The Brothers who Ate Fish Sauce! A Deep Dive into an 18th Century Korean Folk Story about Sibling Rivalry and Culinary Delights

“De Broeders die Visjessaus Eten!” is a captivating Korean folk tale that emerged during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). While many stories from this era focus on themes of loyalty, filial piety, and overcoming adversity, this particular story delves into the complexities of sibling rivalry with a dash of unexpected humor. The tale revolves around two brothers, whose competitive spirit leads them down a path paved with cunning, deceit, and ultimately, a surprising resolution involving – you guessed it – fish sauce!

The story begins by introducing us to the two brothers: Hyung, the elder, known for his practicality and hard work, and Dong, the younger, described as mischievous and possessing an insatiable appetite. Their father, a respected fisherman, leaves them with a modest inheritance, including a precious jar of fermented fish sauce renowned for its flavor and medicinal properties.

Hyung, being the responsible brother, intends to use the fish sauce sparingly, preserving it for special occasions and potential trade. Dong, on the other hand, craves immediate gratification. He sees the fish sauce as a culinary delight to be devoured without restraint. This fundamental difference in their perspectives sets the stage for the ensuing conflict.

Driven by his insatiable appetite, Dong hatches a plan to claim the entire jar of fish sauce for himself. He convinces Hyung that the sauce is spoiled and needs to be discarded. Hyung, trusting his younger brother’s judgment, reluctantly agrees. Unbeknownst to Hyung, Dong secretly devours every drop of the precious condiment, leaving behind an empty jar.

The following days are marked by a series of escalating pranks and retaliations. Dong feigns illness, blaming it on Hyung’s negligence in handling the fish sauce. Hyung, bewildered by Dong’s accusations, attempts to prove his innocence but finds himself caught in a web of lies spun by his mischievous brother.

The climax of the story arrives when their father returns home unexpectedly. Faced with the empty jar and Dong’s theatrical performance, Hyung is wrongly accused of squandering their inheritance. Desperate to clear his name, Hyung confronts Dong, revealing his cunning plan.

Astonished by his brother’s revelation, their father realizes the extent of Dong’s deceit. Instead of anger, however, he bursts into laughter. He explains that the fish sauce was not simply a condiment but a test of character. The true value lay not in its physical properties but in how each brother chose to handle it.

Hyung, with his honesty and respect for their father’s legacy, passes the test. Dong, blinded by greed and selfishness, fails miserably. The story concludes with Dong learning a valuable lesson about humility and responsibility. He apologizes profusely to Hyung, finally understanding the importance of trust and integrity.

The tale of “De Broeders die Visjessaus Eten!” resonates deeply with audiences even today. It transcends cultural boundaries, offering valuable insights into the human condition:

• Sibling Rivalry: The story realistically portrays the complex dynamics between siblings, highlighting the potential for both cooperation and conflict.

• Importance of Honesty: Hyung’s unwavering honesty serves as a reminder that integrity is paramount, even when faced with adversity.

• Consequences of Greed: Dong’s downfall underscores the dangers of selfishness and the importance of considering the well-being of others.

The unexpected use of fish sauce as a central plot device adds a touch of whimsy and humor to the tale. This seemingly mundane condiment becomes a symbol of temptation, testing the brothers’ moral compass. The story leaves readers pondering the true meaning of value – is it material possessions or something far more intangible?

“De Broeders die Visjessaus Eten!” is not merely a children’s fable but a thought-provoking exploration of human nature. It encourages reflection on our own values and relationships, reminding us that even in seemingly trivial situations, choices have consequences. The next time you encounter a jar of fish sauce, remember the lessons learned from these mischievous Korean brothers – honesty, responsibility, and perhaps a dash of humor can go a long way!