Korean Folktale : The Tale of the Magpie and the Tiger

🍂 Korean Folktale Series 15

“The Tale of the Magpie and the Tiger”

(까치와 호랑이 · Kkachi wa Horangi)

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🕰️ 1. The Story

Long ago, deep in the mountains of Korea, there lived a fierce tiger feared by all other creatures. His roar echoed through the valleys, and even the wind seemed to tremble before him. Yet among the animals, there was one brave soul who dared to face him—a small, clever magpie.

 

One bitterly cold winter, the tiger became trapped beneath a fallen tree. No matter how hard he struggled, he could not free himself. As the snow began to fall heavily, the tiger realized he would soon freeze to death. Just then, a magpie flying overhead saw his plight. Though afraid, the magpie took pity on him and called out, “I will help you if you promise never to harm me or any of my kind again.”

 

Desperate, the tiger swore an oath. The magpie pecked at the branches and chirped tirelessly until, at last, the tiger was free. Grateful for his life, the tiger kept his promise and never again harmed a magpie. From that day on, magpies became messengers of good fortune in Korea—believed to bring good news and happiness wherever they appear.

 

On New Year’s morning, when a magpie sings joyfully, people still say, “A tiger must be smiling somewhere.” It is said that the two—once enemies—became eternal symbols of strength and gratitude living in harmony.

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🪄 2. Meaning & Lessons

The tale of The Magpie and the Tiger reflects:

• The virtue of compassion and the moral power of keeping one’s word.
• The belief that even the strongest must honor kindness received from the weakest.
• The harmony between courage, mercy, and respect in both nature and humanity.

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👀 3. Reflections in Life

• True strength lies in the ability to show mercy and gratitude.
• Helping others, even in fear, can transform hostility into friendship.
• Promises made in hardship reveal a person’s true character.

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🌏 4. Similar Tales Around the World

•  China: Stories where animals repay acts of kindness, such as The Gratitude of the Crane.
•  Japan: The tale of The Sparrow and the Woodcutter, in which compassion is rewarded while greed is punished.
•  Europe: Fables like The Lion and the Mouse, where mercy between predator and prey brings lasting peace.

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💬 A Warm Saying

“Gratitude turns fear into friendship,
and kindness leaves a mark even on the fiercest heart.”

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📌 Note

This is a creative cultural content from the Misojieum Story Blog (kor-telling.com).
Please do not copy without permission.
Sharing is welcome with proper source citation.