Eulji Mundeok Hansi

Eulji Mundeok Hansi
Hangul 을지문덕 한시
Hanja 乙支文德 漢詩
Revised Romanization Eulji Mundeok
McCune–Reischauer Ŭlji Mundŏk

Eulji Mundeok Hansi is the oldest surviving poetry in Korean literature.

Context

In the second Goguryeo-Sui War, Eulji Mundeok maneuvered the Goguryeo troops so that they engaged the Sui army seven times a day, each time feigning defeat and retreating, leading the Sui army deeper south with the perception of victory. The Sui army eventually advanced to about 20 km from Pyeongyang, the capital of Goguryeo. However, realizing the advanced hunger and exhaustion of his troops, and perceiving the formidable fortifications of Pyeongyang, Yu Zhongwen realised the looming impossibility of continuing the campaign. To taunt Yu Zhongwen, Eulji wrote the poem in sarcasm and sent it to the enemy general. The Sui army was annihilated at the Battle of Salsu.

Text

The poem reads,

HangulHanjaEnglish
신책구천문神策究天文Your divine plans have plumbed the heavens;
묘산궁지리妙算窮地理Your subtle reckoning has spanned the earth;
전승공기고戰勝功旣高You win every battle, your military merit is great;
지족원운지知足願云止Why then not be content and stop the war?

See also


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