The Legend of Sun Wukong: The Monkey King
Overview
In the realm of Chinese mythology, Sun Wukong (孫悟空) emerges as the fascinating Monkey King, a cunning trickster and pivotal character in Wu Cheng’en’s classic novel, Journey to the West. Wukong is celebrated for his extraordinary strength and ability to transform into 72 diverse animals and objects. His hair possesses magical properties, enabling him to influence natural elements like wind, water, and fire. Often portrayed as impulsive and quick to anger, Sun Wukong stands out as an iconic and cherished figure within Chinese literary tradition.
Etymology
The name Sūn Wùkōng consists of characters signifying “grandson” (孫), “awakened” (悟), and “space” (空). While the term sūn (孫) typically refers to grandsons, it symbolizes monkeys within this context. Thus, the name translates to “the monkey awakened by the emptiness,” reflecting his spiritual evolution from an ignorant, volatile creature to a wise and compassionate being. In Japanese culture, he is referred to as Son Goku.
Attributes
Sun Wukong’s unique appearance distinguishes him from other deities. Before his enlightenment, he is depicted as a naked macaque; post-enlightenment, he dons warrior attire, featuring a golden chainmail shirt, a cap adorned with phoenix feathers, cloud-walking boots, and an eight-ton staff capable of shrinking to needle size.
Family
Sun Wukong has no biological relatives, as he originated from a mystical rock. Prior to joining the court of the Jade Emperor, he was the ruler among a band of wandering monkeys who respected him as their leader.
Mythology
The tale of Sun Wukong first surfaced in the adventure narrative Journey to the West, which chronicles the journey of a modest Buddhist monk, Tang Sanzang. His quest is to travel from Southern China to India, retrieving sacred texts to enlighten his fellow countrymen. After being freed from a 500-year confinement under a mountain, Wukong resolves to protect the monk during his travels.
Origins
In ages past, atop Mount Huagou, a magical rock bore fruit—a fully formed monkey emerged from it, capable of walking and speaking instantly. Upon opening his eyes, beams of light radiated from them, alarming the Jade Emperor (玉皇), who initially dismissed the phenomenon, assuming such brilliance couldn’t derive from a mere monkey.
As Sun Wukong explored the woods, he stumbled upon a community of monkeys and chose to dwell among them. A daring game ensued among the monkeys to crown a king, contingent upon discovering the source of the nearby waterfall. Wukong, without hesitation, leaped through the falls and triumphantly returned, claiming kingship. Supported by his fellow forest dwellers, he solidified his position, reveling in numerous adventures, including clashes with the Dragon King and other aquatic demons. With these feats came exceptional gear—his signature golden chainmail, a feathered hat, enchanted boots, and an indomitable eight-ton staff.
Amidst his exploits, when Yan Wang (閻王) and the Kings of Hell sought to reclaim Wukong’s soul, he outsmarted Yan Wang, persuading him to return to earth without facing reincarnation. Moreover, he removed names from the Book of Life and Death, causing concern for Yan Wang, who subsequently sought help from the Jade Emperor.
Sun Wukong and the Jade Emperor
Upon learning of the rambunctious demon’s actions on Mount Huaguo, the Jade Emperor concluded the best strategy for placating Wukong was to offer him a place in Heaven, believing this would instill a sense of importance. Sun Wukong readily accepted the invitation, but upon arrival, he found himself relegated to the lowest of duties: tending to the Jade Emperor’s steeds. Disheartened by his status as a mere monkey, he sought to ascend through the ranks, becoming fixated on the pursuit of immortality. Despite the Jade Emperor’s suggestions to follow alternative paths, Wukong remained unyielding, dismissing guidance that did not align with his desires.
During a festivity honoring the Jade Emperor’s consort, Xiwangmu (西王母), Wukong was inadvertently overlooked, leading to ridicule from the gods. In response, he declared himself Qítiān Dàshèng (齊天大聖), or the “Great Sage Equal to Heaven,” and displayed an enormous banner in defiance. The Jade Emperor dispatched soldiers to restrain him, yet they were easily vanquished. Celebrating his victory, Wukong proclaimed, “Remember my name, Great Sage Equal to Heaven, Sun Wukong!”
This triumph compelled the Jade Emperor to recognize Wukong’s might. Consequently, he was promoted to guardian of the Peaches of Immortality. Not finding fulfillment in this role, Wukong proclaimed equality with the Jade Emperor and, in an act of rebellion, consumed all the peaches. Enraged, the Jade Emperor sent more forces, all of whom met defeat. Driven by desperation, the Jade Emperor sought Buddha’s assistance, who subsequently exiled Wukong from Heaven, imprisoning him under a mountain for reflection.
Journey to the West
For a span of 500 years, Wukong remained trapped beneath Buddha’s mountain. Ultimately, a wandering monk, Tang Sanzang, discovered him and offered release in exchange for dedication and transformation into a disciple. Initially resistant, Wukong swiftly shifted his stance, eager to regain freedom.
Before his liberation, the goddess Guanyin (觀音) bestowed upon the monk a magical band granting him control over Wukong. Freed from his constraints, the Monkey King joined Tang, accompanied by other demonic companions, Zhū Bājiè (猪八戒) or “Piggy” and Shā Wùjìng (沙悟浄) or “Sandy.” Eager to atone for his past, Wukong dedicated himself to protecting Tang during their trek to India, cheerfully confronting demons along the way. His noble deeds and adherence to Tang’s teachings ultimately led him to enlightenment, dispelling his former qualities of anger, greed, and envy.
Pop Culture
Though Sun Wukong is not a widely worshiped figure within Buddhist and Taoist circles, his cultural significance in China is profound, frequently appearing across various forms of media, including television series, films, and theatrical productions. Journey to the West has seen numerous adaptations, the latest being a 2013 film by Stephen Chow. The character Son Goku in the Dragon Ball anime draws significantly from Wukong’s mythos, showcasing attributes like superhuman strength and a tail. Furthermore, the Monkey King has inspired characters in video games such as Sonson, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, League of Legends, and Warriors Orochi.
