Misil


Misil was a Silla aristocrat whose historical existence is debatable. According to the Hwarang Segi, she was a concubine to several kings and, along with her aunt Queen Sado, played an instrumental role in dethroning King Jinji. However, it has been questioned whether Misil was truly a historical figure, as she is only mentioned in the Hwarang Segi, and not in the historical texts Samguk sagi or Samguk yusa.

Biography

According to the Hwarang Segi, Misil was the daughter of Lord Mijinbu and Lady Myodo, a sister of Queen Sado, the consort of Jinheung of Silla. Her paternal grandmother was Princess Samyeop, daughter of King Beopheung. Due to her lineage, Misil was a member of the , or the noble true bone caste. Matrilineally, she belonged to the Matrilineal clan of Daewon Shintong or directly translated as the divine succession of the great prime. The Daewon Shintong is believed to be descent from Bomi, however, the records in the reigns of Soji of Silla, that Bomi, the Lady Daewon, died and was buried at the age of 82. Lady Daewon has given birth to 12 children from several different fathers. Because of her nobility, her descendants were known as Daewon or great prime tribe..
She was the wife of Lord Sejong, the lover of General Seolwon and the older sister of Lord Misaeng. She was concubine to three successive Silla kings: King Jinheung, King Jinji, and King Jinpyeong. Legend states that she was in love with Crown Prince Dongnyeon. Her sons became the 11th and 16th pungwoljus, Hajong and Bojong, respectively.
According to Hwarang Segi: Misil became King Jinji's concubine after his father, King Jinheung died. However, he lost interest on her after falling in love with another woman. His mother, Queen Sado, was angered about his sudden change of heart and failing to keep his promise on making her niece into his Queen.
As a result, Queen Sado, with the help of Misil's lovers; Lord Sejong and General Seolwon, managed to get the support of the court to dethrone King Jinji. They gained people's support after blaming him for Silla's defeat which resulted to famines. They spread the rumor that heavens has forsaken Silla for having an immoral king. Jinji's removal resulted in the installation of his nephew, King Jinpyeong, to the throne. Jinji's grandson, Kim Chunchu, would later succeed the throne as King Muyeol.

Historicity

It has been questioned whether Misil was truly a historical figure, as she is only mentioned in the Hwarang Segi, and not in the historical texts Samguk sagi or Samguk yusa. Additionally, her role as mother to her various sons and daughters is not acknowledged by either of these historical texts, only the Hwarang Segi.

In popular culture

  • Portrayed by Seo Kap-sook in 2006–2007 SBS TV series Yeon Gaesomun.
  • Portrayed by Go Hyun-jung and Uee in the 2009 MBC TV series Queen Seondeok.

    Genealogy

Ancestors

Family

  • For the lineage from Misil's parents upwards, refer to the ancestry chart above
  • Younger Brother: Misaeng Rang, 10th Pungwolju
  • Husbands and lovers, and their respective issue:
  1. Lord Sejong, 6th Pungwolju
  2. # Lord Hajong, 1st son, 11th Pungwolju
  3. # Lord Okjong, 2nd son by Lord Sejong
  4. Lord Sadaham, 5th Pungwolju – No issue.
  5. Seolwon Rang, 7th Pungwolju
  6. # Lord Bojong, Only son, 16th Pungwolju
  7. King Jinheung, 24th King of Silla
  8. # Prince Sujong, Only son
  9. # Princess Banya, 1st daughter
  10. # Princess Nanya, 2nd daughter
  11. Crown Prince Dongryun, son of King Jinheung
  12. # Princess Aesong, Only daughter
  13. King Jinji, 25th King of Silla – No issue.
  14. King Jinpyeong, 26th King of Silla
  15. # Princess Bohwa, Only daughter