Abstract

The purpose of this study is to present a new interpretation with a Korean‒Chinese Literature view, considering the meanings, usage environment, and grammatical elements of used words of chinese characters, focusing on the fact that the epic GuJiGa(龜旨歌) is Sino‒Korean Poetry translated into 4 words­4 phrases(四言四句). This study shows that Ku(龜), the key word in the first phrase in GuJiGa(龜旨歌) simply symbolizes Kugab(龜甲) as a shell of telling fortunes, not the turtle as a totem which was the divinity of ancient people in Korea. Also, it is illuminated that the key word of the second phrase, Su(首) is not used as a noun form of meaning ‘the head of a turtle’ or ‘the chief’, but as a verb form of meaning ‘indicate’. Moreover, Hyun(現) is viewed to reveal the hint of declaring the existence of the chief that is present in real life but is not shown as a definite form. The core word in the third phrase is Yak(若). To date, it has been considered to mean ‘if’ of assumption but this study declares it a noun through delicate grammatical analysis. Accordingly, Yak(若) is defined as ancient god of oceans and the historical changes of its usage and meanings are examined. The words used in the fourth phrase in GuJiGa, Bun(燔), Jak(灼), Kik(喫) are closely related to the ancient ritual of burning tortoise shell or animal bones. Considering the meanings and usage environment of Bun(燔) and Jak(灼), it does not have any chance of being used to mean ‘roast to eat’. Kik(喫) is defined as a meaning of ‘getting god’s sign by reading the burnt shell, not of ‘eating’ that has been commonly believed. The results of the study can be interpreted as being the solutions to the questions of whether the turtle is divine or not, and whether the threat against divinity can be justified and what Su(首) means. Therefore, the systematic interpretation can be achieved.