Lecture Explores the Significance of Myths and Their Influence on Artistic Expressions

The Daesan Foundation

French writer Jean-Marie Gustave Le Clezio, the recipient of the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature, delivered a lecture titled "The Myth and the Tale" at the Kyobo Building in Gwanghwamun, Seoul, on Friday. The lecture was hosted by the Daesan Foundation.

During the lecture, Le Clezio emphasized the importance of myths, describing them as collective fictional creations. He noted that Korea, with its rich history, geography, language, and culture, offers a fertile source of inspiration for myths and narratives.

Le Clezio highlighted that motifs derived from myths provide profound insights into both nature and human nature. These motifs often find expression in literary works, paintings, films, and various other forms of artistic creations. 

▲ The Daesan Foundation

He pointed out that ancient myths are frequently transformed into modern narratives, citing examples like Hwang Sok-yong's novel "Princess Bari" and Franz Kafka's "The Metamorphosis." Some works, he noted, are crafted in the form of myths themselves, akin to the epics of Homer and Hesiod. Masterpieces, such as those of Shakespeare, attain a status resembling that of myth and inspire numerous other stories.

Le Clezio particularly emphasized the unique potential for mythic inspiration found in Jeju Island. The island is known for its distinct folk tales, a female-led folklore culture, and a distinctive natural environment that includes Hallasan and the surrounding sea.

Reflecting on his personal experience visiting Udo Island, located to the east of Jeju Island, he mentioned being stranded there during a typhoon. This experience led him to write the novella "Storm" in 2014.

Born in Nice, southern France, in 1940, the 83-year-old writer has maintained close ties with Korea. He taught French language and literature at Ewha Womans University in Seoul during the 2007 academic year, and his experiences in Korea have inspired several of his works, including "Bitna: Under the Sky of Seoul."

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