Into the Greenwood
Robin Hood is one of the most ubiquitous figures in the English-speaking world. He’s been the star of countless films, television shows, books, games, and branded merchandise from baking supplies to investment apps. Whether he’s wearing a dark shrouding hood or a jaunty pointed cap, there’s a distinct image that comes to mind when you hear the name. Our mission is to dissect that image. Through interviews with academics and experts we’ll be taking a focused look on what one would actually expect of a forest-dwelling outlaw in late 12th century England. How many Merry Men could comfortably dwell within Sherwood Forest? How extensive was the authority of a local Sheriff? Would those tights of Lincoln green be comfortable to wear? You know, the important stuff. Interview episodes will be interspersed with episodes delving into our pop-culture portrayals as we take a chronological look at Robin Hood’s extensive filmography one movie at a time. So string your bows, prepare a lusty laugh, and come join us in the greenwood. Support: patreon.com/intogreenwood Follow: @intogreenwood on Twitter and Facebook Contact: intogreenwood@gmail.com
Into the Greenwood
Episode 41: Examining the Fantastic Story of Hong Gildong with Minsoo Kang
As of the recording of this episode, there are well over a dozen Robin Hood adaptations that have been examined as part of our Splitting Arrows series, a similar task could easily be undertaken for adaptations of the Story of Hong Gildong, the immensely popular bandit figure from Korea. Thanks to the translation of that story available now through Penguin Classics, the exploits of Hong Gildong are now more accessible to English-speaking audiences than ever before.
In this episode, I sit down with historian Dr. Minsoo Kang from the University of Missouri to discuss his translation of the Story of Hong Gildong, the universality of the noble outlaw, and what makes Hong Gildong a distinctly Korean figure.
The translated text with introduction and notes by Minsoo Kang:
The Story of Hong Gildong
Additional writing and study on Hong Gildong by Minsoo Kang:
Invincible and Righteous Outlaw: The Korean Hero Hong Gildong in Literature, History, and Culture
Minsoo Kang's new work of speculative fiction and storytelling:
The Melancholy of Untold History: A Novel
Into the Greenwood is produced by Thaddeus Papke
Theme music is by Plastic3
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