This study aims to examine the essence of ritual based shamanic myths by extracting oral characteristics for an effective delivery of the myth with special reference to Samani, the hero in 〈Samanibonpuri〉 who functioned as a main character with those in other ordinary Sinbonpuri myths of Jeju even though he was nothing but an ordinary person.
The story line of 〈Samanibonpuri〉 has two-fold. One is an empirical reality on the spot of Gut(exorcism) and the other is a fictional reality in the work. Simbang is a mediator to link the two staying in the border line of the two worlds. Bonju or Dangols who live in an empirical reality secures the sacredness on the fictional reality according to the oral ability of Simbang. Therefore, the oral ability of Simbang is the key for the success of Gut.
A character figure is a means for a smooth representation of memory in the oral statement of Simbang. Technically, Samnai is a ritual model different to main characters of other myths. The ultimate direction of Samani is to prolong a life as a person. For this purpose, other characters are required among whom Baeknyeonhaegol (gray-headed old man) plays an assisting and initiating role. On the other hand, Samchasa or Yeomnawang are both opponents and helpers. While the former notifies the foundation of the ritual, the latter explains the efficacy of the ritual.
Weird figures and cumulative forms are representative oral expressing methods. Samani has clear opposition between his nature and his current situation. In the creation of Samani, the apparent internal and external formativeness is used to stress the inner mind of the figure, which also, grants persuasiveness that Samani is a religious character. As for the figures like Baeknyeonhaegol (gray-headed old man), Samchasa and Yeomlawang, they are expressed in a oral language so that they are impressed as unfamiliar and weird characters which is a good means of facilitating memory.
Time and space surrounding Samani has regular repetitiveness of ordinary and extraordinary ones. In terms of form, it has a cumulative narrative which is widely seen in the folk tale. Besides, repetition of number 3 stands out. As such, the oral expression of 〈Samanibonpuri〉 reflects the representation of recitation poem of Simbang and also reflects oral cultural characteristics accompanied by tension and dramatic excitement.