Sok Talhae of Silla

Talhae (5 BC –80 AD, r. 57–80) was the fourth king of Silla, one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea. He is commonly called Talhae Isageum, isageum being the royal title in early Silla. Also known by his personal name as Seok Talhae (昔脫解).

Family Parents Father: King Hamdalpa Mother: Princess of Jeoknyeo-guk Consorts and their respective issue: Queen Ahyo, of the Park clan , daughter of Namhae of Silla, sister of Yuri Isageum Seok Gu-wang (석구광), 1st son Seok Gu-chu, Crown Prince , 2nd son Daughter-in-law: Queen Jijinaelye of the Kim clan Son: Beolhyu of Silla (died 196, r. 184–196)–was the 9th king of Silla, one Seok Gu‐no (석구노), 3rd son Adopted Son or Great-grandson: Kim Alji

Background He was the founder of the Gyeongju Seok clan, one of the noble clans that shared the Silla throne during the early Common Era.

He was born in a small kingdom 1000 li northeast of Wa (Japan). (The name of the kingdom is "Dapana-guk (다파나국; 多婆那國; Dapana Country)" according to the Samguk sagi, or "Ryongseong-guk (룡성국; 龍城國; Dragon-[Castle/City] Country)", "Jeongmyeong-guk (정명국; 正明國; Proper and Enlightened Country)", "Wanha-guk (완하국; 琓夏國; (A Kind of) Jade Summer Country)", or "Hwaha-guk (화하국; 花厦國; Flower Mansion Country)" according to the Samguk yusa.) His father, King Hamdalpa, was a king of this kingdom; his mother was a queen or princess of another kingdom, called Nyeo-guk 女国 "Woman Country."

According to the Samguk sagi, when he was born as an egg, his father considered it an ill omen and had it boxed and floated at sea. The egg landed east of Gyerim (near today's Gyeongju, South Korea), where he was raised by an old woman as a fisherman. His family is said to have taken over a high official's house by claiming to be metalsmiths.

His birth year is unknown, but he was probably an old man when he assumed the throne, having married the daughter (or younger sister) of King Namhae of Silla in the year 8 AD. He was offered the throne as successor to the second king Namhae, but the older Yuri served as king first. Yuri in turn designated Talhae his successor.

Hogong is chief retainer who served for establishment of Silla. He also discovered Kim Alji who is the founder of Kim clan in Korea. He got involved to three royals who are founder of Silla. He has Japanese origin. Talhae also came over by ship. The location of his birth place Dapana Country is estimated as somewhere in the Japanese archipelago. It is precisely estimated some part in Sea of Japan side or Kyushu. According to Kenichi Kamigaito, as it is a myth, other lines would be mixed, but Talhae of Silla was a King of Tanba province and he made jade there. He reached Silla by following a trade route. Even though excluding details of myth, it can be assumed that clan Seok had trade with Japan.

On the other hand, there is a view that Ryongseong-guk listed in the Samguk yusa has been regarded as a nation of Ainu, and Talhae has been regarded as a citizen of Ainu.

Legend

Reign In 64, the rival Korean kingdom Baekje attacked several times. Silla battled the Gaya confederacy in 77.

According to legend, in 65 the infant Kim Alji, ancestor of the Gyeongju Kim family, was found by Hogong in a golden box in the royal Gyerim forest. Talhae named his kingdom Gyerim at this time (the name Silla was officially adopted much later). There was also a legendary account of Talhae battling King Suro of Gaya, with both utilizing magic by transforming into birds to fight each other.

A tomb believed to be Talhae's is located in northern Gyeongju. The Gyeongju National Museum is constructed on the site where Talhae had a palace built.

In popular culture Portrayed by Lee Pil-mo in the 2010 MBC TV series Kim Su-ro, The Iron King.