Semantics of the Figures of the Mythical Beasts in the Murals of the Koguryeo Tombs

The paper deals with one of the most widespread subjects of the murals from the Koguryeo tombs, the figures of the four mythical beasts. The author analyses archaeological and ethnographical data and draws a conclusion about the causes of popularity of this subject among the Koguryeo establishment. The figures under investigation and other details of the tomb designs and pictures indicate that the idea of continued “spiritual and corporeal” existence in the netherworld accounts for the obsequial rites of the Koguryeo people.

Keywords: Koguryeo, tombs with murals, four mythical beasts, concept of five primary elements