Sun Wukong, known as The Monkey King, stands out as a cherished character in Chinese literature, endowed with human-like traits and extraordinary capabilities. His origins trace back to the 16th-century classic, “Journey to the West.” Since then, Sun Wukong has captivated audiences globally through films, television, and video games—most notably with the recent release of the video game “Black Myth: Wukong,” which introduces this beloved figure to new fans.
The Real Journey Behind Sun Wukong
The tale of Sun Wukong is grounded not in fantasy but in a historical pilgrimage. In 629, a Buddhist monk named Xuanzang embarked on an arduous 16-year, 10,000-mile expedition to India in search of sacred texts. His narrative, “Records of the Western Regions,” laid the foundation for the novel “Journey to the West,” which first saw print in the 1590s. Illustrations from the 9th century depict Xuanzang during his monumental journey.
The novel, attributed to Wu Cheng’en, reimagines Xuanzang as the monk Tang Sanzang and introduces three mythical companions, including the monkey Sun Wukong, who protects him on his travels.
The Emergence of the Monkey King
The precise origins of Sun Wukong are unclear, although “Journey to the West” draws from a tapestry of myths and legends. Potential influences include Wuzhiqi, an ape-like mythological figure, and Hanuman, a Hindu deity characterized by a monkey’s face. In contrast, Sun Wukong’s origin story is unmistakable: it begins with a stone that produces an egg, ultimately hatching into the monkey. He is thought to resemble a macaque, a species native to various regions in Asia.
Sun Wukong swiftly earns the moniker “Monkey King” following a brave feat: while residing with other monkeys on Flower Fruit Mountain, he leaps across a stream to investigate what lies beyond and discovers a hidden cave. His bravery earns him their kingship.
Powers and Personality of Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong is endowed with remarkable abilities, including the 72 Transformations, allowing him to shape-shift at will. He is unconstrained by distance; one tale recounts his ability to traverse vast landscapes with a single somersault. Furthermore, his martial prowess, bolstered by his strength and staff, is celebrated throughout “Journey to the West.”
He embodies traits associated with monkeys, notably mischief. As a trickster, he bears similarities to legends like Loki, Brer Rabbit, and Reynard. The Monkey King often rebels against authority, particularly aware of his ultimate existential challenge: mortality. His quest for immortality propels him on a journey that leads him to the realm of the Jade Emperor, where his antics cause turmoil, including pilfering special peaches and ruining regal banquets.
In a bold proclamation, Sun Wukong asserts himself as a rival to the Jade Emperor, prompting the latter to enlist the Buddha’s help for punishment. Consequently, the Monkey King is imprisoned under a mountain for 500 years until a chance for redemption appears.
Sun Wukong’s Epic Journey
As Tang Sanzang embarks on his expedition in “Journey to the West,” he encounters the still-imprisoned Sun Wukong. The monkey strikes a deal to safeguard the monk in exchange for his freedom. Throughout their travels, Sun Wukong displays exceptional skill in protecting Tang Sanzang from various demons and spirits keen on thwarting their mission or seeking to achieve immortality by consuming the monk. Due to Sun Wukong’s capabilities, these villains fail, and he is honored as an honorary Buddha as a result.
Despite “Journey to the West” primarily focusing on Tang Sanzang’s pilgrimage, it is Sun Wukong who captures the hearts of readers, transforming him into the story’s most beloved figure. While Sun Wukong dedicates portions of his adventure to the pursuit of immortality, he ultimately finds it in the realm of culture and literature, persisting through films, plays, television series, video games, and comic books that will ensure his adventures unfold for generations to come.
