Observations placeholder

Korean Shamanist Ritual - Symbols and Dramas of Transformation - Daniel Kister

It may serve as a sign that in ratifying the gods' choice of the new shaman by the performance of the Naerim-kut, the community unconsciously sets the shaman apart as a kind of sacrificial offering ensuring communion with the gods.

Confucianists and Christians have regularly relegated shamans to an inferior status; but the kut, community, too, while respecting the powers of the mudang, has traditionally kept her set apart in a marginal social role.

 Is this somehow necessary to maintain her significance to the community as a sacrificial sign? If a mudang should achieve normal social status, would her sign value diminish?

In any case, what Daurs say of their shamans applies to the Korean mudang: "It is impossible to become a shaman by your own wish"

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Officiant: What will you become?
Initiate: I will become the people's mudang.
Officiant: What will you do as the people's mudang?
Initiate: I will live for those who are mistreated and victimized, for those suffering pain, and for those who feel anxious and oppressed.

(Quoted from Kim I. 1986:40)

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