2025 Sejong Writing Competition
Winning Entries :: Essays :: Junior second place
Title: The Ox and Goblin
The Ox and Goblin, by Yi Sang, is a captivating tale that explores themes of compassion, trust, and the risks inherent in helping others. While the story embodies traditional Korean virtues such as hard work, duty, and respect, it also presents an unexpected twist on human goodness and adversity. Through the interactions among a human, an animal, and a supernatural being, Yi Sang crafts a narrative that is both enthralling and thought-provoking.
The protagonist, Dolswe, is a humble woodseller who leads a simple and content life. He is a man of few worries, relying on his prized ox to collect and sell firewood whenever he needs money. One snowy evening, Dolswe’s deep affection for his ox becomes evident when he chooses to wait out the storm at an inn, not for his own comfort, but to protect his beloved companion. This act reveals that Dolswe views his ox not merely as a work animal but as a cherished member of his family. On their journey home, they encounter a goblin child—a creature from Korean folklore known as a dokkaebi. In Korean tradition, dokkaebi are supernatural beings often associated with mischief and trickery, yet they also possess god-like powers. The goblin child initially tries to deceive Dolswe by claiming to be a mountain fairy, but Dolswe sees through the ruse. Despite this, the goblin child explains his plight: he is injured, lost, and unable to return home without help. The solution? To reside inside the belly of Dolswe’s ox for two months. Though conflicted, Dolswe’s inherent kindness and trust lead him to agree to the goblin’s request.
As I read the story, I found myself skeptical of the goblin child’s intentions. Growing up in America, where goblins are often portrayed as deceitful and malevolent, I was certain the creature would betray Dolswe’s trust. I expected the worst—that the goblin would exploit Dolswe’s generosity and cause harm to his ox. However, to my surprise, the goblin child kept his promise. Not only did the ox become ten times stronger, but Dolswe himself transformed into a more industrious and hardworking individual. The goblin’s presence brought out the best in Dolswe, challenging my initial assumptions about the creature’s nature.
Yet, the story takes an unexpected turn at the end of the two months. Dolswe is awakened by distressing noises from the barn, where he finds his ox in agony. The goblin child, now too large to escape through the ox’s throat, calls out from within, explaining his predicament. Despite the dire situation, Dolswe never once suspects the goblin of deceit. Instead, he focuses on finding a solution to save his beloved ox. The goblin suggests that if the ox yawns, he can escape without causing harm. Dolswe tries everything to induce a yawn but fails. Overwhelmed with exhaustion and despair, Dolswe himself yawns—and miraculously, the ox follows suit. The goblin child seizes the opportunity to leap out, fulfilling his promise to enhance the ox’s strength a hundredfold. Grateful, the goblin departs, leaving Dolswe with a newfound appreciation for the rewards of compassion and trust.
This tale serves as a powerful moral lesson. It emphasizes the value of compassion, as Dolswe’s decision to help the goblin child ultimately leads to his prosperity. At the same time, it warns of the potential risks of trusting others, even when intentions are good. The inclusion of a goblin—a figure often associated with mischief—challenges readers to look beyond appearances and recognize the potential for goodness in unexpected places. The story encourages us to be kind but also cautious, reminding us that acts of generosity can yield both rewards and challenges.
Personally, I relate most to Dolswe. Like him, I sometimes hesitate to help others, especially when it requires personal sacrifice or stepping out of my comfort zone. His initial reluctance to lend his ox’s belly to the goblin child reflects a very human fear of the unknown and the potential consequences of our actions. However, Dolswe’s decision to help, despite his reservations, resonates deeply with me. It reminds me of a time when I volunteered with my Boy Scout troop to place holiday wreaths on veterans’ graves. On a freezing, winter morning, out of my own stubbornness, I was reluctant to leave the warmth of my bed, but my parents reminded me of the commitment I had made. Though I initially felt embarrassed by my hesitation, after my scout master explained the importance of honoring the soldiers that died to ensure our freedom, I felt the profound personal reward that comes from selfless acts like getting up early on a winter morning to salute the veterans with wreaths. Like Dolswe, I learned that challenges, big or small, can lead to personal growth and transformation.
In conclusion, The Ox and Goblin is a timeless tale that reminds us of the power of compassion and the importance of trusting our instincts to see the good in others. While helping others can be risky, it is often worth the effort, and even in the face of uncertainty, kindness and perseverance can lead to unexpected rewards. Through Dolswe’s journey, we are encouraged to embrace empathy, take calculated risks, and recognize the potential for goodness in everyone—even a goblin child.