쓸쓸하고 찬란하神-도깨비
"A mysterious romance between a goblin and a young human bride."
Goblin - Symbolism & Philosophy
Symbols & Motifs
The Sword
The invisible sword lodged in Kim Shin's chest symbolizes his curse, his past sins, and his profound, unending pain. It is both the source of his immortal power and the mark of his punishment for the thousands of lives he took as a general. Its removal signifies both his death and his ultimate release into peace.
The sword is a constant physical and metaphorical presence throughout the series. It is invisible to all except Ji Eun-tak, the Goblin's Bride. The central conflict revolves around whether she will fulfill her destiny by pulling out the sword, thereby ending his life. The sword was custom-made for the production, with CG effects used to create its ethereal green glow.
Buckwheat Flowers
In the language of flowers, as told by Kim Shin to Eun-tak, buckwheat flowers mean "lover." They symbolize the love, destiny, and connection between the two main characters.
Buckwheat fields are significant locations in the series. Kim Shin's grave in the Goryeo era is covered in them, and it is the setting for their wedding in the final episode. He frequently summons a field of buckwheat flowers, creating a beautiful and romantic backdrop for pivotal moments with Eun-tak.
Red Scarf
The red scarf worn by Ji Eun-tak symbolizes her identity, her connection to her mother, and a sense of protection. It is a constant visual marker of her character, representing her youth and warmth amidst her difficult life.
Eun-tak has worn the scarf since she was a child, as it was a gift from her mother. It's a key part of her signature look. The scarf became an iconic piece of merchandise, and fans visiting filming locations often wear red scarves to reenact scenes.
Maple Leaf
A falling maple leaf symbolizes love and destiny. There is a saying mentioned in the drama: "If you catch a falling maple leaf, you will fall in love with the person you are walking with."
During their first trip to Quebec, Canada, Eun-tak catches a falling maple leaf while walking with Kim Shin. She presses the leaf in a book, preserving it as a cherished memory and a symbol of their budding romance. The maple leaf later becomes a crucial object that helps her regain her memories after they are temporarily erased.
Jade Ring
The jade ring symbolizes the tragic past and intertwined fates of the Queen (Kim Sun) and the King (Wang Yeo). It represents their lost love, the king's guilt, and the promise of their eventual reunion.
The ring is first seen on the hand of the Queen as she dies in the Goryeo era. In the present, both the Grim Reaper (Wang Yeo's reincarnation) and Sunny (the Queen's reincarnation) are inexplicably drawn to it at a street vendor's stall. Their shared desire for the ring sparks their modern-day relationship, acting as a catalyst for them to uncover their past lives.
Philosophical Questions
Is immortality a gift or a curse?
The series extensively explores this question through Kim Shin. Initially, immortality is presented as an absolute curse, a punishment defined by the pain of watching loved ones perish repeatedly for nine centuries. His existence is one of profound loneliness and a desperate desire for death. However, after falling in love with Eun-tak, his perspective shifts. The very eternal life he despised becomes something he wants to preserve to spend more time with her. The series concludes that the value of life, whether mortal or immortal, is defined not by its length but by the love and connections experienced within it.
How much of our lives are governed by fate, and how much by our own choices?
"Goblin" presents a world where destiny is a powerful force, intertwining characters across centuries. The prophecy of the Goblin's Bride is a clear example of a fated path. However, the narrative repeatedly emphasizes the power of human will. The deity figure in the show explicitly states that destiny is merely a question posed to humans and that they must find the answers themselves. The most definitive exploration of this is Eun-tak's death. It was not fated; it was a spontaneous choice born of selfless instinct to save others. This act of human sacrifice is shown to be something even a god cannot predict, suggesting that while fate may draw the map, our choices determine the journey.
What is the relationship between sin, punishment, and redemption?
Each of the main characters is dealing with the consequences of past actions. Kim Shin is punished for the lives he took in war, the Grim Reaper is punished for taking his own life out of jealousy and guilt, and both must undergo a long process of atonement. Redemption is not easily granted. It requires centuries of suffering, confronting past sins, and ultimately, acts of forgiveness and sacrifice. The Grim Reaper's entire existence is a penance, and only by fully accepting his past and fulfilling his duties can he be released. The series suggests that redemption is a painful, arduous journey, but one that is necessary to find peace.
Core Meaning
The core meaning of "Goblin" revolves around the profound interplay of fate, free will, and the human condition. It explores the idea that life, however painful or prolonged, derives its meaning from the connections we forge and the choices we make. The series posits that even divine plans can be altered by acts of profound human sacrifice and love. Through its characters' centuries-spanning journey of suffering, forgiveness, and redemption, the show suggests that while destiny may set the stage ("God is just a questioner; destiny is a question I give"), the answers and ultimate meaning are found in our own actions and relationships. It is a narrative about finding grace in suffering, the bittersweet beauty of mortality, and the belief that love can transcend lifetimes.