A Mean Goblin -The Tragic End of the Goblin Chieftain Who Let Mischief Become Evil
When people think of Korean goblins, or Dokkaebi , they often imagine playful beings who love buckwheat jelly, enjoy wrestling through the night, and sometimes get tricked by humans into giving away treasures. They are mischievous, but somehow lovable. Yet, long ago, deep within the damp valleys of the Taebaek Mountains, there lived a very different kind of goblin. Their leader was known as Heukgak ( Horn Black). He earned this name because the single horn growing from his forehead was as black as burnt charcoal. Today's tale tells of this fearsome goblin chieftain who grew stronger by feeding on human greed, only to be destroyed by the very greed he cherished. 1. The Goblin Who Stole Human Fortune Unlike ordinary goblins, who merely played tricks on travelers, Heukgak possessed a far darker power. He stole people's fortune and even their memories . Wherever Heukgak appeared, villages slowly withered. Fields that once yielded abundant harvests turned barren overnight. Bright ...