Author: Erlang Shen


  • The Journey of the Monkey King: An Exploration of Sun Wukong in *Journey to the West*

    One of the most celebrated figures in literary history appears in the renowned Chinese classic Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西遊記, 1592 CE). This epic recounts the escapades of Sun Wukong (孫悟空), also known as “Monkey,” an immortal simian with extraordinary abilities obtained through spiritual practice, who challenges the authority of heaven. Similar to figures…

  • Exploring the Cultural Roots of *Journey to the West* and Its Game Adaptation

    Hi everyone! I’m Gray, a content creator hailing from China. It’s fantastic to see so many enthusiastic gamers engaging with this game and our culture! I realize the narrative of Journey to the West might seem complex to those unfamiliar with Chinese traditions, so I decided to offer a concise yet informative background to introduce…

  • Zhu Ba Jie: The Comical Pig Demon on a Pilgrimage

    Zhu Ba Jie: The Endearing Pig Demon of Legend Name Meaning and Origin Zhu Ba Jie is a character featuring a name steeped in meaning. “Zhu” translates to “pig,” while “Ba” represents the number eight, and “Jie” refers to prohibitions. This name was conferred upon him by Tang San Zang once he became his second…

  • Understanding Power Dynamics in *Journey to the West*

    The realm of power scaling within Journey to the West can indeed be quite intricate. Characters such as demons possess their strengths through various means, such as their innate abilities or formidable artifacts that elevate their prowess. This leads to debates over whether they would retain their power without these objects. Additionally, the divine hierarchy…

  • The Comprehensive Powers and Abilities of Sun Wukong

    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…

  • The Journey and Trials of Tang San Zang

    Tang San Zang: An Overview Name Meaning Tang: This surname was bestowed upon him when he formed bonds of brotherhood with the Emperor of the great Tang dynasty. San Zang: Translating to Tripitaka, this refers to the holy texts he was assigned to retrieve, which include: a) Vinaya Pitaka b) Sutra Pitaka c) Abhidharma Pitaka…

  • The Legend of Sun Wukong: From Journey to the West to Modern Culture

    One of the most notable figures in literary history is the primate character known as Sun Wukong, featured in the revered Chinese tale Journey to the West (Xiyouji, 西遊記), dated back to the late 16th century. The narrative chronicles the escapades of Sun Wukong, also referred to simply as “Monkey,” who is depicted as an…

  • The Misperception of Tang Seng in “Journey to the West”

    The animated series “Journey to the West” was a significant part of my childhood experience, and it continues to captivate me even today. This show, adapted from the classic novel of the same name, offers an enduring blend of entertainment and cultural reference. For a brief overview of the series: Tang Seng, a Buddhist monk,…

  • The Journey of Xuanzang: From Monk to Cultural Bridge

    The Life and Legacy of Xuanzang The renowned Chinese novel, Xi You Ji (Pilgrimage to the West), has immortalized Tang Seng’s tale, linking it to the historical figure Xuanzang (602-664). This figure served as a pivotal monk and founder of the Idealistic School in Buddhism, significantly shaping the spiritual landscape of China. Xuanzang embarked on…

  • The Enduring Legacy of Sun Wukong: The Monkey King

    Sun Wukong, a remarkable simian character endowed with human-like traits and abilities, stands out as one of the most cherished and enduring figures in Chinese literature. Known as the Monkey King, he wields a magical staff and possesses extraordinary powers, originating from the classic 16th-century text, Journey to the West. Since his introduction, Sun Wukong…