May the gods strike you dead! Healing through subversion in shamanic narratives (Choson dynasty Korea)

In Choson dynasty Korea (1392-1910), the introduction of the repressive Neo-Confucian ideology resulted in large sectors of society--particularly women and members of the lower classes--having their lives adversely affected. Whereas in the past shamanic practices provided the worldview and belief system that these people depended upon, the Neo-Confucian rulers of Choson sought to eradicate those practices they deemed as superstitious. As a consequence of this oppression, subversive shamanic narratives appeared that, at least fictionally, overturned the injustices that the people suffered. This article will demonstrate that the propagation and performance of shamanic narratives provided an important outlet for the people to vent their displeasures, thus serving an essential function in the maintenance of the psychic health of the people.