What is 'Geum-cheok (Golden Ruler)' - Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
Today we'll take a closer look at the Geum-cheok (Golden Ruler), which is described as having mystical powers in 'Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938'.
There is actually 'Geum-cheok' in Korean history?
Geum-cheok is an object that actually appears in the long history of South Korea. It holds such tremendous power that it has appeared not just once, but several times. Its significance in history is evident by the fact that it caused conflicts with neighboring China. Geum-cheok, as it is known, is written as '金尺' in Chinese characters, and it means a 'ruler' made of gold."
According to legend, the founder of the Silla Kingdom, King Hyeokgeose, hid the Geum-cheok in Gyeongju.
One day, King Hyeokgeose, the progenitor of the Silla Kingdom, received a golden Geum-cheok in a dream from a divine being. When he woke up, he found the actual Geum-cheok in his hands. This Geum-cheok possessed a mysterious power: if the length and width of a deceased person were measured with it, even if the person was dead, they would come back to life. The extraordinary power of Geum-cheok spread far and wide, reaching even China. The king of China, upon hearing the rumors, became greedy for the Geum-cheok and came to Silla to obtain it. However, to prevent it from being taken away, King Hyeokgeose supposedly created several large tombs, one of which concealed the Geum-cheok.
As for the current interpretation of the power of Geum-cheok, it is seen as a measuring tool for determining the length of something. Apart from being made of gold, it symbolizes an absolute standard within its range of use. Such tools are commonly referred to as measuring instruments and have long been associated with absolute authority and power. Therefore, the interpretation follows that the one who possesses the Geum-cheok becomes the king of a nation.
'Geum-cheok' in Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938
Tale of the Nine Tailed 1938' has only provided basic information about 'Geum-cheok' without significant impact on the story's development. However, considering that someone seeking the extraordinary power of resurrecting the dead, 'Geum-cheok', is suffering and there is a northern mountain god called 'Cheonmuyeong', one could speculate that 'Geum-cheok' might appear as a tool capable of breaking curses or spells placed on 'Cheonmuyeong'. Of course, how this material will be utilized remains unknown, and we will have to keep watching to find out.