Tales & Traditions The Heroics of Admiral Shin

Admiral Yi Sun Shin wanted to appoint a vice admiral. He decided to have a competition where the strongest and smartest sailors would compete. This competition consisted of a sword contest where sailors would cut through wooden planks and then cross from one ship to the next by walking on a wooden oar set over the water.

Only three sailors were brave enough to enter the contest. The first sailor was smart and planned to use his great swordsmanship skills to win. The second sailor planned to use his great power to bust the planks, cross the oar, and win.

The third sailor was average in strength and intelligence, but had a great deal of experience and a strong belief in his ability.

When the contest began, the first sailor used his skillful sword technique to cut the planks. The second sailor lifted his heavy sword and broke the planks, while the third sailor focused on one plank at a time.

The first sailor made it through the planks, and started to cross an oar to the other ship as the second sailor smashed through the final plank and ran toward the oars. The second sailor decided to use the same oar and planned to push the first sailor into the water. But their combined body weight caused the oar to snap and they fell into the cold water of the Yellow Sea.

Just as they hit the water, the third sailor managed to cut his way through the last plank and headed toward the oars. Instead of walking across the oar, he reached one end of it into the water for the first and second sailor to grab, pulling them to safety.

None of the three sailors made it to the second ship to claim the prize, but because the third sailor demonstrated both skill and concern for his fellow sailors, he was selected to be vice admiral. Admiral Yi said that a man who puts the safety of others ahead of his own has great character and true personal power.