What is 'Eoduksini'? (어둑시니)

In episode 8 of "Tale of the Nine-Tailed," a legendary being called "Eodukshin-i" appears. Let's find out what "Eodukshin-i" is in Korean folklore.

The Meaning of the Word 'Eoduksini'

"Eodukshin-i" is a type of monster that appears in Korean folklore. It is also known by other names such as "Adokshin-i" and "Adukgshin-i." According to the standard Korean language dictionary, it is listed as "Eodukshin-i" and is defined as a false appearance that appears on dark nights. For this reason, when introducing "Eodukshin-i" to foreigners, it is often explained using the word "darkness."

The earliest literary record of "Eodukshin-i" dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty, but it wasn't until the Joseon Dynasty that it became fixed as an image of a monster in some folktales. Although considered a monster, "Eodukshin-i" in literature is portrayed as a fairy-like creature that appears briefly and then disappears, rather than directly harming people. This makes it closer to the Western concept of a fairy than a monster that harms humans.

One of the best-known features of "Eodukshin-i" is that if someone continues to stare at it, its size will increase, but if they turn away, it will shrink and eventually disappear. This expression likely shows the fear that humans have towards something rather than portraying "Eodukshin-i" as an actual ghost or monster. Fear towards something can become larger and more overwhelming the more one focuses on it, but the moment it loses interest, it becomes nothing. Thus, it can be said that "Eodukshin-i" portrays this concept of fear as a monster that grows or shrinks depending on one's attention towards it.

Eodukshin-i' in <Tale of the Nine-Tailed>

In <Tale of the Nine-Tailed>, the 'Eodukshin-i' takes some images from Korean folklore. In the drama, the Eodukshin-i asks the target to repeatedly ask them about their greatest fears. Then, it finds the target's fear and traps them in that fear. The person who is trapped in the space filled with their biggest fears cannot escape until they overcome their fear, and they will wander there forever. This setting is added to the story where the husband of 'Ureonggaksi' in <Tale of the Nine-Tailed> is taken away, which appears in episode 8.

"An 'Eodukshin-i' with a sense of inferiority towards the protagonist of a famous traditional fairy tale."

In this episode, the story of why 'Eodukshin-i' specifically caused harm to the husband of 'Ureonggaksi' is told, and it is revealed that 'Eodukshin-i' was actually there to observe and witness 'Ureonggaksi' being saddened. Although 'Ureonggaksi' is a well-known character in a famous Korean folktale, she is angry that no one remembers her, despite being well-known to many people. Ironically, 'Eodukshin-i' itself is not well-known in Korea, but gained attention through the drama <Tale of the Nine-Tailed>.