본 고는 역사 기억(historical memory)과 제국 서사(imperial narrative)의 각도에 서, 목천자전이 주목왕의 서역 원정의 역사를 소환하여 이를 어떻게 새로운 역사 기억으로 재구성하고, 그렇게 형성된 기억이 문명과 질서의 중화공동체 인식을 ‘傳’ 이라는 엄정한 경전의 틀 속에서 형상화하며 고정하는지를 심층적으로 고찰하였다. 또한 탈식민주의의 ‘문화 번역’의 각도에서 목천자전이 헤테로토피아로서의 서역을 ‘타자화(othering)’하는 동시에 ‘자기화(selfing)’하는 이중적 전략을 수행하고, 문명과 질서의 중화를 이식해 가는 서사 전략을 면밀하게 분석하였다.

This study investigates the MuTianziZhuan through the dual frameworks of historical memory and imperial narrative. It examines how the text recalls the royal expedition to the Western Regions(西域) and reconstructs it into a new historical memory. The reconstructed past is inscribed within the canonical framework of the zhuan(傳), reinforcing a Sino-centric conception of civilization and order. From a postcolonial cultural translation perspective, the Western Regions are portrayed as a heterotopia—both real and “anti-real”. Initially othered as an alien space, they are ultimately assimilated into the Sino-centric world through kinship and enfeoffment. The narrative interweaves myth and history, transforming divine figures into historical actors. Mythical toponyms are redefined as concrete geographical sites linked to imperial space. Contrary to earlier historiographies emphasizing military conquest, the text foregrounds exchange, harmony, and integration. Tribute and diplomatic exchanges institutionalize asymmetrical relations. Narrative devices of naming and renaming replace local languages and memories with the imperial linguistic order. Landscape modification—through monuments, commemorative plantings, and architectural projects—reshapes both space and memory. These strategies erase traces of conquest and violence. They reframe the Western Regions as part of an expanded Sino-centric community. Ultimately, MuTianziZhuan emerges as a work of rewriting history, crafting a politicized, idealized vision of imperial unity.

【목 차】
【초록】
1. 서론
2. 서역: 헤테로토피아의 공간
    1) 신화와 역사의 혼재 공간
    2) 中西 교류의 기억
3. 문명과 질서의 중화
    1) 聖王과 德治
    2) 禮樂과 宗法
    3) 朝貢과 賞賜
    4) 命名과 경관 개조
4. 결론
【참고문헌】
【논문초록】

• 송정화(충북대학교 중어중문학과 조교수) | Song Jung-Hwa