SCOTTISH SINGLE MALT

BT Slumdog, thấy có cái "Scottish single malt", mặc dù để nguyên tiếng Anh trong bản dịch, nhưng vẫn mò mẫm xem cái "Single malt" là loại rượu quái quỷ nào, copy được một bài trên Diễn đàn Thanh niên xa mẹ.

Nói đến Scotland là phải nói đến đàn ông mặc váy không mặc gì ở trong, là phải nói đến cái Scottish accent nhà quê véo von và khó nghe, là phải nói đến bagpipes, hoa thistle, món haggis. Và một điều không thể thiếu được khi nói đến Scotland, đó là Scotch Whisky.

Whisky, chứ không phải Whiskey (theo kiểu Ireland, US), tiếng thổ ngữ Gaelic là uisge beatha, có nghĩa là Water of Life - nước của sự sống. Whisky là niềm tự hào của Scotland qua bao thế kỷ. Whisky dường như đã ngấm vào máu của dân Scottish, và có lẽ cả vào những anh chàng háo rượu đã từng có thời gian lưu lạc ở Scotland.

Scotch Whisky là Whisky phải được chưng cất và mature trong thùng gỗ sồi tại Scotland ít nhất là 3 năm. Lần đầu tiên Scotch Whisky được ghi nhận vào năm 1494. Trên 500 năm nay, Scotch Whisky chỉ làm từ các nguyên liệu tự nhiên: nước, ngũ cốc và men. Scotch Whisky được làm theo 5 bước. 4 bước đầu cũng như nấu rượu thông thường bao gồm: ủ mạch nha, nấu, lên men và chưng cất. Sau khi chưng cất là đã có được rượu cốt, lúc này chỉ được gọi là spirit, nhưng chưa được gọi là Scotch Whisky. Để được gọi là Scotch Whisky, spirit sau khi chưng cất phải được mature trong thùng gỗ sồi ít nhất là 3 năm cho các loại Whisky phổ thông, ít nhất 8 năm cho Malt Whisky, thông thường là 10 đến 12 năm. Giai đoạn mature khi cho spirit vào thùng gỗ sồi để trong kho rượu, chuyển từ spirit đắng và nồng thành Scotch Whisky thơm, êm và ngọt là cả một bí mật mà chỉ có chủ của các lò rượu mới biết. Chỉ biết rằng trong kho rượu, spirit bốc hơi thấm qua thành của thùng gỗ sồi vào không khí, và không khí ẩm lại được hút ngược vào trong thùng gỗ sồi hòa trộn với spirit. Whisky được mature trong thùng càng lâu, hương vị càng ngon và tất nhiên …. càng đắt. Scotch Whisky lâu đời nhất là Glenfiddich 1937, được mature ở trong thùng từ 7/1937 trong 64 năm, đóng chai năm 2001 và có giá … 10,000£.

Ở Scotland có tất cả trên 100 lò rượu, nằm trên 4 vùng chính: Speyside, Highland, Lowland và Islay. Whisky do ảnh hưởng của nước, khí hậu của từng vùng nên rất khác nhau và có hương vị đặc trưng cho từng vùng. Whisky ở Speyside do nước chảy từ các đồi granite qua các đồng than bùn nên có hương vị khói thuốc. Whisky ở Lowland nhẹ, êm và ngọt như vùng quê yên ả ở đây. Whisky ở Highland khô và mạnh, phảng phất hương vị khói, ở những lò rượu gần biển, whisky hơi có vị mặn, còn ở những lò rượu sâu vào đất liền, whisky lại mang vị ngọt của trái cây. Ở đảo Islay, hơi ẩm của nước biển pha trộn với than trong quá trình ủ rượu và suốt thời gian mature trong thùng gỗ sồi tạo nên hương vị đặc biệt khó quên của Islay whisky.

Scotch Whisky được chia thành 4 loại: Single Malt, Pure Malt, Single Grain và Blended. Single Malt là sản phẩm Whisky của một lò rượu và không trộn với Whisky của lò ruợu nào khác. Pure Malt là Whisky được pha trộn từ Single Malt của vài lò rượu hoặc được pha trộn từ Single Malt của một lò rượu nhưng với số năm mature khác nhau. Khác với Malt whisky được làm từ lúa mạch, Single Grain là whisky của 8 lò rượu đặc biệt trên Scotland chuyên làm whisky từ ngô, lúa mì hoặc lúa mạch nhưng không ủ mạch nha. Cuối cùng là Blended Whisky, sản phẩm được thương mại hóa cao nhất và cũng nhiều người biết đến nhất. Đó là loại Whisky pha trộn từ Malt Whisky và Grain Whisky của 40 đến 50 các lò rượu khác nhau. Tỉ lệ thông thường là 60% Grain và 40% Malt. Từng loại whisky đều phải được mature khoảng 5 năm, một vài loại Blended Whisky được pha trộn từ whisky mature lâu năm hơn.

Uống Whisky cũng là cả một nghệ thuật. Dân Scotland không uống Whisky kiểu “trăm phần trăm” như dân Nga uống Vodka mà thưởng thức từng ngụm một. Cái cốc uống Whisky phải là thủy tinh hoặc pha lê trong suốt, rộng miệng, cầm nặng tay mới có cảm giác ngon chứ không phải chén hạt mít như VN mình. Nhiều người uống Whisky nguyên chất không pha, nhiều người lại thích cho thêm chút nước tinh khiết để tận hưởng hương vị của Whisky, nhất là pha thêm nước của chính nhứng vùng có các lò rượu. Cũng có thể uống Whisky pha coke, soda, hoặc cho đá, nhưng đấy không phải là cách mà dân Scottish uống Whisky.

Đến Scotland, mua loại Whisky nào? Đó chỉ phụ thuộc vào túi tiền, cảm nhận và sở thích của bạn. Single Malt Whisky đắt hơn Blended Whisky nhiều. Các loại Blended Whisky như Grant’s, Famous Grouse, Bell’s, Black & White, Johny Walker, Chivas Regal, White & Mackay, Teacher, Scottish Leader, White House, Claymore, Ballantine's, Black Bottle không khác nhau nhiều lắm khi uống, và đều có cảm giác hơi nặng và không êm. Thế nhưng, Single Malt thì hoàn toàn khác hẳn, mỗi loại có một hương vị riêng biệt, chỉ cần ngửi qua là đã thấy sự khác biệt so với Blended Whisky. Tùy sở thích mà bạn có thể chọn loại nào để uống, ngon nhất có lẽ là hương vị mặn mặn khói thuốc của Lagavulin, Adberg, Talisker, Glenfiddich, Bowmore. Ngọt hơn chút có Macallan, Glenmorangie, Oban, Glen Moray, Glenkinchie (còn nhiều loại Single Malt nữa nhưng chưa uống nên không biết).

KẾT THÚC "THE LEGEND" - THÁI VƯƠNG TỨ THẦN KÝ

Mới xem xong Thái Vương Tứ thần ký, mò mẫm tìm hiểu về cái kết thúc. Thích cái kết trong kịch bản gốc hơn, mình vốn sính những cái kết có hậu mà

Analysis of Episode 24: The Legend/TWSSG

THE ENDING THAT MADE VIEWERS WONDER
Some viewers were left unsatisfied with the ending, others were expecting a different ending and others just wonder why the ending was like that…but there’s nothing we can do but to feel the story…It’s like a puzzle…That’s the beauty of TWSSG.
THE POSSIBILITIES THAT VIEWERS MIGHT HAVE IN MIND…
Firstly, there can be two guardian of the phoenix and either of the two , Kiha or Sujini can turned out to be the black phoenix.This is possible but will raise questions. WHY?Phoenix is a mythical bird, it regenerates and there can only be one phoenix in a time. In case the phoenix dies it will regenerates in 500 to thousand years. As we all know the guardian of the phoenix is the protector of the South and a helping hand of the King.Seo/Sujini is the guardian/possible guardian but not in the case of Kajin/Kiha. To be a guardian you must be a protector and a helping hand of the King in building the Joo Shin nation. Kajin/Kiha was an enemy to the King she belongs to the Tiger tribes/Hwanchon and they wanted to rule the world and takes the power of heaven from the Joo Shin King. Another thing, the phoenix symbols glows only when DamDeok and Sujini were near to each other. Never in the story showed that the symbols glows to DD and Kiha. In short Sujini is the guardian, the only guardian.
Secondly , Whoever is the mother of the child of the Joo Shin King will turned out to be the Black phoenix.It was true to Seo but untrue to Kiha.Seo is the mother of DanDoon , she was blazing with fire and turned out as the black phoenix in an outburst of anger. Kiha is the mother of Ajik and was able to released the Hwachon leader in an outburst, then she hung herself in the sky and blazing with fire . It was clear in the story that Seo was the black phoenix. But never in the story you can see that Kiha turned out to be the black phoenix. She just hung herself in the sky blazing with fire, that’s it.. no phoenix. Have you seen the phoenix coming out of her? Many viewers were expecting the black phoenix since she was blazing with fire in the sky. But there’s no phoenix . Expect the unexpected.
Thirdly, Whoever has the possession of the symbol will turned out to be the black phoenix.It was true to Seo, she wore the phoenix heart symbol that time when she turned as black phoenix but in the case of Kiha, she doesn’t wear the symbol in that particular time.Does it mean that if a person wears the symbol of phoenix she will be the black phoenix? The answer is NO. Why? Because even if you have the possession of the phoenix heart.. you will not turned out as black phoenix. To become the black phoenix you must be the guardian chosen by the Joo Shin King and it has a requirements to be the black phoenix as we all know, she can control the fire, she must have the mark of a phoenix on her body , Sujini had it. In case of Kiha, she can control the fire and she also had a mark in her body…the mark of Hwachun seal.( I won’t enumerate all the characteristic)
Seo was chosen by Hwangwoon as the guardian and she was wearing the heart of phoenix when she released the black phoenix.Kiha is the fire priestess and she was chosen by the Hwachun leader to be the guardian of the phoenix because at first he thought that Kiha is the guardian and Hogae is the Joo Shin King. Have you seen any scene in the story that DamDeok chose Kiha as the phoenix heart guardian?
Is it possible that Kiha didn’t turned out as black phoenix because she doesn’t wear the symbol? besides the fact that DD broke the Jumong sword. I want to believe that she’s the guardian and the black phoenix but on a second thought , it’s just a twist.Please take note that the previous fire priestess of the Tiger tribes was able to hung herself in the sky while blazing on fire as she chose another fire priestess but it doesn’t mean that she will be the black phoenix, meaning the fire priestess can hung herself in the sky blazing with fire even before Hwangwoon descended to earth.
Please check episode 1, wherein the previous fire priestess hung herself in the sky blazing with fire then blow some kind of a fire wave then later the fire will choose the new priestess. So a fire priestess and a black phoenix can hung theirselves in the sky, the difference is that the phoenix guardian can release the black phoenix and the priestess cannot. Take note Kiha in an outburst released the Hwachon leader then hung herself in the sky blazing with fire but there’s no phoenix.
Fourtly, Whoever the Joo Shin King entrust his heart is the guardian of the phoenix heart and being the guardian she’s the protector and the helping hand to the King(red phoenix) , the possible black phoenix…
I believed this is the most credible among the stated possibilities.The power of fire priestess was handed down from generation to generations.The fire priestess will remain as fire priestess and no way she will be the guardian of the phoenix. Why? The fire priestess together with her tribes/organization were the enemies to the King of JooShin. It sounds ridiculous, if Kajin/Kiha who turned out to be an enemy of the King was chosen by the King to be his guardian. It can’t be and will never be.In the story there’s no incident that the fire priestess turns out to be the black phoenix. Kiha, herself knew that she is the fire priestess and not the phoenix. Never in the story that the Hwachon leader nor their officer called her as the black phoenix, She’s the fire priestess and the Hwachon leader told her that.In a way, he thought Kiha is the guardian because he made a mistake for concluding that it was Hogae and Kiha because the phoenix heart symbol glows… and we all know that it glows because of DamDeok and Sujini.What I’ve notice to Kiha in the end of the story, Kiha in an outburst released the Hwachon leader then she was up there in the sky blazing with fire… Kiha looks conscious of what’s happening around and her face doesn’t show any anger. She looks like she was communicating soundlessly, glancing from DamDeok to Sujini and Ajik., it’s kinda different from Seo who looked unconscious and uncontrolled up in the sky. Don’t you think it takes too long for Kiha to release the phoenix , if she will release it… But as we all know there’s no black phoenix, whether you like it or not. Just imagine how long DamDeok had a fight with the Hwachon leader and he absorbed the fire, DamDeok even said his piece… I think is kinda long speech but still no phoenix. So where is the phoenix?
In the case of Seo, Hwangwoon chose her as the guardian of the phoenix heart and she accepted it. Seo was the red phoenix and It was very clear that she was also the black phoenix.In case of Kiha, Hwanchon leader chose her as the guardian of the phoenix heart and she accepted it. Kiha is not the red phoenix and she never turned out as black phoenix.
In the case of Sujini, Symbolically, DD gave her the perfume bottle but Sujini gave it back to DamDeok because she doesn’t want to be the cause of destruction to the world. She is the red phoenix and the possible black phoenix. When Sujini was gone, DamDeok can no longer hide his feelings, the people who surrounds him notice it. So when he finally found her, he express his deep love for her, Sujini accepted it. So they are together again. I want to add to dimisnish confusion that Sujini accepted DamDeok’s love and both of them are ready for what will happen.
questions…
It was clear in the story that Sujini is the true black phoenix. What confused viewers is why she never turned out as the black phoenix in the end instead Kiha was up there in the sky blazing with fire and it looks like that she’s the one who will be the black phoenix, but again there’s no phoenix.
In the story Sujini herself realized that she was the black phoenix but Sujini had some questions to Hyoen go, if she can refuse to be the guardian and reject to be the one because she doesn’t want to.. Let’s put it this way, never in the story that she had the possession of the symbol of phoenix. Never she wears it, and never DamDeok gave the phoenix heart to her. She haven’t accepted the phoenix heart symbol literally or physically..Symbolically she accepted the perfume bottle but she gave it back to DamDeok. As she wanted to turn her back to the world but Cheoro saved her and after that She’s ready to do her tasks and live again. Have you seen Sujini wearing the phoenix heart?
If Sujini is hesitant to accept the tasks as the guardian of the symbol then we cannot call her as the guardian of the phoenix heart ? Hyongo said that Sujini was the possible guardian and the possible black phoenix. Because she has all the characteristic of a black phoenix. And whether she like it or not DamDeok chose her as the guardian of the phoenix heart because DamDeok entrust his heart to her symbolically, as we all knew DamDeok loves Sujini… but here is the missing part , the phoenix heart symbol is waiting to be awakened…this is the key.We can’t deny the fact that she was the guardian because the symbol glows when DamDeok and Sujini got near with each other. It was clear in then story (at the Gooknae tournament field, Hwachun secret headquarters)It also glows when Sujini was a baby , at Yon’s residence it glows with fire when Sujini had a nightmare in the absence of DamDeok. That’s why even Kiha has the sacred symbol and she said she was the guardian, still the GuhMool’s disciple believed that Sujini is the possible guardian and black phoenix. And they were even afraid of Sujini having a child in case she will marry DamDeok. Never they thought that Kiha will destroy the world. GuhMool’s disciples were distributed all over the world, and their tasks is to observed all the people that concerns their tasks. They wanted to gather all the symbols to stop Hwachuns from getting it. They waited thousand years to serve the Joo Shin King.
Argument… Kiha didn’t wear the phoenix heart that’s why she cannot release the phoenix and DamDeok broke the Jumong sword . Reminders, the fire priestess is capable of hanging herself in the sky covered by fire with or without the fire orb on her neck and even if she was not chosen by the Joo Shin King as the guardian. DamDeok never chose Kiha as the guardian of the phoenix heart. The Hwachon leader chose her to act as the guardian. Never in the story showed that the symbol glows when DamDeok and Kiha got near. When Kiha was young the symbol never glow but it glows when it pass across baby Sujini. So even if Kiha wears the symbol up in the sky, she will never be the black phoenix because she isn’t the red phoenix, the guardian and the woman the King loves.
AWAKENING OF THE SYMBOLS
Is there an incident that DamDeok and Sujini were near to each other while DamDeok is outpouring his emotions while Sujini has a scarlet passion? How about Kiha and DamDeok, Is there any incident like that?In the story it was clear that the Turtle snake, blue dragon and White Tiger was awakened but the heart of phoenix, is awaken yet…the twist in the story.
Does the phoenix heart symbol really awakened? Without DamDeok near the guardian there will be no awakening that will happen, as it needed emotions from both of them. There is no incident in the story that can suggest that the phoenix symbol was awakened. It requires Sujini and DamDeok to be near with each other with certain emotions to awakens the symbol. It was clear in the story that DamDeok and Sujini is the King and the guardian because the phoenix heart glows when they got near with each other.
If we are going to consider the case at Yon residence as the awakening of the Phoenix symbol when the phoenix symbol cause light fire wave that went up to the house roof but not to the extent that it goes up to the sky and can be seen by the many. Does it mean that Kiha is the guardian because she’s the one who wears it and has the possession. Sujini was also there at Yon’s dungeon as prisoner. But DanDoek was not there. Where is DamDeok?If this incident made you think that Kiha is the guardian, please think again. The symbol to be awaken, there’s a need for a certain emotions from the King and the guardian and King should be near to the guardian when it happens, it is a key . So I don’t think that the phoenix symbol was awaken since DamDeok is not near with Sujini.In case you are considering Kiha as guardian, its the same, DamDeok is not near to Kiha. One thing sure…Kiha is the false/fake guardian that’s why she bow down to Hogae, the false/fake Joo Shin King.Remember when the Tiger symbol was awakened, Hogae has the possession of the symbol and caused light fire wave that goes up to the sky but Jumuchie was the guardian of the White Tiger symbol and not Hogae . So it means even if you have the symbol it doesn’t mean that you are the guardian and it was true with Bason’s eldest brother, he kept the White Tiger symbol but he was not the guardian and this can be true to Kiha, she had the symbol but she’s not the guardian, the opposite for the Turtle Snake and Blue dragon, because Hyon go and Cheoro had the possession of the symbol and they are the guardians.I think this is more concrete …If the phoenix heart was awaken it can tell who is the guardian but since it doesn’t happened, so it was left hanging..but it doesn’t change the fact that Sujini is the possible guardian and black phoenix because it’s quite clear in the story.
THE FOUR GUARDIANS

The guardians are the protector and a help to the King and will never be the enemy of the King. If you are an enemy to the King then how can you be the protector? Hyongo, Cheoro, Jumuchie and Sujini protects and help the king to build the Joo Shin nation. Kiha/Hwachun wanted to steal the heavens power from the Joo Shin King.
When DamDeok broke the Jumong sword, the three guardian felt pain in their heart as seen in their actions, first Hyongo then Jumuchi and Cheoro then the four symbols vanished/disappeared then the Jumong sword vanished/disappeared. That’s very clear and no questions about it. But it doesn’t show that neither Kiha or Sujini felt the pain.
Why only the three guardians felt the pain?The three guardians accepted that they were the guardians and the three symbols were awakened.It the case of Phoenix heart, the symbol was awakened yet. It requires awakening.If Sujini was the true guardian then why it seems that she doesn’t feel the pain that three guardian felt when DamDeok broke the Jumong sword? Its said that the 4 guardians will die with the Joo Shin King. She must die also but she was left there with Ajik. Based on the story, Sujini was hesistant to accept as she wanted to reject it as not to create destruction to the world when she was talking with Hyongo. As she realized that she was the black phoenix. In the story never she hold the symbol, never she wears it. The phoenix heart symbols requires to be awaken and be accepted by the guardian. I assumed that if the phoenix heart symbol was awaken, Sujini will feel the pain and will also die with the King and the guardians, but since the symbol is not yet awaken… she will live.
As for Kiha, why she doesn’t feel the pain? She’s not the guardian so there’s no way she will feel the pain. DamDeok never chose her as guardian.
If Sujini was left with Ajik, What happened to Kiha?Lord Hwangwoon didn’t kill Kajin, but she took her own life. DamDeok didn’t kill Kiha. I assumed that she took her own life also because Kiha planned to end everything, she wanted to Kill DamDeok and steal the power of Heaven. She will give everything away. After she accomplish her goal she’ll leave this world because she has nothing left here and she already bid her farewell to Hogae. (see episode 24)
Why Sujini never turned out as the black phoenix in the end?As what the story implies, Sujini changes a lot, she doesn’t drink anymore, she wear dress, she’s more behave, more a lady like, she’s a mother to Ajik, she’s a tutor/teacher to the kids of the official in Later Yan, she cooks and live like nomads so it will be hard to track her. I assume she barely use her arrows.In episode 24, she fights like she needs more practice and she acts cautiously , her emotions is more controlled because she have to control herself.The possibility to become the black phoenix will always there but it requires situations. The ending of the story lacks situation that can trigger Sujini to be the black phoenix besides the fact that the phoenix heart symbol is not yet awaken. In case the situation triggers her, she will turn out as black phoenix.It is always possible that the symbol will be awaken, then after awakening, she wears the symbol then a heartbreaking situation may arise.. like that of Seo… in an outburst Sujini will release the phoenix…no doubt about it.
Why DamDeok walks through that blazing light?The controversial blazing lights that DamDeok walks through then he can be seen no more…After DamDeok said his piece, DamDeok looked back to Sujini, his last glance to say good bye, both of them with teary eyes. Then DamDeok enters the gate of heaven because he will return Heaven’s power to heaven. Then the gate closed. Until the end DamDeok kept his promise to Sujini. He promised that he will not hesitate when the right times comes. DamDeok accomplished what Hwangwoon fails to do so. Remember what DamDeok said to Sujini , I never believe the rumor that you were dead because I will never permit such thing. Imagine, in the end he really let her live.. to be the mother of his child and of the nation, the thing that Seo fails to do.
In the last scene, it was only Sujini and Ajik was left. In accordance with the text scripts DD reigned as King for 23 years. So, there is an existence of the following:
Symbolic death…
When DamDeok broke the Jumong sword, it marks the death of the four symbols as the the guardians felt the pain and the four symbols vanished then DamDeok returns the heavenly power to where it truly belongs. The power of the heavenly symbols died, meaning it can no longer be access by the guardians and the King, no more Godly power will exist on earth to end the greediness of those who wanted to conquer the world with using the four symbols.
physical death…
DamDeok died at an early age of 39…The story did not show any accounts regarding the deaths of other characters. Perhaps some died within his 23 years reigns and others died after his reigns.
DD’s 23 years as King
within 8 years as King… During these years he was able to expand his territories by keeping them as younger brother of Goguryeo as he open road for trading from different routes for the benefit of the people. During these years he reigns with the help of the guardians in search for the four symbols together with those people who believes in him. In many scenes, DD was been so fortunate and lucky for he escaped so many threats in his life and being saved by the guardians with it’s power. He was also saved by mortals who died by saving him. He was unhappy as King because of the symbols, he even expressed it to Hyeongo how he hated his title because he lost his mother, his father and his people… and the woman he loves so much went away to avoid to do unforgivable things as the black phoenix. Within these years he was able accomplished his duty as Joo Shin King by returning the four symbols where it truly belongs.
within 15 years… DamDeok reigns as King without the help of the Heavenly power of the four symbols. Within these years he was able to accomplished the following as written on scripts:
In the 14th year of reign – Attacked Hooyeon, achieved the hegemony of international commercial power.
In the17th year of reign – Hooyeon falls and Bookyeon founded.
In the 18th year of reign – Greets the king of Bookyon, Kho Woon, as brother.
In the 20th year of reign – Makes a round to Eastern Booyoh, and brings 64 forts and 1400 villages under his influence.
In the 23rd year of reign - October, Kwang Gae To Dae Wang dies. (DD died)
Probably he will live more if he had the 4 symbols heavenly power with the help of the guardians since he was able to escaped every death before because of its Godly power .But this is just a thought as we all know that everything has an end.

Furore over Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi ambigious ending
December 8, 2007 by coolsmurf

There has apparently been many upset viewers after watching the final episode of Tae Wang Sa Shin Gi. This was not helped by the script writer Song Ji Na who posted a copy of the original script on her website which had a vastly different ending. No matter what, the PD makes the final call since he is the director and he must have wanted an ambigious ending that makes people wonder rather than one where it’s predictable and everyone lives happily ever after.

My two cents worth
After watching the finale part twice and reading all the mutlitude of opinions on both Soompi and chinese forums, I have no real complaints about what the PD wanted to put across. It made more sense than the original script and were much more concise without being too cheesy. It would be really weird if Damdeok ended up with Sujini and Ajik happily ever after.
But because the PD made changes to the script, it wasn’t as good since the editing was just so bad, particularly the transition parts. Didn’t like how many of the secondary characters weren’t shown or explained properly and some were like killed off too easily in the final episode. Too many loopholes and poor editing was pretty evident in the last episode. Damdeok just suddenly appear at the final scene, how did Sujini eventually end up at Abullansa and many more. And we never will know who exactly is the owner of the Jujak. They didn’t even show the awakening of the Jujak power. It shocked me when Kiha became the Black Jujak because all along from the start, we are led to believe that Sujini is the one judging from the synopsis and production pictures.
The PD decided that Damdeok should destroy the Cheonggoong which sets off a chain reaction, destroying the four sacred symbols. He wants to tell us that Damdeok wants us to not follow the marked destiny that heaven had set out for us. Rather, the people should go out there and find their own ways and means to survive, rather than relying on objects from heaven. So in a way, he was returning the heavenly power back home and leave earth as it is before. And it is befitting of the series english title, Legend. And so the legend of that and the four sacred symbols ended with Damdeok.
I have nothing against the ambigious ending of Damdeok ascending to the heavens and bringing the four symbols together with him. He just wanted to end people’s dependence on them and create bloodshed over them. I believe that Sujini understands his intentions and she wouldn’t want him to kill Kiha and then be together with Sujini and Ajik.
An underwhelming ending as the director seem to have taken the easy way out with a sloppy finale. The last episode really spoiled the rating for me. Other than the piss-poor finale, the series were generally good with excellent acting and impressive CG. Cannot think of anyone other than Bae Yong Joon as Damdeok.

Differences between the actual and original ending
1. Abullansa Battle
The original script was more detailed. Cheoreo and Jumochi were acting as cover for Damdeok as the latter raced towards Abullansa. Damdeok actually requested Sujini to go and save the child first. Gochooga tried to clear the path for Sujini and died as a result of that. Actual ending showed Sujini galloping away towards Abullansa. No mention was made as to what actually transpired while Gochooga was just shown getting stabbed and dying.
2. Damdeok & Ho Gae’s 1-on-1
Actual ending sees General Ko dying and an angry Damdeok flinging a spear towards Ho Gae chest, killing him instantly. The original script was more detailed. It made mention of whose child it was, the death of Ho Gae’s father who committed suicide. Their battle was also longer and sees Ho Gae getting injured on his shoulder and wielding his spear with another hand. Also a scene where a dying Ho Gae asks Damdeok to save Kiha and calls him an old friend.
3. Dae Jang Ryo possessing Kiha
In the actual Abullansa scene, Kiha had a battle with Dae Jang Ryo over Ajik and we see them struggling with each other to stab Ajik. The original script wrote that Dae Jang Ryo had no chance of killing Ajik who had the blood line of the heavenly god and mother earth. Dae Jang Ryo eventually manages to cut Ajik’s fingers and the blood awakens the four symbols which made the owners stronger and more powerful fighters, but these were not shown.
4. Symbols awakening and how they were destroyed
The original script had a more detailed view of what happened when Damdeok broke the Cheonggoong. The four owners subsequently got weaker as a result of Damdeok’s action. Cheoreo had his left hand sliced off. And during the process, Damdeok was in pain as blood started flowing from his ears and mouth, we can also see his intestines. Kiha dies while Sujini saves the world as she can put out the fire.
5. What happens in the actual script ending
The actual ending didn’t show the aftermath of Abullansa. In the script, we can see Gooknae Castle returning to peace and Sujini drinking again happily, wine battle with her subordinates. Damdeok and Ajik are playing around and teaching him how to fight. It also showed how General Ko died tragically.
6. Back to modern times
We are transported to the present as Sujini and Hyun Go (their reincarnated form) arrives at Korea Incheon airport with backpacks, getting ready to visit the Gwanggaeto Stele in Abullansa. As they are reading the words off the Gwanggaeto Stele, we can see a short-haired Cheoreo and Ho Gae in a suit some distance away. We also see Damdeok in a crowd somewhere unknow.
For some reasons unknown, possibly due to budget, lack of episodes, or Bae Jong Joon who was really banged up, those details were omitted.
Original ending script (credit: soompi)
(starts after DD killed DJR, and KH is already on her way to Black Jujak-ing)
DD: Kiha. [turns and looks at KH, who has apparently lost consciousness] Please, stop now.

DD: [picks up the bow, and with tears in his eyes, pulls back the string to release the arrow. stops, and puts down the bow]

SJN: [from behind DD] please, stop my sister, before it’s too late.

DD: [turns around to look at SJN, who, carrying her child in her arms, looks at him imploringly] is this supposed to be it? wait 2000 years to gather all the gods who are activated by the blood of the Jyushin king… and all i can do is kill the mother of my child?

SJN: the world is going to become an ocean of fire. stop my sister before she commits a bigger sin. please.

DD: [looks at SJN with a sorrowful face before turning to look at KH] if we’re talking about sins, i sinned too. i didn’t believe you. i have to say this to the heavens: this is being human. regretting the things that you do wrong, and learning the things you don’t understand — that’s being human. Yes. now i understand.

DD: [holding the bow handle in both hands, breaks it and throws it behind him] KH. don’t you understand? Heaven is asking us whether or not we can stand on our own, or if heaven has to guide us with its power.
(the pieces of the bow disintegrate suddenly. KH opens her eyes and with an unseeing face, turns toward DD)
DD: Heaven never chose us. We are the ones who chose heaven.
(the Baekho relic disintegrates. At that moment, DD feels the effects and wavers on his feet)
(JMC, still fighting, throws up blood and falls down. Cheoro sees from far away. JMC uses his ax as a crutch and supports himself)
DD: the answer to the question was the Jyushin King. that’s what the Jyushin King was supposed to do.
(the Chungryong relic disintegrates. DD stumbles. SJN looks frantically between the relics and DD. She knows that everytime a relic disintegrates, DD sustains a wound. Blood drips from DD’s ear.)
(Cheoro stops and feels theh pain. He wavers. The Hwachun soldier next to him takes the opportunity and swings his sword. Cheoro’s arm gets cut and blood spurts out. He drops his spear.)
SJN: [screams desperately] please stop, unee. (older sister) if all the relics disintegrate, the King will die. please. help him stop.
DD: [blood drips from DD's mouth] this is my answer. I find that i must return heaven’s power to heaven. I’ll also send the Jujak’s power too. So… you’re going to be ok, no. I answered everything.
(the Hyunmoo relic disintegrates. DD falls to one knee, but manages to withstand it)
(HG collapses as if he felt a huge shock)
(KH looks tenderly at SJN. SJN looks back. only SJN can hear the words from KH’s heart)
KH: my little sibling. Put me out.
(SJN looks at her crying)
KH: this is what i want. help me.
(the red Jujak jade starts to glow –> like all the other relics started to glow before they disintegrated. it starts to rise in mid-air)
(SJN’s hair is tossed all over the place by the wind created by her power. the red Jujak relic flies into SJN’s hand. She holds the Jujak relic to her chest (like Hwangwoong taught Saeo previously), and the light emanating from SJN lights up the whole area. The flames that had been burning start going out. The light envelops DD, and DD, whose breath had slowly been stopping, raises his head)
(KH looks at the child, who is lying peacefully on SJN’s lap. DD looks at KH. KH looks at DD and smiles. Suddenly, KH starts to disappear. –> when fire is put out by white light, it disappears.)
(DD stands up before the disappearing KH, and we see his silhouette. The unconscious child opens his eyes from the brightness and turns to look at DD. SJN looks at DD. SJN still clasps the glowing Jujak relic in her hand, which did not break but remains intact.)
(the scene fades on DD’s silhouette)
(at this point, there’s a narration in HG’s voice, about what is written on the stele of Gwanggaeto –> i translated it on a previous page)
(CR, JMC and the Hwachun soldiers they were fighting with, cover their eyes from the bright light and look to the sky. The darkness lifts, and a clear sky/bright sun shines thru)
(HG lifts his head and sees the blinding light, as do his surrounding Gomoolchon compatriots)
(HG’s voice over narration continues)
# Back in Goguyreo – on the street
We see people talking and moving around. among them, we see CR walking and holding his spear to his chest. Passing underneath a bridge path, he feels something and smiles widely, while stepping quickly to the side. JMC, who had been waiting on top of the bridge platform to attack, jumps in. CR ducks and doesn’t want to fight at all. CR tosses a big container at JMC, who, after tossing the container away, discovers that CR isn’t there anymore. JMC complains to himself.
(voice over continues)
# In the barracks…
The arrow-wielding troops are gather around, shouting and cheering on something in the middle. there is a liquor-drinking contest going on. SJN, wearing armor, is having a contest with another soldier. they are drinking from big bowls of alcohol, surrounded by empty bowls. SJN, having finished her bowl first, holds it above her head to show that it is empty and sets it down with a thump (now showing her real self.) Her opponent is still drinking.. and while still drinking, falls over in that position. SJN won. Her cheering fans let out a big yell, and SJN pounds her chest while grinning.
(narration continues)
# Training area
The young AJ (whose name is Guh Ryun), uses all his strength to swing his sword as he attacks his opponent.
(more narration, important part of which: the King wanted 100 years of peace. the years following the 100 years would also belong to the people.)
Only then do we see who Guh Ryun’s opponent is: it’s DD. Laughing, he is being his training partner. From the side, an aged General Go watches, also laughing. DD grabs GuhRyun’s wrist as he makes a final attack, and brings him in for a hug. it’s clear that he really loves him.
(more narration: but at the age of 39, the King left the world. His son, King Jangsu, spread his father’s land even more widely and for 100 years, peace reigned.)