The myth of Gongsim was known only in the southwestern provinces of South Chungcheong, Jeolla, and South Gyeongsang, and oral transmission of the story appears to now have ended. While most of the six versions transcribed by researchers concur that Gongsim was a Goryeo princess-turned-shaman initiated at Namsan, the details diverge between them. In one version, the princess goes insane after the death of her beloved and must be cured by shamanic initiation. In another version, she is imprisoned by her father but teaches shamanism to her wardens, who spread the faith in Korea. Whether Gongsim is based on a historical noblewoman is unknown, although lack of corroboration in literary sources makes it highly unlikely that she had royal blood.