Zhu Ba Jie: The Pigsy of Chinese Legend
Name Origin and Meaning
The character Zhu Ba Jie derives his name from various components: “Zhu,” a surname meaning “pig,” “Ba,” which signifies “eight,” and “Jie,” meaning “prohibitions.” This name was bestowed upon him by Tang San Zang when he became his second disciple. The “Eight Prohibitions” refers to fundamental rules in Buddhism.
Alternative Names
In English, he is often referred to as Pigsy or simply Pig. In Japanese culture, he is known as Cho Hakkai.
Age and Background
Zhu Ba Jie is believed to be over 500 years old, though his exact age is unknown. He is classified as a Pig Demon, originating from Fu Ling Mountain in Gao Village.
Titles and Designation
Zhu Ba Jie holds several titles throughout his storied existence.
- Tian Peng Yuan Shuai: This title was given when he commanded the Heavenly River and led 800,000 navy soldiers. Its Japanese equivalent is Tenpo Gensui.
- Zhu Wu Neng: This name, granted to him by the Goddess Guanyin, indicates his duty of protecting Tang San Zang. The term “Wu Neng” translates to “Awareness of Energy/Ability,” though intriguingly, it can also imply being “useless” or “without ability,” depending on intonation. In Japanese, he is called Cho Gono.
-
Altar Cleaning God: Upon achieving Buddha status (zheng guo), he earned this title, which allows him to consume food left unfinished from altars dedicated to other gods.
Weaponry
Zhu Ba Jie wields a Nine-Toothed Rake (Jiu Chi Ding Pa), a tool typically used for raking leaves, but this particular rake is extraordinary. Forged from a unique ice metal, the rake incorporates elements aligned with seasonal changes, constellations, yin and yang, Heaven, and Earth. Initially owned by the Jade Emperor, it was passed on to Ba Jie when he acquired his military title.
Magical Abilities
Zhu Ba Jie possesses 36 Transformations (36 Bian), a form of transformation magic that is less potent than that of Wu Kong. His limitations mean he can only transform into larger objects, such as mountains or buffalo. He relies on Wu Kong to shift into smaller forms, like a little girl. Comparisons between him and Wu Kong are often made to highlight Ba Jie’s powers relative to those of Wu Kong, who had the opportunity to learn a more advanced magic.
Another of Ba Jie’s abilities includes Cloud Riding, allowing him to fly, albeit slowly, as he lacks the swiftness exhibited by Wu Kong.
Skills
1. Water Mastery: With his history as the Heavenly River’s guardian, he is highly skilled in aquatic environments, understanding how to navigate deep waters and frozen surfaces, giving him an edge when dealing with water-based challenges.
- Combat Skills: Although Ba Jie can engage in battles, his skills are mediocre, especially when pitted against Wu Kong. Even when teaming with Wu Jing, he tends to struggle against mightier foes.
Historical Background
In his previous life as a human, Ba Jie exhibited traits of laziness, stupidity, and greed, maintaining these characteristics post-reincarnation. An encounter with an immortal prompted him to make a change, leading to his ascension to Heaven as an immortal where he was entrusted with controlling the Heavenly River.
However, his downfall occurred after an intoxicated episode at the Empress’s Peach Banquet, where he made inappropriate advances toward the Moon Goddess, Chang Er. This led to his capture, punishment, and subsequent exile from Heaven, resulting in him being reincarnated as a pig named Zhu Gang Lie on Fu Ling Mountain.
Living alongside a woman named Sister Luan for a year, Ba Jie was later approached by the Goddess of Mercy, who tasked him with accompanying Tang San Zang on a pilgrimage to the West. Committing to this journey meant adhering to the eight prohibitions of Buddhism.
His subsequent attempts to court a wealthy man’s daughter ended poorly, showcasing his unsavory traits. Ultimately, he was defeated and integrated into the pilgrimage group alongside Tang San Zang.
Character Traits
Zhu Ba Jie embodies various flaws which make him a uniquely entertaining character, including:
- Lustfulness: He exhibits an insatiable libido, frequently ogling attractive women and often attempts to indulge in his desires, leading to numerous awkward situations and tests of character.
-
Laziness: A chronic complainer about physical exertion, Ba Jie is known for shirking responsibilities and napping at inopportune times, demonstrating a lack of dedication to the pilgrimage’s goals.
-
Greed: With an insatiable appetite, he consumes far more food than an average human and is constantly bemoaning his hunger during their travels.
Adding humor into the narrative, Ba Jie often provides comic relief while also contributing subordinately to encounters through fighting. He notably boasts of his powers at times, especially in scenarios where he tries to impress others, though his incompetence often shines through.
Regardless of his many flaws, Zhu Ba Jie emerges as a vivid and compelling character, enriching the story’s dynamic alongside key figures like Wu Kong.
