The Moles and the Mireux: A Korean Folktale

By Holly Hyeshik Kwon

No Synopsis Available.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395643473
• ISBN13: 9780395643471
• Release Date: January 1993
• Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
• Length: 1 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 10.5" x 0.3" x 8.5"
• Age Range: 5 to 8 years
• Grade Range: Kindergarten to Grade 3

Customer Reviews

Papa Mole tries to find a powerful husband for his daughter

A Mireuk is a standing statue of Buddha. I believe that the Mireuk that appears in this story is the one that stands at the Jungwon Mireuk Temple Site near the Sunabo Hot Springs. According to legend the temple was built by Mautiaeja, the last crown prince of United Silla. In addition to the stone statute of the standing Buddha, there is a five-story Stone Pagoda, Mireuk Stone Lamp, Mireuk Three-story Stone Pagoda, stone mortar, and a stone lantern. At the beginning of "The Moles and the Mireux: A Korean Folktale," we see this Mireuk, as tall as a three-story building, standing in a peaceful mountain valley.This whimsical Korean folktale tells how Papa Mole decided his perfect daughter deserves the most powerful husband that he can find, so he undertakes a wild journey to find her the perfect mate. This journey finds Papa Mole climbing a ladder to the sky, riding a boat to speak to the Sun, and visiting the Clouds on the wings of a bird. But each of these powers insist that they are not powerful enough to be selected. Eventually, with the help of the wise old Mireuk, Papa Mole is able to find the right husband for his daughter much closer to home.This story is retold by Holly Kwon, who has translated this traditional tale into English, with colorful illustrations by Woodleight Hubbard. As is the case with many folktales from around the world, "The Moles and the Mireuk" is a story that points out that big does not necessarily mean best and that being small does not mean that you are not powerful. This is a charming little story that will make an impression on young readers who will appreciate the moral of the story.