A symbol of Chastity, Mrs. Domi

[Narration]
Mr. and Mrs. Domi were common people of Baekje who lived in Hanseong. Mrs. Domi was highly respected by her neighbors as a woman of great beauty, refined behavior, and fidelity to her husband. One day, the king of Baekje happened to hear about Mrs. Domi and summoned Mr. Domi to the palace.

[King]
I have heard of your wife’s reputation. She is known for being very faithful to you and I’d like to test her. Will you bet on her chastity?

[Mr. Domi]
Your Majesty, I’m afraid that my wife will never change her mind and be unfaithful.

[King]
Do you really think so? You must have great confidence in her. I shall test her faithfulness.

[Narration]
The king summoned Mrs. Domi to the palace and ordered her to stay. He had a servant dress in his own clothing and then sent the servant to Mrs. Domi. The disguised servant tried to get Mrs. Domi to serve him, saying that he had won a bet with Mr. Domi.

However, Mrs. Domi, who desperately wanted to remain faithful to her beloved husband, also disguised a maid by making her wear her own clothes, and had her serve the servant in her place. When the king heard of the deception he was furious. In a fit of rage, the king blinded Mr. Domi and sent him far away on a boat. Mrs. Domi was then captured by the King’s soldiers.

[King]
Your behavior was absolutely disgraceful, but I will forgive you just this one time. From now on, you will stay with me and live in wealth and honor.

[Mrs. Domi]
Your Majesty, I’ve lost my husband so I have no one else to rely on. And how could I dare to disobey your order? But I am dirty now so please allow me to take a bath.

[Narration]
Mrs. Domi managed to escape from the king. She ran towards the river, but when she reached it she began to sob as she had no way of getting across. At that moment, a small boat floated towards her as if the gods had been moved by her predicament to help her. The boat took Mrs. Domi to the island where her husband had been exiled. The couple was finally reunited and they ran away to a different kingdom where they lived happily ever after.

The story of Mrs. Domi’s chastity is touching, don’t you think? The tale influenced many ancient works of Korean literature.