From monk to tyrant: 궁예 (Gung Ye), the self-proclaimed Maitreya who built and lost a kingdom
궁예 (Gung Ye), born in the mid-9th century, was a former Buddhist monk who became the founder of the short-lived 후고구려 (Later Goguryeo) kingdom. His life and reign are recorded in historical texts such as the 삼국사기 (Samguk Sagi) and 고려사 (Goryeosa).
Historical records suggest Gung Ye was likely of noble 진골 (true-bone) descent, possibly related to the Silla royal family. He spent his youth as a monk at 세달사 (Sedal Temple) in 영월 (Yeongwol), where he likely developed his knowledge of Buddhism, particularly 미륵 (Maitreya) beliefs. After leaving monastic life, he joined local warlords and eventually established his own power base.
<10 Facts About 궁예>
He was a member of the royal family of Silla, and his family name is Kim.
He was considered an ominous child because he had teeth when he was born.
He grew his power by working as a subordinate of Yang Gil.
In 901, he founded the 후고구려(Later Goguryeo).
He was supported by the people based on the Maitreya faith.
He pursued a strong monarchy, but he faced opposition from his ministers.
He committed tyranny, including killing his wife and children.
In 918, he was overthrown by Wang Geon.
He is one of the characters who are historically negatively evaluated.
He is evaluated as a person who caused the chaos of the Three Kingdoms period.
Now, I welcome you to the story of 궁예 - a man who rose from monastic obscurity to become a powerful ruler, only to be undone by his own tyranny and delusions of divinity.
Let the story begin...
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