In the quiet nights on Jeju Island, when the sea glimmers silver under a full moon, the villagers whisper of a ladder of light that descends from the heavens. This ladder appears only for the shamans of the island, the wise women and men who serve as intermediaries between the living and the ancestors. Young Ji-eun, an apprentice shaman, had always been fascinated by these stories, yet she had never seen the ladder herself. Her grandmother, the village’s senior shaman, told her that only those with true devotion and a pure heart could witness the lunar ascent.
One night, after the villagers had gone to bed, Ji-eun walked to the cliff overlooking the ocean. The moon was full and unusually bright, casting long shadows of the jagged volcanic rocks that lined the coast. As she concentrated, she felt a tingling warmth beneath her feet, and before her eyes, a shimmering ladder of silvery light began to unfurl from the moon toward the cliff’s edge. Its rungs sparkled like dewdrops, suspended in the sky, yet solid enough for her to climb.
Her heart pounded with a mixture of fear and reverence. Taking a deep breath, Ji-eun stepped onto the first rung. Immediately, a sense of weightlessness enveloped her, and the air seemed to hum with ancestral voices. Each rung she climbed brought whispers of guidance and memory. She saw visions of her ancestors tending to the island, their faces full of pride, wisdom, and care for the land. A profound sense of connection and continuity filled her, reminding her that she was part of a chain of guardians stretching across generations.
Journey through enchanted forests and islands in our Southeast Asian Folktales collection.
Midway up the ladder, a sudden gust of wind threatened to knock her off balance. She closed her eyes, recalling her grandmother’s teachings: the journey was not merely a physical ascent but a test of spirit. By steadying her breath and focusing on the love she felt for her people and ancestors, the wind calmed, and the ladder glowed brighter, illuminating her path.
At last, Ji-eun reached the top, entering a realm of pale light and shimmering clouds. The ancestors greeted her, nodding in approval. They spoke of the importance of protecting the island, the traditions, and the balance between humans and nature. They shared visions of challenges ahead, storms, and times of scarcity, but also of the resilience of those who honor the spirits. Ji-eun felt their strength fill her, a tangible reminder that she carried not only her own wisdom but the collective guidance of generations past.
When she descended the ladder, dawn had begun to break. The villagers noticed a serene glow about her and heard her recite chants that had been lost for decades. Ji-eun’s journey had imbued her with knowledge and spiritual authority, and she used it to heal, teach, and guide her village. Over time, the tale of the Moon Ladder spread, inspiring reverence for the ancestors and the dedication of future shamans. It became a symbol that even in darkness, there was a luminous path for those with courage, devotion, and respect for the forces unseen.
Through her experience, Ji-eun understood that the ladder of the moon was not only a magical passage but also a lesson: the connection to one’s ancestors provides wisdom, moral guidance, and a sense of purpose that transcends ordinary life. She shared this teaching with everyone, reminding them that honoring the past strengthens the present and safeguards the future. The Moon Ladder was never just a pathway of silver light; it was a bridge of continuity between generations, a call to embrace responsibility, humility, and spiritual insight.
Moral Lesson:
True devotion, respect for ancestors, and inner purity create pathways to wisdom and guidance. Spiritual and moral growth are achieved through courage, humility, and dedication to preserving cultural and natural heritage.
Knowledge Check:
- What appears for shamans on sacred nights on Jeju Island?
Answer: A ladder of moonlight - Who is able to see the Moon Ladder?
Answer: Shamans with true devotion and a pure heart - What did Ji-eun learn from climbing the ladder?
Answer: The wisdom and guidance of her ancestors and the importance of protecting the island and traditions - What challenge did Ji-eun face while climbing the ladder, and how did she overcome it?
Answer: A gust of wind threatened her balance; she overcame it by steadying her breath and focusing on love for her people and ancestors - What role does the Moon Ladder symbolize for the villagers?
Answer: A bridge between generations, a symbol of guidance, and a call to honor ancestors - How did Ji-eun use her experience to benefit her community?
Answer: She shared lost chants, healed the sick, guided the villagers, and reinforced respect for ancestors and traditions
Source:
Adapted from Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum Archives, Jeju Shamanic Chant Documentation Project, 2012
Cultural Origin:
Jeju Island shamanic folklore
