# Samguk Yusa

> collection of legends, folktales and historical accounts relating to Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla and other ancient Korean states, compiled by Iryeon

**Wikidata**: [Q485538](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q485538)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Samguk_yusa)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/samguk-yusa

## Summary
Samguk Yusa is a collection of legends, folktales, and historical accounts compiled by the Silla Buddhist monk Il-yeon in 1279. It covers the ancient Korean states of Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and other related kingdoms, blending folklore with historical narratives.

## Key Facts
- Compiled by Il-yeon, a Silla Buddhist monk, in 1279.
- Also known as *Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms*.
- Classified as a literary work and a genre of folklore.
- Relates to the historical periods of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
- Includes both legendary and historical accounts of ancient Korean states.
- Has 36 sitelinks, indicating widespread recognition in knowledge bases.

## FAQs
**What is the genre of Samguk Yusa?**
Samguk Yusa is a literary work and a genre of folklore, featuring human actions within history, blending legends with historical accounts.

**Who compiled Samguk Yusa?**
The Silla Buddhist monk Il-yeon compiled Samguk Yusa in 1279.

**What does Samguk Yusa cover?**
Samguk Yusa covers the ancient Korean states of Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and other related kingdoms, including legends and historical narratives.

**Is Samguk Yusa a historical or fictional work?**
Samguk Yusa is a blend of historical accounts and folklore, featuring both legendary and factual narratives of ancient Korea.

## Why It Matters
Samguk Yusa serves as a foundational text in Korean literature, preserving the legends and histories of the Three Kingdoms period. It provides insights into the cultural and historical identity of ancient Korea, blending folklore with historical accuracy. As a literary work, it remains influential in Korean studies, offering a unique perspective on the region’s past.

## Notable For
- Being one of the earliest comprehensive compilations of Korean historical and legendary narratives.
- Blending folklore with historical accounts, creating a distinct genre of storytelling.
- Preserving the cultural and historical identity of the Three Kingdoms period.
- Having 36 sitelinks, indicating its recognition in knowledge bases and academic circles.

## Body
### Origins and Compilation
Samguk Yusa was compiled by Il-yeon, a Silla Buddhist monk, in 1279. Il-yeon, who was also a historian and scholar, drew from earlier texts and oral traditions to create this work. The collection is also known as *Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms*, reflecting its focus on the Three Kingdoms of Korea.

### Content and Genre
Samguk Yusa is classified as both a literary work and a genre of folklore. It includes legends, folktales, and historical accounts relating to Goguryeo, Baekje, Silla, and other ancient Korean states. The work blends human actions within history, making it a unique blend of folklore and historical narrative.

### Historical Context
Samguk Yusa covers the period of the Three Kingdoms, which were the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla kingdoms. These kingdoms existed from the 1st century to the 7th century, shaping the early history of Korea. The work provides insights into the political, cultural, and social aspects of this era.

### Influence and Legacy
Samguk Yusa has been influential in Korean studies and literature, preserving the legends and histories of the Three Kingdoms. It remains a key text for understanding the cultural and historical identity of ancient Korea. The work’s 36 sitelinks indicate its recognition in knowledge bases and academic circles.

### Related Entities
- **Goguryeo**: An ancient kingdom in the Korean peninsula that existed from the 1st to the 7th century.
- **Baekje**: Another ancient kingdom in the Korean peninsula, contemporary with Goguryeo and Silla.
- **Silla**: The largest and most powerful of the Three Kingdoms, lasting from the 6th to the 10th century.
- **Il-yeon**: A Silla Buddhist monk, historian, and scholar who compiled Samguk Yusa.

Samguk Yusa stands as a vital record of ancient Korean history and folklore, offering a rich tapestry of legends and historical events. Its compilation by Il-yeon in 1279 cemented its place as a foundational text in Korean literature and cultural heritage.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013