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KOREAN FOLKTALES

Hungbu & Nolbu

Eun-sun Kim

A long long time ago, there lived two brothers. The older brother, Nolbu, was known for his bad disposition. In contrast, Hungbu was known from an early age for his politeness and honesty in the village. After their parents passed away, greedy Nolbu took all of his father's fortune and drove Hungbu's family away without any money. Hungbu had a large family with 10 sons and daughters. They all had to live like beggars. One day, a starving Hungbu went to his brother's house to get some rice. He said "hello" to his sister-in-law, Nolbu's wife, with happiness and asked for some rice. He explained his family's situation. She slapped him on the cheek with her rice covered wooden paddle. Hungbu did not get angry or resent his sister-in-law. He thanked her for the rice which had stuck to his face. A swallow, which had made its nest under the roof of Hungbu's house, was attacked by a snake and broke its leg when it fell to the ground. Hungbu discovered the bird, and mended its leg. The swallow was able to migrate to a warmer area. One day during the spring, the swallow brought back a little seed. The next day, Hungbu buried the seed in the ground. The seed bore large gourds. To the family's surprise, when they split open the gourds, they were filled with treasures. Hungbu's family became the richest family in the village. After hearing this story, Nolbu caught a swallow, broke its leg, and then mended the bird's leg. The next spring, the swallow brought back with a seed which bore gourds. Nolbu split open the gourds, expecting to find treasures. Instead, goblins came out and punished the evil brother and his wife. Nolbu and his wife became beggars. Nolbu and his wife went to ask Hungbu for help. Hungbu's family greeted them warmly. Nolbu and his wife were moved, and repented completely. They all lived happily for a long time.

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