35) Korea - 15. Myodusa

Appearing in the Songdogigi, the Myodusa is a snake with the head of a kitten or wildcat that lives in a deep rock crevice behind the Buddha's hall of Songdo Hwajangsa. It is said to have a gentle disposition and emit a blue smoke that heals illness and wounds, leading people to worship it by offering food. One day, a scholar named Park Man-ho was traveling when he saw the Myodusa peeking its head out and eating the food offered by the villagers. Startled, Park Man-ho declared that the practice of believing in such malevolent beings was deeply flawed and shot the Myodusa in the head, killing it. The monks at the temple clasped their hands in surprise, and despite the jeers and curses of the enraged villagers, Park Man-ho left as if nothing had happened. The villagers believed that Park Man-ho would eventually receive divine punishment or a curse. However, Park Man-ho was instead promoted, served as a magistrate, and eventually retired to his hometown in old age. When the monks at the temple recognized him as the one who killed the Myodusa and asked why he had done so, Park Man-ho boasted that he had become successful thanks to killing that monster, questioning how a mere yokai could bestow blessings upon people. Even after his death, his descendants prospered.