THE KING of THE FLOWERS
by William Elliot Griffis · from Korean Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once, a land had many pretty flowers. This land was very nice. Many colors grew there. Red flowers bloomed. White flowers bloomed. Yellow flowers grew. Blue flowers grew. Purple flowers grew. The sun shone on them. Bees buzzed around them. Butterflies flew by. The sweet air smelled nice. All loved the flowers. They made all people smile. People picked flowers. They put them in their homes. The land felt happy.
In this land lived a wise teacher. His name was Mr. Wise. He knew many, many things. He read big books. He helped all the people. He taught them well. He taught children. He taught grown-ups. He shared his knowledge. He always thought. He always helped. People came to him. They asked for help. He gave good advice. Mr. Wise was very smart. Mr. Wise was a good friend.
There was a king in this land. His name was King Leo. King Leo lived in a big, grand palace. His palace had tall walls. It had many rooms. Gold shone on the walls. He had many people who dance and sing. They made happy music. King Leo sat on a soft chair. He watched the dancers. He listened to the singers. King Leo liked to watch them. He liked to play games. He played with toys. He played all day. He forgot his main kingly work. He did not do his main kingly work. He forgot his people. He forgot his duties.
Mr. Wise saw King Leo. Mr. Wise walked by the palace. He saw King Leo playing. He saw the king laugh. But his people needed him. He saw the king was not working. Mr. Wise felt a little sad. He felt a deep sadness. He loved his king. He wanted to help his king. He wanted King Leo to be good. He thought for a long time. A good idea came to him. He thought of a special story. He would tell the king this story. A story with a lesson. He hoped the king would listen.
The story began in a garden. The garden was full of colors. The sun warmed the soil. There was a big, pretty flower. It was a bright red peony. Its petals were soft. Its stem was strong. This flower was very grand. All flowers called it King Peony. He sat on a small hill. Other flowers came to see King Peony. They bowed low to him. The fruit blossoms came. The apple blossoms came. The cherry blossoms came. The pretty garden flowers came too. All were happy to see their king. They smiled at him. They cheered for him.
Then, a new flower came. One day, a new flower arrived. She was small and pink. It was a pretty rose. Her name was Rosie the Rose. She smelled very sweet. King Peony saw Rosie. He thought she was wonderful. He liked her very much. He forgot his main kingly work. He stopped helping his people. He only wanted to talk to Rosie. Rosie laughed and talked. Rosie told King Peony what to do. King Peony listened to Rosie. His other wise helpers felt sad. They had good ideas. But he did not listen to them. He only saw Rosie.
One day, an old flower came. One sunny morning, an old flower came. He walked slowly. He wore simple clothes. His petals were faded. He was the Wise Old Flower. All welcomed him. They knew he was smart. He came to see King Peony. The Wise Old Flower spoke to King Peony. His voice was soft. "Do you do your kingly work?" he asked. "Do you listen to good advice?" The Wise Old Flower spoke. "Long ago, kings only played. They listened to pretty faces. Bad things happened then. Their people were not happy. They cried. They needed a good king. A king who worked hard. A king who listened to all."
King Peony felt a little red. His face got warm. He knew the words were true. He knew he was wrong. He had been silly. He had forgotten his duties. "I will be a good king," he said. His voice was strong. "I promise to change. I will listen to my helpers. I will work for my people." He felt better already.
Mr. Wise finished his story. He smiled a little. King Leo listened well. He knew the lesson was for him. He saw his mistakes. He stood up from his chair. He knew the lesson. He sent the dancing people home. He sent the singers home. He thanked them for their music. Then, he started his main kingly work. He read big papers. He talked to his helpers. King Leo was a good king. He was a good king for a long time. All people were happy. The land was happy. The flowers bloomed brightly.
Original Story
THE KING OF THE FLOWERS
Korea is the land of beautiful scenery and lovely flowers. Snow white and ruby red are their chief colors. In the spring time when the ice has melted and the rivers have poured their floods into the sea, the whole country blushes with the pink bloom of azaleas. The glens are white with lilies of the valley. The breezes as they sweep the land come laden with perfume.
The girls mark the season of the year and the time of the month by the blossoms even more than by the almanac, for they keep in mind the calendar of the flowers. Daughters that are especially beloved of their parents are named from the blossoms, and the Korean house-father, when affectionate, speaks of his wife as the plum tree. An old song says: The homesick husband, long away from his dear ones, inquires of a fellow townsman newly arrived:
“ ‘Have you seen my native land?
Come tell me all you know;
Did just before the old home door
The plum tree blossoms show?’ ”
And the stranger answers promptly:
“ ‘They were in bloom, though pale, ’tis true,
And sad, from waiting long for you.’ ”
This is like the Scotsman who calls his wife his “bonnie briar bush,” for in the Land of Morning Glow, they have a language of flowers. Each plant and blossom has a meaning and either delightful or disagreeable associations. It is a compliment to speak of a girl as a pear blossom, for the pear is one of the most glorious of trees and its blooms are lovely to behold. It would hardly do, however, to call her a cinnamon rose, for this flower has evil associations. The gee-sang, as the Koreans pronounce the name of the gei-sha, as the Japanese call the dancing girls, are associated with the cinnamon rose, for did not the sages tell this story?
Twelve centuries ago lived the renowned scholar Sul Chong, the greatest of all the learned men of Korea. His head was as full of knowledge as a persimmon is of pulp, and his ideas were as numerous as the seeds in a pomegranate. He taught his countrymen all that was in the books of China, and in the temple of Confucius his portrait hangs to this day. He lived in the kingdom of Silla, in the days of its glory, when ships from Japan and China sailed into its seaports and the Arabs from Bagdad brought their pretty wares to exchange for gold, ginseng, camphor, porcelain, cinnamon, ginger and tiger skins, to take to their renowned Caliph and his turbaned nobles at court, of whom we read in the “Arabian Nights.”
When the King of Silla, Sin Mun, was living in luxury and filling his palace with too many pretty dancing girls, who distracted his mind from attending properly to the affairs of state, Sul Chong warned his master against the increasing influence of these women by telling him the following story:
Once upon a time, in spring, the Peony, king of the flowers, blossomed so gorgeously that it became the admiration of all the lovers of beauty in the whole country. Hundreds of people made long journeys to the capital of Silla to see the bright blossoms. In the king’s gardens, on very tall stalks, the many branches were heavily laden with large red flowers. These were indeed lovely to behold, but the king of the whole garden was a single peony, grown on one stem, so that all the strength and nourishment of the plant were concentrated in that unique royal bloom. All saluted this flower as king.
When all the other flowers heard of their king’s glory, they came to pay their respects at the floral court, of which the Peony was sovereign. All the trees sent their choicest blooms as envoys. In one glorious procession of perfume and color the Peach, Plum, Pear, Apple, and Persimmon trooped in, each making its obeisance to the monarch of all flowers. All these tree blossoms prided themselves on their being so useful to man as harbingers of the delicious fruits to come.
Then, among the bright throng appeared sprightly young virgin flowers, the Tea-Rose, in pearl-tinted frock; the Azalea, in pink; the Lily, in white; the Strawberry Blossom; and a score of other pretty creatures of the garden. Last of all appeared the Cinnamon Rose. She tripped nimbly along in a green skirt and red jacket, with haughty air and breath of spice.
One after the other they were presented to King Peony, and gracefully made their salute. But of them all, the king seemed most to favor Miss Cinnamon Flower. He let the others pass out from the Court, but lingered long with the spicy visitor, spending much time in her society, as if smitten with her charms. By and by he invited Miss Cinnamon Rose to come and live in the palace, and leaving his ministers to carry on the government, he spent all his time in her society. She was installed in a place near His Majesty and seemed always to have his ear and attention, even when the king’s prime minister had to wait long for an audience, or even a word. Miss Cinnamon Rose seemed to be the real ruler instead of the king himself.
But one day there came to the palace the flower called Old Man. He looked exactly like an aged beggar dressed in sackcloth and leaning on a staff. Respectfully bowing, he asked if he might share the hospitality of the king’s palace. He was welcomed and fed, partaking of the royal bounty. When at last he was given audience of King Peony, and was invited to speak, he said:
“Out along the road, Your Majesty, I heard of your rich feast and good things to eat. Now I hear that you need medicine. Although you dress in Chinese silk and none are equal to you in the magnificence of your robes and the splendor of your Court, yet you are much like me in your wants, and you need a common knife string, as well as I. Is it not so?”
“You are quite right, Old Man,” replied the king. “Yet I like this Cinnamon Rose and want her with me. I cannot do without her.”
“Yes, Your Majesty. Yet, is it not true that if you keep company with the wise and prudent, your reign will be long, powerful and glorious? But if you consort with the foolish your house will fall? Did not three dynasties of the emperors of Great China fall because of the beautiful women who tempted their Majesties to forget their duties? If it were so with the ancients, how much more so is it now?”
The king blushed, even to a deep crimson. He confessed his faults and reformed his life.
It is said the lesson was not lost on the real human king. He dismissed his harem, sent away the dancing girls and ruled wisely till the day of his death.
Story DNA
Moral
Prioritizing fleeting pleasures and distractions over duty and wise counsel leads to ruin, while embracing wisdom ensures a long and glorious reign.
Plot Summary
The renowned Korean scholar Sul Chong observes King Sin Mun of Silla neglecting his royal duties, overly engrossed with dancing girls. To subtly warn the king, Sul Chong tells an allegorical tale about King Peony, the sovereign of all flowers. King Peony becomes infatuated with the Cinnamon Rose, neglecting his court and responsibilities for her company. An old, wise flower named Old Man eventually confronts King Peony, reminding him of the historical downfalls of rulers swayed by similar temptations. King Peony, shamed, reforms his ways, leading to the real King Sin Mun understanding the lesson, dismissing his harem, and ruling wisely thereafter.
Themes
Emotional Arc
distraction to realization to reform
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story is set in the historical Silla kingdom, referencing a real scholar, Sul Chong, and King Sin Mun. It draws on Confucian principles prevalent in East Asian governance, particularly the idea that a ruler's moral conduct affects the state.
Plot Beats (13)
- The story introduces Korea as a land of beautiful flowers and the cultural significance of flowers, including the language of flowers and naming conventions.
- It introduces Sul Chong, a renowned scholar from the kingdom of Silla, known for his wisdom and historical importance.
- King Sin Mun of Silla is depicted as neglecting his state duties, distracted by an abundance of dancing girls in his palace.
- Sul Chong decides to tell King Sin Mun an allegorical story to warn him without direct confrontation.
- The allegorical story begins with the Peony, the most magnificent flower, being crowned King of the Flowers.
- Other flowers, including useful fruit blossoms and beautiful garden flowers, come to pay homage to King Peony.
- King Peony becomes captivated by the Cinnamon Rose, who is presented last, and begins to neglect his royal duties for her company.
- The Cinnamon Rose gains undue influence, effectively ruling in place of King Peony, while his ministers are ignored.
- An aged, beggar-like flower named Old Man arrives at the palace and is welcomed.
- Old Man is granted an audience with King Peony and subtly questions the king's choices, implying his need for wisdom.
- Old Man directly warns King Peony about the historical downfall of rulers who were swayed by beautiful women and forgot their duties.
- King Peony is shamed by the Old Man's words, blushes, confesses his faults, and resolves to change his ways.
- The story concludes by stating that the real King Sin Mun understood the lesson, dismissed his dancing girls, and ruled wisely thereafter.
Characters
Sul Chong
A man of average height and build, with a scholarly demeanor. His features would reflect his Korean ethnicity, likely with a broad, intelligent forehead and calm eyes, perhaps a slight stoop from years of study.
Attire: Traditional Silla scholar's attire: a flowing, long-sleeved durumagi (outer coat) made of fine, undyed ramie or silk, perhaps in a muted grey or beige, worn over a simpler inner robe. He would wear a gwan (scholar's hat) on his head and beoseon (white cotton socks) with black leather hwa (shoes).
Wants: To guide his king and countrymen towards wisdom and proper governance, upholding the values of Confucianism.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency to be overly academic or detached, relying on parables rather than direct confrontation.
He serves as a catalyst for the king's change, demonstrating the power of wisdom and storytelling to influence leadership.
Wise, learned, sagacious, observant, principled.
King Sin Mun
A man of regal bearing, likely well-fed and accustomed to luxury, reflecting his position as the King of Silla. His build might be slightly soft from indulgence, but he would still possess an inherent dignity.
Attire: Luxurious Silla royal attire: a vibrant, dragon-embroidered silk po (robe) in deep crimson or royal blue, with wide sleeves and gold trim. He would wear a gilded crown adorned with jade and other precious stones, and fine silk trousers and shoes. His robes would be of Chinese silk, indicating the wealth and cultural exchange of the Silla kingdom.
Wants: Initially, to enjoy the luxuries of his position. Later, to rule wisely and ensure the prosperity of his kingdom.
Flaw: Susceptibility to temptation and distraction by beauty and pleasure, leading to neglect of duties.
Transforms from an indulgent, distracted ruler to a wise and responsible king after hearing Sul Chong's parable.
Initially indulgent, pleasure-seeking, easily distracted. Later, reflective, responsible, reformed, wise.
Peony (King of the Flowers)
A single, exceptionally large and vibrant red peony blossom, standing on a very tall, sturdy green stalk. Its petals are lush and full, radiating a sense of regal beauty and concentrated strength.
Attire: Its 'wardrobe' is its natural form: a single, grand red peony bloom, symbolizing royalty and splendor. The vibrant red color and abundant petals are its defining 'attire'.
Wants: Initially, to bask in admiration and enjoy its royal status. Later, to rule justly and wisely over the floral kingdom.
Flaw: Vulnerability to the charms of the Cinnamon Rose, leading to neglect of its duties.
Learns the lesson of responsible leadership, realizing that beauty alone is not enough and that wise counsel is essential.
Initially proud, admired, somewhat susceptible to flattery and distraction. Later, reflective, wise, and reformed.
Miss Cinnamon Rose
A slender and graceful flower, personified as a young woman. Her form would be delicate yet striking, with a distinctive, alluring quality.
Attire: Personified as wearing a vibrant green skirt and a contrasting red jacket, suggesting a bold and eye-catching ensemble. The fabrics would appear light and flowing, suitable for dancing.
Wants: To gain attention, admiration, and influence, particularly over the King Peony.
Flaw: Her allure is superficial; she lacks substance and wisdom, ultimately leading to her dismissal.
Introduced as a captivating distraction, she is ultimately dismissed when the king realizes her negative influence.
Haughty, alluring, confident, distracting, influential (in a negative way).
Old Man (Flower)
Personified as an aged beggar, stooped and frail, leaning on a staff. His appearance is humble and weathered, contrasting sharply with the opulence of the court.
Attire: Simple, coarse sackcloth robes, suggesting poverty and humility. The fabric would appear rough and undyed, in stark contrast to the king's silks.
Wants: To offer wisdom and guidance to King Peony, helping him see the error of his ways and rule justly.
Flaw: His physical frailty, though this is overcome by his mental strength and wisdom.
Serves as the catalyst for King Peony's reformation, delivering the crucial lesson.
Wise, humble, direct, insightful, principled.
Locations
King Sin Mun's Royal Palace in Silla
A luxurious royal residence in the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla, filled with dancing girls. The architecture would feature traditional Korean palace elements like curved, tiled roofs, vermilion lacquered columns, and intricate wooden carvings, possibly with courtyards and pavilions. The interior is opulent, with fine silks and rich decorations.
Mood: Opulent, distracting, initially decadent, later reformed and wise.
King Sin Mun is distracted by dancing girls; Sul Chong tells the story of the Peony King here; King Sin Mun later reforms his life.
The King's Gardens in Silla Capital
Extensive royal gardens within the capital of Silla, where a magnificent single Peony, the 'king of the garden,' grows on a very tall stalk, heavily laden with large red flowers. The gardens are a place of beauty and admiration, attracting many visitors. They would feature meticulously arranged flowering plants, possibly stone lanterns, and winding paths, typical of a classical Korean garden.
Mood: Majestic, admired, vibrant, fragrant.
The Peony King holds court for all the other flowers; Miss Cinnamon Rose is introduced and gains the Peony King's favor.
The Floral Court of King Peony
An imagined, metaphorical 'court' where the Peony King receives other flowers. This could be visualized as a grand pavilion or open-sided hall within the royal gardens, adorned with natural elements, where the most magnificent Peony presides. The setting is formal yet natural, filled with the colors and perfumes of many different blossoms.
Mood: Regal, fragrant, vibrant, initially harmonious, later influenced by folly.
All flowers pay respects to King Peony; the Cinnamon Rose captivates the king; the Old Man flower delivers a warning.