In the moonlight mist

korean tale which is like our chinese Niulang and Zhinv

One spring afternoon a handsome young woodcutter heard a loud crackling.An instant later a deer bounded into the clearing."You must help me." begged the animal, shaking with fright."a hunter is chasing me…he's going to kill me"

Follow me said wouldcutter, who was a friend to all animals.He led the deer behind a pile of wood and covered him with what branches and leaves he could quickly gather.

So a husky hunter emerged from the trees."I seem to have lost the trail of a deer i've been following.have you seen it?" he asked, looking from side to side."I did see the animal. he was headed toward the river,"replied the woodcutter.The hunter raced off toward the river with his bow and arrows ready.

"You saved my life," said the thankful dear."I am a friend of Mountains Spirit. You shall be rewarded for your kind deed." "Just seeing you run free is reward enough," replied the woodcutter.

"Every man has a secret wish," The deer said."Tell me yours and it shall be granted."

The woodcutter answered,"I've always dreamed of having a loving wife and children of my own, but i'm pool and can barely take care of my aging mother and myself.Someday she will pass and the thought of living alone haunts me."

"This wish will be granted, but you must listen carefully to what I say" said the deer."At the first full moon, climb to the crest of this mountain, there you will find a wall of vines with razor sharp thorns. Take your axe and cut a path through these vines.Beyond, you will see a bewitching lake where heavenly maidens bathe under the full moon.While they are bathing, take one set of clothes, for without them, one mainden will not be able to return to heaven.She will see the goodness in you and will become  your earthly wife"