The Tale of the Patriotic Woman

by Jang Ji-yeon · 2026-03-20

Five hundred years ago, there was a place called Dongimira near the Aryan Castle in a small village in Europe. It was a remote countryside where few people visited, and most of the houses were engaged in farming. Among them was a farmer who lived a modest life with his wife. Despite their poor living conditions, they made a living by raising sheep, and one day, a daughter was born to them. The child possessed a graceful appearance and exceptional wisdom, and her parents lovingly named her 'Yakan.'

As Yakan grew up, she was filial to her parents and learned everything well with just one teaching. She also believed in God, read the Bible, and was proficient in academics. By the time she turned thirteen, she helped her parents with their sheep herding, and they were greatly pleased with her cleverness. The villagers praised Yakan's intelligence and called her 'Jeongdeok.'

“What a pity. If Jeongdeok had been born a boy, she could have accomplished great things for the country, but unfortunately, she was born a girl.”

Hearing such praise, Yakan harbored discontent in her heart.

“Why is it that only men can work for the country, while women cannot? Heaven has divided men and women, but since appearances and bodies are the same, shouldn’t men and women be equal? Why do they think women cannot do that?”

With these thoughts, Yakan resolved to become a strong woman who could carve her own destiny.

One day, while feeding the sheep in the hot weather, Yak-an, who was strolling in the shade of a tree and by the stream to escape the heat, suddenly heard news that the British army had invaded the village, setting fires and tormenting the people. She quickly hid in the bushes and prayed in an old temple that was there.

“Please, with the power of the gods, save the country from disaster and avenge the enemies of our nation.”

As she was praying, the British army had already left, and the village had regained its peace. Yak-an came out of the temple and was looking for a path when she entered the flower garden behind her. In the beautiful scenery where flowers were in full bloom and nightingales were singing, Yak-an momentarily relaxed her mind. But suddenly, she heard someone calling her.

“Yak-an, don’t play too recklessly.”

Yak-an was startled and looked around, but no one was in sight. Puzzled, she looked up to see a golden light shining brilliantly in the sky, surrounded by countless celestial beings in the clouds. Among them, three celestial beings solemnly spoke to Yak-an.

“A great disaster will befall the Law Country. You must save it.”

Yak-an replied while bowing down.

“I am just a woman from a village. How can I gather troops and go to the battlefield? I do not know when the disaster of the Law Country will be quelled. I wish to save the people and avenge the enemies of the country, so please tell me specifically and help me.”

The celestial being said.

“Do not worry. A day will come when you will know, and at that time, entering under General Ravi will present a good opportunity.”

As soon as the words ended, the divine beings suddenly sparkled and disappeared. The country was waging war against England every year, and even the farmers knew of England's enmity. Yak-an remembered the words his parents always said since he was young and prayed every day to wash away the shame of the country.

“Please avenge the enemies for the country and save the people.”

Thanks to his fervent prayers for seven or eight years, heaven was moved by Yak-an's sincerity and sent a divine being. Yak-an thought with a heart full of wonder.

“Is this a dream?”

Even after that, the divine being appeared several times and made requests, and Yak-an made a resolution.

“Since the divine being has spoken so many times, there must surely be a great disaster for the country. I will definitely save it.”

She resolved to avenge the country's enemies and began military training, going out to the pasture to learn to ride horses and use guns and bows. Her parents were very worried about their daughter's actions, but since her mind was already made up, it was useless to dissuade her no matter how much they tried. The villagers called Yak-an a mad woman, but she did not change her mind at all.

“I have already received the command of the Lord.”

Upon hearing those words, the people laughed and found it strange.

Today, her learning of martial arts was clearly different from other times; it was to save the people's disaster.