The Legend of Sun Wukong: The Monkey King
Overview
Sun Wukong, often referred to as the Monkey King in Chinese mythology, is a prominent trickster deity, notably featured in Wu Cheng’en’s classic novel Journey to the West. Wukong boasts incredible superhuman strength and possesses the extraordinary ability to transform into 72 different creatures and items. Each strand of his fur is said to hold transformative powers, empowering him to manipulate elemental forces like wind, water, and fire. Known for his fiery temper, impulsiveness, and a tendency toward anger, Sun Wukong remains an iconic and cherished figure in Chinese literature.
Etymology
The name Sun Wukong (孫悟空) consists of characters meaning “grandson,” “awakened,” and “emptiness.” While the character ‘sūn’ (孫) typically refers to grandsons, in this narrative, it indicates monkeys. The name can be interpreted literally as “the monkey awakened by emptiness,” symbolizing Wukong’s spiritual transformation from an ignorant, impulsive monkey to a wise and compassionate being. In Japanese culture, he is recognized as Son Goku.
Attributes
Sun Wukong’s distinct appearance as a monkey differentiates him from other divine beings. In his pre-enlightened state, he is usually illustrated as a nude macaque. However, following his dedication to the Buddhist monk Tang Sanzang, Wukong is portrayed in elaborate warrior attire, complete with items such as a golden chainmail shirt, a cap adorned with phoenix feathers, cloud-walking boots, and an imposing staff that can shrink to the size of a needle.
Family
Interestingly, Sun Wukong has no biological relatives, as he emerged from a magical rock. Before aligning with the Jade Emperor, he ruled over a band of monkeys who admired him as their leader.
Mythology
The adventures of Sun Wukong are chronicled in Journey to the West, a significant work from the Song Dynasty. The narrative features Tang Sanzang, a humble Buddhist monk embarking on a pilgrimage from Southern China to India to retrieve sacred scriptures and enlighten his people. After being liberated from a mountain where he remained trapped for 500 years, Wukong becomes the monk’s protector during his perilous journey.
Origins
According to legend, a magical rock situated atop Mount Huagou produced Sun Wukong one fateful day when a strong wind blew through it. Immediately upon his birth, the young monkey exhibited the ability to converse and walk. His eyes emitted radiant golden light, catching the attention of the Jade Emperor. Initially, the emperor dismissed the occurrence, unable to fathom that the gleaming light was emanating from a mere monkey.
While exploring the wilderness, Wukong stumbled upon other monkeys, and together they decided that any monkey brave enough to leap through a waterfall to find its source would be crowned the King of Monkeys. Wukong’s daring quest led him to discover the stream’s origin, after which he claimed kingship, becoming known as a powerful forest demon. His valor in confronting beings like the Dragon King and various sea demons granted him several enchanted items, including his famed golden chainmail shirt and staff.
When it was time for his soul to be collected by Yan Wang, Wukong cleverly tricked him into believing he could return to Earth without facing reincarnation. In a bold move, he erased his name and that of his monkey subjects from the Book of Life and Death. Concerned about this disruption in cosmic balance, Yan Wang sought the help of the Jade Emperor.
Sun Wukong and the Jade Emperor
The Jade Emperor, having learned of the troublesome monkey from Mount Huaguo, believed that allowing Wukong to reside in Heaven would nurture a sense of importance in him. He extended an invitation, which Wukong eagerly accepted, bidding farewell to his monkey companions and setting off for the Jade Palace.
Upon arrival, however, Wukong found himself relegated to the menial job of tending to the Jade Emperor’s horses. Realizing that his status was undermined due to being a monkey, Wukong sought to prove his worth and became fixated on achieving immortality. When the Jade Emperor suggested alternative pursuits, Wukong’s disdain was evident; he rejected guidance from the higher powers, asking defiantly if such practices could lead to eternal life.
During a banquet honoring Xiwangmu, Wukong, having been kept outside, was ridiculed by the other gods after crashing the event. Angered, he proclaimed himself Qítiān Dàshèng, or the “Great Sage Equal to Heaven,” and even crafted a banner to mock the Jade Emperor. In response, the Jade Emperor dispatched a army to apprehend Wukong, only to watch in disbelief as the Monkey King bested them effortlessly. Declaring his name as he fought, Wukong’s prowess forced the Jade Emperor to recognize his might. Consequently, he received a promotion to guard the sacred Peaches of Immortality. This gesture, however, did little to appease Wukong, who viewed it as an insult. In an ultimate act of rebellion, he devoured all the heavenly peaches, prompting the emperor to send additional soldiers after him. Wukong dispatched them with ease.
Out of options, the Jade Emperor turned to Buddha for assistance. In swift response, Buddha banished Wukong from Heaven, ensnaring him beneath a mountain until he would learn to reflect upon his reckless actions.
Journey to the West
For five centuries, Wukong remained trapped under Buddha’s mountain. Eventually, a wandering monk named Tang Sanzang encountered him and offered a chance for freedom in exchange for Wukong’s commitment to humility as his disciple. Initially resistant, Wukong ultimately agreed to serve the monk, yearning for liberation.
Before Wukong’s release, Guanyin, the goddess of mercy, provided Tang with a magical band that would allow him to control the Monkey King. Upon his liberation, Wukong allied with Tang and other mystical companions, such as Zhū Bājiè, known as “Piggy,” and Shā Wùjìng, dubbed “Sandy.” Grateful for his newfound freedom, Wukong devoted himself to assisting Tang on their journey to India, defeating monsters that threatened them. Over time, through his valiant deeds and adherence to Tang’s guidance, Wukong attained enlightenment, overcoming his former traits of anger, greed, and envy.
Pop Culture
Despite not being actively worshipped in Buddhist or Taoist circles, Sun Wukong is revered as a significant cultural symbol in China and has appeared in various adaptations across television, film, and theater. Notably, Journey to the West has seen numerous cinematic reinterpretations, recent notable adaptations including one by director Stephen Chow in 2013. The character of Son Goku in the anime series Dragon Ball draws heavily from Sun Wukong’s myth, evident in his extraordinary abilities and tail. The Monkey King also inspires characters in various video games, including Sonson, Marvel vs. Capcom 2: New Age of Heroes, League of Legends, and Warriors Orochi.
