Sun Wukong, a simian figure with remarkable human traits and skills, remains one of the most cherished and lasting characters in Chinese literary tradition. Known as The Monkey King, he wields a magical staff and showcases incredible abilities in the 16th-century classic Journey to the West. Over the ensuing centuries, this captivating character has inspired a plethora of films, television series, and video games on both sides of the globe. Recently, Black Myth: Wukong, a video game, sparked renewed interest in the character, drawing in new audiences.
The Roots of Sun Wukong’s Tale
The narrative of Sun Wukong is grounded in historical events rather than mere legend. In 629 AD, Xuanzang, a Buddhist monk, embarked on an arduous 16-year journey covering 10,000 miles to acquire sacred texts from India. Xuanzang chronicled this journey in his work, Records of the Western Regions, which left an indelible mark on the Chinese cultural psyche and became the foundation of Journey to the West, published in the 1590s.
Illustrations from the 800s showcase Xuanzang on his quest to retrieve these hallowed scriptures from India, two centuries prior, as captured by photographic history.
The celebrated novel, credited to Wu Cheng’en, reimagines Xuanzang’s historical adventures, turning him into the fictional monk Tang Sanzang. Accompanying him are three mythical aides, including the monkey Sun Wukong, who serves as his protector.
The Genesis of the Monkey King
The origins of Sun Wukong are somewhat obscure, but it is believed that Journey to the West drew influences from various existing myths and folklore. Notable inspirations may include Wuzhiqi, an ape-like figure from Chinese mythology, and Hanuman, a monkey-faced deity in Hindu lore.
While the true sources of inspiration for Sun Wukong remain unclear, his story’s foundation is crystal clear in Journey to the West: he emerges from a stone egg, likely representing a macaque, a monkey species found throughout Asia.
Immediately, he earns the moniker “Monkey King” through an act of valor. While inhabiting Flower Fruit Mountain with his fellow monkeys, they discover a waterfall. Sun Wukong risks jumping across the stream and finds a hidden cave, earning the respect of his peers who crown him king.
Abilities Beyond the Ordinary
Sun Wukong possesses an array of superhuman skills, including the famed 72 Transformations that allow him to shapeshift at will. Space poses no limitations for him—one legend recounts his ability to travel vast distances with a single leap.
Journey to the West also highlights his martial prowess, bolstered by his incredible strength, trusty staff, and the power of flight. Reflecting many characteristics associated with monkeys, Sun Wukong also embodies the traits of a cunning trickster, akin to figures like Loki and Brer Rabbit.
The Monkey King rebels against authority and grapples with a profound concern: the impossibility of conquering death. This propels him on a quest for immortality, leading him through years of exploration.
His quest takes him to the celestial domain of the Jade Emperor, where he stirs trouble by sneaking into forbidden areas and indulging in lavish feasts that sabotage royal events. In an act of hubris, he claims to be equal to the Jade Emperor, resulting in the latter seeking the Buddha’s help to impose punishment, which leads to Sun Wukong’s imprisonment under a mountain for 500 years.
The Great Journey Unfolds
Journey to the West picks up with Tang Sanzang, who discovers Sun Wukong still trapped beneath the mountain. The monkey agrees to accompany the monk on his pilgrimage in exchange for his freedom.
As they travel, Sun Wukong deftly shields Tang Sanzang from various demons and spirits intent on thwarting their mission or exploiting the monk’s body for immortality. Sun Wukong’s formidable abilities ensure their adversaries are vanquished, earning him the honor of being designated an honorary Buddha.
Depictions in murals, like those in the Great Buddha Temple in Gansu Province, illustrate adventures from Journey to the West.
Though the narrative centers around Tang Sanzang’s pilgrimage, it is Sun Wukong who captivates the audience, solidifying his position as the most beloved character in the tale.
Sun Wukong’s relentless pursuit of immortality ultimately finds fulfillment not just within the narrative but within the broader realms of literature and popular culture. His legacy continues to thrive, inspiring a diverse array of films, theatrical works, television shows, video games, and graphic novels, ensuring that future generations will continue to enjoy his captivating escapades.
