Structure of Myth in Axie Oh's The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea

Abstract

This research is about the structure of myth in Axie Oh’s The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea. The research aims to analyze the forms, structures, functions, and types of myth within the text. The theory is grounded in Vladimir Propp’s Morphology of the Folktale, which separates narrative into 31 narrative functions, which are specific actions or events performed by characters that drive the story forward. The writer of this thesis research employs a qualitative method, utilizing descriptive and textual analysis of the novel within the framework of structuralism. The finding reveals that the forms of myth are prominently featured through the hero, divine figures, mythical creatures, and magical items. The structure of the myth follows 14 of Vladimir Propp’s narrative functions: Initial Situation, Absention, Violation, Counter-action, Departure, Guidance, Villainy, Mediation, First Donor Function, Struggle, Receipt of a Magical Agent, Liquidation, Return, and Wedding which trace Mina’s progression from disruption to resolution of the Sea God’s curse. These functions act as key drivers, propelling the plot and fostering Mina’s character development, particularly her courage and empathy. These findings underscore the novel’s roots in Korean folklore, notably the Shim Cheong tale, while resonating with the universal structure of storytelling, enriching our understanding of how traditional myths are reinterpreted in modern literature.