THE SWORD
OF
ARAMOON
EPISODE 3
LEE JOON
GI’S
GROUNDBREAKING
TOUR DE FORCE
ACTING AND
ACTION
PERFORMANCE
IN
THE SWORD
OF
ARAMOON
THE
GROUNDBREAKING
2023
TELEVISION SERIES
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The Sword of Aramoon, the 2023 TVN high fantasy-action-romance television series is not your usual television series. It is a cleverlly plotted television series for the intelligent and quality-appreciative audience. The series, which is a collection of stories about mythical ancient war, political intrigues and romance, boasts of many renowned cast and crew which include multiple international film and television award winner, Lead Male Actor Lee Joon Gi, who is The King of Action, The King of Saguek and The King of Fantasy Dramas; Female Lead Actor, Shin Sae Kyeong, The Queen of Saguek; Senior Actor Jang Dong Gun; and Kim Ok Vin, an international film award winner. Lee Joon Gi, the Actor of a Thousand Faces, who plays an iconic dual character role, has stolen many global hearts with the launch of the series. Directed by renowned multiple-award winner, Director Kim Kwang
Sik, and filmed by multiple award recipient Cinematographer Choi Chan Ming, the
ground-breaking series, The Sword of Aramoon, a masterpiece, has set itself
apart from the usual historical or historical fiction Joseon or Goryeon lore
in that it is a High-Fantasy war-based series. The series which is derived
from Korean mythology not history, is about the clash of gods and courageous
warriors who are driven by a strong sense of destiny.  Lee Joon Gi and Shin Sae Kyeong must be lauded for their suberb nuanced emotional performance in this episode. As the gorgeous igutu warrior, Eun Seom and the beautiful High Priest Tanya, they capture the popular imagination with their awe-inspiring performance, captivating chemistry and irresistible appeal.
Lee Joon Gi, the top South Korean actor and a gem of a performer, is, as usual, addictive. Episode 3 of The Sword of Aramoon, a bubbling cauldron of
intrigues and romance, is an intelligent and enchanting tale at every level.
Who would have thought that the identical twins, Eun Seom and
Saya’s bodies would be switched in the roaring fire that had engulfed the
shack or warehouse in the twist of the fast-moving story? One is surprised
how quickly things can happen and how dire the situation was to the twins.
The death of Mubeck, played by Park Hae Joon, and
Saya’s (a case of mistaken identity) loss of consciousness triggered a crisis
in Arthdal. THE FUNERAL PYRE
Episode 3 begins with the funeral and cremation of Mubeck, the
great commander of Arthdal’s Elite Troop, which was presided over by the
regal and poised High Priest. Mubeck lay on the funeral pyre which was waiting
to be lit. Tanya, the beautiful, demure but solemn High Priest is
magnificently portrayed by the delectable Shin Sae Kyeong.
Resplendent in her magnificient white religious robes and headdress,
the courtesy of the creative Wardrobe Team, Tanya’s breathtaking and ethereal
appearance, which is enhanced by her alabaster skin, appeared goddess-like. The
calm and serene demeanour and dignified composure of Arthdal’s top religious
leader added credulity to the spiritual moment. The mourning music lends a moving mood to the sombre atmosphere
as the High Priest placed Mubeck’s black mask on his face. Yeolson, was now
part of the important circle of ministers, was savouring his changed status.
Many soldiers loyal to Mubeck, particularly, Yeonbal, whose
flashing eyes turned bitterly towards the queen, were convinced of her
complicity in the assassination of their beloved chief. THE CHILDREN OF SHAHATI  The crescent dagger, the weapon of choice of the Shahati, was
found in the premises of the razed shack where Mubeck was found murdered.
Only the Asa Clan, who follows the queen’s orders, could summon the Shahati.
‘The Children of Shahati’ does not refer to the general members of
Shahati who have black tongues and black fingertips who populate the
landscape of Arthdal but the zombie-like young people who had been trained by
them to kill. Yang Cha was one of them. Mindless, unintelligible, without a heart and soul, these young
villians possessed a decayed mind; they seemed to be shorn of their intellect
and their ability to think. Lacking the spirit that makes them human, they
are a threat to society. SWITCHED IDENTITIES
Eun Seom who, instead of Saya, had been brought back to the
Arthdal castle, had fallen into a coma. Even Tanya, who visited him assumed
that he was Saya. The wrong twin had been brought back. There was a pressing
need to find out the truth about the death of Mubeck as weell as the attack
on Saya.  The conspiracy theory was fast gaining ground. A torrent of
suspicions on the part of the Arthdal commanders brought into sharp relief
the loyalty and love for Mubeck and the total hatred for the evil queen. QUEEN TAEALHA CUTTING OFF HER NOSE TO SPITE HER FACE
The queen who had been complicit in the assassination plan
would soon be exposed if Saya, her adopted son, testified against the evil plotters, that is,
if he woke up. Taealha had tried to get
rid of Saya through the Children of Sahati because if he was appointed the
heir to the throne, it would interfere with her ambition to attain greater
power through Arok, her legitimate son. Saya, though not a trained soldier,
was an asset to Arthdal as he had intricate knowlege derived from manuscripts
and texts from the great library of The Fortress of Fire. What Taealha didn’t understand was she had endangered herself
and her powerful position by her vicious murder attempt. She had cut off her
nose to spite her face. For a egoistic and entitled person like her, she was
convinced she was all-powerful and failed to understand divine retribution. She,
who was responsible for the rise of the Arthdal Dynasty, was now responsible for its impending fall. Arthdal was already in its twilight years.
The desperate Taealha gave the orders that Asa Yon, their
conspirator, who was hiding in Tesarichon, a poor village where criminals
live, should flee. But it was already too late. The Royal Guards were one
step ahead of them. Despite being tortured and threatened with horrible punishment,
the criminal did not betray the queen.  A TICKING TIMEBOMB The burden of accusing the queen would weigh heavily on Saya’s
shoulders if he woke up. He was a ticking timebomb waiting to explode.
Everyone was on edge.
Yeonbal presented his suspicions and evidence, the crescent
dagger of the Shahati, assassins with black tongues, to Tagon. The dagger
implicated the queen and he pointedly accused Queen Taealha of treason. The argument
was the queen probably felt that Saya, the king’s adopted son, was a real
obstruction and threat to Arok’s succession to the throne. The king was now even
more estranged from his despotic queen. The defeat of Saya in the important war in the plains of
Hanchoa had temporarily faded into obscurity. A general’s job was something
he was totally unsuited for but this fact was relegated to the background. WAKING UP TO A NEW WORLD
Eun Seom woke up not in his ramshackle bed but in Saya’s luxurious room. Looking pale, sickly and different, Eun Seom was shocked to realize that he had switched places with Saya.
The strange room, flooded by the light of the morning sun, looked surreal. The two pink curtains, which symbolised the twin brothers, seemed to beckon to him.
Upon peering out of the window, he realized he was in Arthdal. Reality suddenly set in.  The queen dropped in for a visit; she was not known for friendly visits. Eun Seom, fearful of being
discovered, fought with her, but he suddenly crumbled to the floor and fell unconscious.
At one point, his sword was one with the curtains. They seemed to merge with each other. The image speaks of hidden secrets. 
Another image showed that he was at the mercy of the queen.
 The female physician explained to Tagon that Saya, in his dazed and weakened mental condition, was probably under the illusion that he was still in the battlefield. Since he was an Igutu his
recovery would be swift. She had the foresight of concealing his purple lips.
THE USE OF FALCONS A SECRET WAR STRATEGY
The Ago Union leaders were anxious about their missing leader, Inaishingi Eun Seom. Once Arthdal knew about Inaishingi’s disappearance, they would be in mortal danger. The fireplace in the meeting room was in the shape of a helmet. It indicated courage, strength and heroism.
Suhana, the mole in the Ago army, a trained military falconer, feigned loyalty and made a grand pretence of encouraging them to keep his disappearance a secret to prevent any panic among the Ago Union.
But, unknown to them, she had been secretly
sending messages through her courier, a trained falcon to Arthdal about the
Ago situation. This strategic thinking of using falcons as war assistants gave Arthdal an edge over
the Ago army.
THE TRUTH ABOUT THE TWINS IS REVEALED
The wily merchant Syoreujakin was the last to see Eun Seom so Ipsaeng and Dalsae interrogated him about what they had talked about. Rough tactics did not make the smooth and slick man talk so gentle persuasion, as well as pleas, was the only way to loosen his tongue. They managed to locate
the place where Eun Seom went to meet Saya. Fire had raged there but what was
left was burnt to charcoal. Syoreujakin, revealing that they were identical
twins, accurately guessed that they might have been switched. It was Eun Seom
who was sent back to Arthdal.
Chaeeun, who had eavesdropped on their conversation, confirmed the fact they were twins. THE RESCUE PLAN
Syoreujakin, as opportunistic as they come, suggested going to
Arthdal to save Eun Seom. Taking advantage of any opportunity to get the best
out of everything, he informed them that his Hamji trading guild, of which he
was the head, had gone to Arthdal recently to establish trade with Arthdal.
He argued that they should accompany him there to seek out the truth. Should
there be a glimmer of protest, he brutally explained that their Ago Union
would surely fall apart. THE NEANTHALS
Chaeeun conferred with the two Neanthals, Issruv and Nosunaho, about what was to be done concerning the twins, Eun Seom and Geumha, the
children of Ragaz, a Neanthdal and Asa Hon, a Saram.
She is reminded of Saya’s evil words that if he did not return safely to Arthdal, Nunbyeol, her adoptee Neanthal sister would be in great
danger. She had to nurse Saya back to health. EUN SEOM REAWAKENS FROM HIS
TEMPORARY COMA When Eun Seom reawakened, Yeonbal, the commander who succeeded Mubeck, confided that the queen was his mortal enemy. She had secretly ordered The Children of Shahati to kill him. It was difficult for Inaishingi to drink it all in.
 
Now that he was awake,
the court wanted him to testify about Mubeck’s death and who had attacked him on that fateful night. He
was told to say that the queen ordered the Children of Shahati to attack him. Tanya, the High Priest, would also attend the court proceedings.  THE WHITE PEAK MOUNTAIN HEARTS SECT
Tanya, the Reincarnation of Asa Sin, meanwhile, was able to solve
the problem of slaves who were badly neglected. Those who had fallen ill were
left to die. Upon learning that the cruel slave owner had refused them medical treatment, she
blinked back her tears.
The High Priest, who looked like goddess in the shabby, ramshackle shack, soundly admonished the slave owner, who swiftly tried to remedy the situation and salvage his reputation. The High Priest promptly proclaimed that all the people including slaves were the descendants of Asa Sin.
Tanya, met the head of the White Peak Mountain Hearts Sect who
believed in Airuju, the most powerful of the 8 gods of Arthal. The sect also
believed that Aramun Haesulla was an Igutu. The head, who knew Eun Seom,
wanted to know when Tanya would acknowledge their doctrine.
EUN SEOM’S ADVENTURES IN
ARTHDAL
Eun Seom happened to walk in on a discussion of some commanders
who then gave him a report on the military situation. The Hanchoa War, which had
reached a stalemate, was prolonged because two commanders had returned to Arthdal due to the
death of Mubeck.
THE FEMALE NEANTHAL
Syoreujakin, accompanied by Ipsaeng and Dalsae, had arrived in
Arthdal. He brought them to see a grown-up Doti.
It was learnt that Eun Seom, who was expected to testify at the
court, had suddenly disappeared. Eun Seom, while navigating the secret alleys of Arthdal, had suddenly
swooped up a wall. Though the igutu’s suppleness and agility was amazing, he
was helpless in the presence of Nunbyeol, a female Neanthal. Swifter than the
eye could see, he was thrown around several times like a rag doll.
Eun Seom, always had the upper hand in fights; he had butchered
everyone in wars. But now he was shocked by Nunbyeol’s ginormous Neanthal strength.
Quivering at the rough treatment, he realised what it was like to be at the
receiving end of such violence.
He was saved not only by the miraculous arrival of Dalsae and
Ipsaeng but also Nunbyeol’s special sense of smell.
THE WAHANS In their discussions, the duo were ordered by Eun Seom not to
visit the Wahans. Doti interrupted their conversation to inform him that
Tanya had been relentlessly searching for him everywhere.
Then the palace guards arrived to escort Eun Seom to the court
to give his testimony. Security was tight; they feared that the queen might
take drastic actions if Eun Seom testified against her. A LOVE THAT TRANSCENDS TIME AND SPACE Eun Seom and Tanya had been apart for more than 8 years, he, in the East with the Ago Union and she, in Arthdal. The beautiful and moving emotional scene between Eun Seom, portrayed by Lee Joon Gi, and Tanya, played by Shin Sae Kyeong, is beyond captivating. It puts viewers in a romantic mood. THE EMOTIONAL SCENE When Eun Seom was escorted to the court, he met Tanya who was also on her way there. It was a very thrilling surprise. His heart must have hammered like a slegehammer. She, in her exquisite white ceremonial robes and headdress, looked like a goddess, with her retinue of assistants all dressed in white.
Eun Seom couldn’t believe she was in his presence after all those years of separation. He had been enamoured of her when young but they were now grown adults. The years of separation had not lessen his love for her. His yearning to see her all these years had now come to fruition. The sentimental Eun Seom gaped at her and yearned to hold her in his arms. She looked more beauftiful than ever; he was in awe of her ethereal beauty. Beautiful. Feminine. Demure. Her porcelain skin, no - her alabaster skin, enhanced her beauty. His jaws wobbled and nearly dropped to the ground. He couldn’t believe his eyes that he finally met her again.
‘I was happy to hear that you woke up. Airuju looked after you.’ Her voice seemed both alien and familiar. Their eyes met. To his disappointment, she showed no signs of recognition; she had no inkling of who he was. She, even with her special psychic powers, had failed to recognize him. Oblivious of his raging hormones, she walked slowly like a dream in front of him. She was detached and passive like a lily in a lily pond which only existed in his nightmares not in his beautiful dreams of her.
He didn’t hear her words about his impending testimony at the court. Hypnotized and mesmerized, he continued to stare at her. Eun Seom was not often at the loss of words but at that moment, he couldn’t muster any words to express himself. His eyes were covetous, his heart was
still hammering against his chest. How
could she not recognise him? Time stood still for a moment. Both stood gazing at each other as if torn apart by the
sword-like monument in the background. Both were the reincarnation of gods or
holy beings. Eun Seom, the reincarnation of Inaishingi and Tanya, the
reincarnation of Asas Sin. They looked regal; their bearing, noble.
When she walked off, he followed. He had to take his chance to
tell her who he was. She asked him several questions about the incident
involving himself and Mubeck. Seemingly imparting a secret about the queen, her
voice seemed so far away. ‘Was it important? His answer would be Shahati.’
She warned him that Tagon would reject him because he had lost the Hanchoa war. The king would also hold the queen responsible for Mubeck’s death and throw her out. When she asked him if he had met Eun Seom, a pool of emotions overwhelmed him. He had missed her badly.
It seemed to him the world around them had disappeared. Only the two of them existed.
The feelings which he held
restrained now flooded his face. He cried unashamedly. Eun Seom wanted
nothing more than hold her in his arms. Throwing caution to the winds, he
held her tight for several moments. He couldn’t help himself. Startled, Tanya
sucked in her breath.  To her astonishment and consterntion, he started sobbing. Tears dripped down his face in rivulets. She, ever the calm, cool and collected High Priest who was never unnerved, looked speechless for a moment. She advised him softly in her quiet, steady voice, to gather his composure, ‘Saya, don’t do this.’  Stubbornly, he held her even more closely. Shocked, the royal guard and Tanya’s bodyguard looked nervously at each other. The public display of affection made everyone uneasy. Only when she called him to stop, did he realise that he had lost control of himself.
 Detaching himself from his embrace, he stared at her and wondered if he was still special to her. Why didn’t she recognise him? That particular thought left him subdued, remote and unhappy. He suddenly turned cold.  Just in case anyone thought their love was a lost cause, they
were in for a surprise. Imbued with energy and fun, Eun Seom decided to test her. Mischief glittered in his eyes. He wanted her to show him - her love and solidarity with him. Stepping up the wide staircase to the great hall, he smilingly turned to face
her. Cheekily, he teased, ‘The world is fun. It must be some kind of an
illness.’
Tanya recognised his words. When she gasped, his eyes turned a
bit cold. She was utterly confused and wondered if he had faulted her for not
recognizing him. Their conversation had ended abruptly.
Catching up with him, she stared curiously at him. It was his
turn to be impassive and distant. She had a glimpse of his serious demeanour.
Staring ahead, he seemed: Stiff. Remote. Indifferent. Unapproachable.  THE TESTIMONY IN THE GREAT HALL ADAPTABILITY TO CHANGE
Survival of The Fittest. People would say that in times of
crisis and danger, only the fittest or the strongest survive. But then, we
learn in this episode that the most intelligent and most adaptable to change
would emerge from such situations mostly unscathed. In the great hall, where the court proceedings were held, the Queen Taealha was seated on the King Tagon’s right and Tanya, the High Priest, on his left.
All the important dignitaries, nobility and ministers had already taken their seats.
Though unfamiliar with the proceedings in a civilsed court, Eun
Seom, the igutu savage-turned civilised general, walked with a measured
stride into the court. Cautious and vigilant, he stood under the scrutiny of
critical eyes in the centre of the court. The atmosphere was tense. It seemed
almost everyone wanted him to point out and accuse the queen of the crime of summoning
the Children of Shahati to kill him and Mubeck. But, he knew how to
circumvent that. Reminded that the Queen had wanted his twin dead, his demeanour
changed. He would have howled in rage if he could. Suddenly confident of what
he could accomplish, a beguiling smile curved his lips and a wicked glint
glowed in his eye.
Not incapable of playing games of intrigue, his agile mind was
already planning his moves. When interrogated, Eun Seom cautiously explained
that he went to the warehouse with Mubeck because the top Arthdal commander had
orchestrated a meeting between him and a mysterious person. He was not certain
of the other person’s identity and no questions had been asked because Mubeck
could be trusted. Mubeck, well, was Mubeck. He could have unmade the queen that instant by saying that
Mubeck’s death was not accidental but he chose to pretend not to recognise
the knife used by the assassins. He tailored his story to what Taealha wanted
to hear despite the overwhelming evidence against her.  Having grown up in Iark, Eun Seom never knew of the existence of The Children of Shahati or Crecent Daggers so, he could not name the dagger when shown one. The quick-witted Tanya used her divine telepathic powers to transfer the name to him. When asked to draw the dagger, he drew a strangely shaped dagger. Everyone, who stood up eagerly to look at it, was stumped. It must have been a hilarious moment for the audience. The dagger was shaped like a curved F.  Eun Seom’s every facial movement spoke of a subtle dynamic
magneticism. Glancing knowingly at the queen, he insisted the memory of that
day was hazy but he emphasized ambiguously that one day he might remember who
he saw that fatal night. His quick wit and delicate hint reveals his
intelligence. None, lest the queen, should underestimate him. Playing the king against the queen would be totally
exhilarating for him. The queen particularly was fair game but for the
moment, the breach between the king and queen was healed by his ambiguous testimony.
A RENDEZVOUS FOR THE
LOVEBIRDS  Realising that the twins had been switched, Tanya was in a
hurry to visit Eun Seom. The couple did not even bother with pleasantries. It
was inevitable that the lovers, who had eyes only for each other, instinctively fell
into each other’s arms, crying tears of happiness.
They left the audience no room for doubt that they loved each
other. Their fierce courage and dreamy idealism had bonded them through time
and space. It was inevitable that they would kiss. Their kiss was short and
sweet. Their longing for each other for over a span of 8 years sought an
outlet for expression.
They talked about what happened. She confided that she had
developed the telepathic and psychic ability of the gods.
They were standing at an important crossroads in the history of
Arth.  Interrupted by the arrival of the queen, their romantic rendezvous ended. The queen immediately made a real nuisance of herself.
Not surprised by the queen’s sudden visit, the shrewd and quick-witted hero toyed with Taealha’s emotions. His tone, though defiant, was as seductive as the tender caress of a lover. Taealha knew that he wasn’t Saya but an imposter. Taking out a dagger, she held it to his throat.
While fixing him with a threatening stare, she asked, ‘Just who are you?’ You would have expected them to stare daggers at each other but no, they seemed to have enjoyed themselves smiling enigmatically at each other.  Eun Seom would soon show he would not make the mistake of
underestimating the devious queen.  What is most irresistible is Lee Joon Gi’s dazzling showcase of the art of seduction of two beautiful women, one gentle, feminine and serene; the other, fierce and wily. The global audience must have been impressed by his nuanced acting; he is flawless and polished in his performance in Episode 3.  |
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