear the grinding of metal in the dead of night, do not reach for your blade—it will betray you before the beast ever does.

Bulgasari – The Iron-Eating Nightmare


### **Phantom Flames of the Dokkaebi – Will You Follow?**

Travelers tell of eerie, flickering lights in the deep woods, dancing like fireflies but larger, wilder. A strange hum fills the air, a barely perceptible vibration that tingles at the edge of hearing—like laughter from something lurking just beyond sight. If you follow them, you may stumble upon a shadowy figure hunched over a makeshift stone table, rolling dice or chuckling to itself. You have found a **Dokkaebi**, and your night has just taken a turn for the unpredictable.

Among those who have glimpsed them, Dokkaebi are known as neither wholly benevolent nor purely evil. Instead, they thrive on trickery, games, and a peculiar sense of justice. Some may lure you into a game where the rules shift as they please, tipping the odds just enough to make victory seem within reach—until it isn’t. Win, and you might leave with untold riches. Lose, and you may find yourself at the mercy of their whims.

### **The Trickster’s Grin – A Face You Won’t Forget**

Dokkaebi are unlike any goblin you may have heard of. As an old storyteller once put it, 'They wear mischief on their faces and trouble in their eyes.' Unlike the small, skulking goblins whispered about in distant lands, these creatures loom tall, their grotesque features stretched into exaggerated expressions of amusement or menace. Standing taller than a man, their bodies are **twisted mockeries of human form**, with deep red or blue skin, bulging eyes, and long, bristling hair. Their mouths stretch into toothy grins, and their ears twitch at the faintest sound of amusement.

But their most recognizable feature is the **Dokkaebi Hat (Gat)**, a magical item that grants them the power of invisibility. Some are said to wield a **Dokkaebi Bangmangi (club or staff)**, an artifact capable of summoning wealth, objects, or even changing fate itself—though different stories attribute varying powers to it, often favoring the Dokkaebi rather than its victims.

### **Pranks with Purpose – The Strange Morality of the Dokkaebi**

Dokkaebi’s mischief is rarely random—it is either a test of wit or a game for their own amusement. Their antics often target **the greedy, the cowardly, or the unworthy**, while those who show kindness, wit, or bravery may earn their favor—or at least escape unharmed.

#### **Notable Traits and Abilities:**
- **Shapeshifting**: Some Dokkaebi can change their form, often appearing as an old man, a lost traveler, or even an animal to play tricks on unsuspecting victims.
- **Invisibility**: With a tip of their hat, they vanish from sight, making them all the more difficult to detect—or escape.
- **Wealth Manipulation**: Some possess the ability to summon gold, though by sunrise, it may be little more than dust and leaves.
- **Physical Prowess**: Despite their hunched, wiry forms, Dokkaebi possess uncanny strength and revel in testing it against those they encounter. They delight in testing travelers, always tilting the odds just enough to make victory seem within reach—until it isn’t.

### **Omen in the Air – Signs of a Dokkaebi Nearby**

If you find yourself wandering near an ancient burial ground, a forest clearing, or an abandoned house, be on guard. Dokkaebi favor these places, making them their lairs. Here are some telltale signs of their presence:

- **Flickering ghostly flames**: These eerie lights hover at dusk, casting an unnatural glow that lures travelers deeper into the woods.
- **Echoing laughter with no source**: A deep, mischievous chuckle bouncing between the trees is never a good omen.
- **Sudden changes in luck**: Found gold? Lost your food? Tripped over nothing? A Dokkaebi may be testing you.
- **Unusual requests from strangers**: If an old man challenges you to a game of chance or asks you to wrestle, be wary—it may not be a man at all.

### **Whispers in the Dark – Legends of the Dokkaebi**

Dokkaebi encounters leave behind tales of trickery and unexpected consequences—though a rare few claim to have earned their favor.

A greedy merchant, obsessed with wealth, once stole a Dokkaebi’s bangmangi, believing he had secured endless fortune. That night, he reveled in his newfound riches, stacking gold high into glittering towers. But when dawn arrived, his chamber was strewn not with treasure, but with rotting leaves, their damp stench filling the air. Panic seized him as eerie laughter echoed through the walls, unseen hands tugging at his garments. In terror, he flung the staff away and fled into the wilderness, vowing never to steal again. Some say he vanished, while others claim the Dokkaebi cursed him, ensuring he would never hold onto wealth again.

A poor woodcutter once laughed at a Dokkaebi’s jokes, earning its favor. Amused, the creature gifted him a small pouch that **always refilled with rice**, ensuring he never went hungry again.

### **Gambling with the Trickster – How to Escape a Dokkaebi’s Game**

If you find yourself facing one of these tricksters, heed the warnings of the elders and do not panic. There are ways to survive—or even leave the encounter better than you arrived.

- **Refuse their bets and games**: Dokkaebi thrive on competition and wagers, but the odds are rarely in your favor.
- **Exploit their vanity**: Some tales suggest that Dokkaebi fear blood, believing it taints them, while others whisper that fire unsettles them—though no one has tested this theory and lived to tell the tale.
- **Outwit them**: Dokkaebi respect intelligence. A clever riddle or a humorous response can sometimes amuse them enough to let you go.
- **Feign ignorance**: Choose wisely—the dullest prize is often the safest. Their gifts are often tricks in disguise.

### **A Trickster’s Parting Gift – Beware the Dokkaebi’s Last Laugh**

If you hear laughter behind you on a mist-laden trail winding through the woods, do not look back. Those who have turned have found only empty air, yet they wake up the next morning with their pockets empty, their shoes missing, and the unsettling sensation that something unseen is still watching. If you find gold in the forest, do not take it home. And if an old man with an oddly mischievous glint in his eyes offers you a wager, think carefully before accepting. Those who have played a Dokkaebi’s game know this truth: the rules shift like the wind, and never in your favor.

Dokkaebi – The Tricksters of the Twilight

--------------------

### **When the Waters Stir, Watch the Skies**

Deep within Korea’s winding rivers and mist-laden valleys, whispers tell of something ancient moving beneath the surface. It moves beneath the surface, coiling in the depths, waiting—yearning. The **Imugi**, great serpentine creatures of legend, dream of ascension, longing for the moment when fate bestows upon them the gift of transformation. For now, they remain bound to the land and water, watching the heavens they cannot yet reach.

### **Serpent of Destiny: Appearance & Traits**

Imugi are vast, **snake-like creatures**, their bodies stretching for dozens of feet, thick as tree trunks, covered in **smooth, scale-like skin** that shimmers in shades of emerald and jade. Some say they resemble Chinese dragons but without whiskers or antlers, while others describe them as closer to giant serpents, their forms gliding effortlessly through water and over land.

Unlike true dragons—**Yong**, the celestial beings that command wind and rain—Imugi lack divine power. Instead, they are creatures of patience and longing, said to be **dragons-in-waiting**. But not all will achieve their ultimate goal. Some remain bound to the earth for eternity, their dreams of flight never realized.

### **The Path to Ascension: Becoming a Yong**

Korean folklore tells of two primary ways an Imugi may ascend:

1. **The Gift of the Dragon Pearl (Yeouiju)** – A mystical object, said to hold the power of the heavens, is required for an Imugi to complete its transformation. If one finds or is gifted a Yeouiju, it can finally shed its serpentine form and rise as a true dragon.
2. **A Thousand Years of Virtue** – In some tales, an Imugi must endure a millennium of patience, proving its worthiness before the heavens grant its ascension. But even after a thousand years, there is no guarantee—many are destined to remain in their lesser form forever.

While these two paths are the most well-known, other versions suggest rare celestial events, such as a great flood or a full eclipse, might trigger an Imugi’s transformation.

### **Where They Linger: Imugi’s Domain**

Unlike the celestial Yong, who soar through the heavens, Imugi are tied to **rivers, lakes, and caves**. Some claim they coil beneath waterfalls, waiting for the right moment to break free. Others whisper that they lurk in **hidden mountain valleys**, winding through mist-covered cliffs, their bodies mistaken for vines or fallen logs by those who do not look closely.

If you ever see the water ripple without wind, or feel the earth tremble though no storm has arrived, you may be in an **Imugi’s domain**. Tread carefully.

### **Powers & Mysteries: The Strength of the Imugi**

Though they lack the divine command of their dragon counterparts, Imugi still wield **formidable power**:

- **Masters of Water** – Imugi are believed to control rivers and lakes, shifting currents with their movements and summoning rainfall when distressed.
- **Unyielding Strength** – With massive, muscular bodies, an Imugi can crush trees and shatter stone, though they rarely attack without provocation.
- **The Weight of Fate** – Perhaps their most defining trait is **their inevitable transformation**—some Imugi are bound to ascension, and no force, mortal or otherwise, can prevent their rise when the time comes.

### **Surviving the Imugi: Warnings & Precautions**

- **Respect the Waters** – Never disturb a river or lake where an Imugi is rumored to dwell. They may not be dragons yet, but their wrath can still bring disaster.
- **Leave Offerings, Not Challenges** – If you seek an Imugi’s favor, offer rice or fish near its waters. Never taunt one—those who do often vanish without a trace.
- **Watch for the Yeouiju** – If legend holds true, seeing an Imugi with a glowing pearl means a dragon is about to rise. Stand back. The sky itself will answer its call.
- **Know the Signs** – When an Imugi finally ascends, it is said that the rivers will surge, and the winds will howl. Some claim the clouds take the form of a great serpent, rising toward the heavens.

### **Final Warnings & Parting Wisdom**

Some speak of them in hushed tones, unsure if they are myths or creatures waiting for their destined rise to the heavens. Others say they are proof that destiny favors the patient—that even the humblest creature can ascend if it endures long enough.

Whatever the truth, one thing is certain: **Should you glimpse a massive serpent gliding beneath the water’s surface, it is best to leave it undisturbed. For one day, it may soar above you.**



korean mythology

Bulgasari – The Iron-Eating Nightmare

Dokkaebi – The Tricksters of the Twilight

Imugi: The Serpents That Dream of the Sky