In anticipation of the upcoming video game Black Myth: Wukong, which is set to release on August 20, 2024, I have compiled a comprehensive guide to the abilities of Sun Wukong from the classic novel Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西遊記), first published in 1592. This guide is intended for fanfiction writers, artists, and anyone looking to develop original characters based on the iconic Monkey King, and it will also appeal to fans of the Lego Monkie Kid series.
Below, you will find access to both a Google Document and a PDF version of the extensive 177-page catalog. Additionally, a concise overview of his magical powers and skills is provided for those seeking a quicker read.
[Note (8-18-24): The chapter headers have been relocated to the top of each page, and further details have been added, increasing the total pages to 221. The core text remains approximately 180 pages in length.]
1. Complete Catalog of the 100 Chapters
To accommodate various viewing preferences, I am providing two formats of the catalog:
1.1. Google Document
This format allows for instant updates and easy navigation to individual chapters.
[Link to the Document]
1.2. PDF
The PDF requires re-uploading for updates, and some formatting issues may persist, but I will strive to keep it current.
2. Survey of Magical Powers
2.1. Immortalities
Instead of using “layers” or “levels,” I prefer to term Sun Wukong’s different types of immortality as “categories.” Each category corresponds to the consumption of various divine substances, such as peaches or elixirs.
There are two groups of immortality:
- Acquired During the Journey:
- Spiritual practices (ch. 2)
- Erased from hell’s records (ch. 3)
- Consuming divine wine (ch. 4 & 5)
- Eating celestial peaches (ch. 5)
- Munching elixir pills (ch. 5 & 17)
- Ginseng Fruit (ch. 24)
This adds a layer of complexity regarding his supposed capacity for 72 lives, based on the transformations he masters.
- Achieved at Journey’s End:
- Consuming immortal delicacies (ch. 98)
- Attaining Buddhahood (ch. 100)
It’s noteworthy that the novel concludes prior to his exploits as a Buddha, leaving any subsequent assertions about his powers open to interpretation.
2.2. Definite Powers
These are powers explicitly featured in the narrative:
- 72 Transformations: Grants the ability to change into various forms.
- Cloud Soaring: Provides limited flight capabilities.
- Cloud Somersault: Enables vast leaps in a single bound.
- Magic of Body Division: Creates duplicates from his hairs.
- Magic of Displacement: Facilitates quick transportation of items.
- Wind Manipulation: Creates chaotic winds and acts as a weapon.
Additional powers include mastery over water, monstrous size transformation, super strength, and many more unique abilities showcased throughout the tale.
2.3. Uncertain Powers
These abilities remain ambiguous:
- Eye Beams: Allegedly emitted from his eyes at birth, diminishing with earthly food consumption.
- Celestial Voice: His voice has a unique quality.
- Super Speed: Claims of extraordinary speed while carrying heavy weights.
2.4. Claimed Powers
These are abilities he professes but never demonstrates:
- No Shadow: Claims to cast no shadow.
- Phasing: Asserted ability to pass through solid matter.
- Taming Dragons: Asserts control over dragons, though not evident with spirit dragons.
3. Skills
Sun Wukong’s array of skills presents a well-rounded character:
- Martial Arts: Expertise in various weapons and combat styles.
- Navigate Unfamiliar Areas: Proficient in finding new locations.
- Cosmic Social Connections: Maintains friendships with diverse deities.
4. Intelligence
Beyond physical powers, his cunning often plays a crucial role in overcoming adversaries. His cleverness, evident in strategic thinking and deception, frequently allows him to outsmart opponents and rescue comrades. In a notable incident, he creatively manipulates circumstances to avert wrongful punishment for himself and his companions.
In conclusion, Sun Wukong’s character encompasses a thrilling blend of mystical abilities, impressive skills, and remarkable intelligence, making him a pivotal figure worthy of study and reinterpretation.
