Black Myth: Wukong A Deep Dive into the Lore, Story, and Influence of Sun Wukong
Journey to the West (西遊記, Xī Yóu Jì) is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature. Written by Wu Cheng’en in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty. This epic tale combines myth, folklore, religion, and adventure. It chronicles the journey of the monk Xuanzang (known as Tang Sanzang in the novel) as he travels to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures. The story is renowned not only for its religious and philosophical themes. But also for its vibrant and complex characters. Particularly Sun Wukong, the Monkey King.
In this article, we will delve into the lore and story of Journey to the West, analyze its themes, and explore the significance of key elements such as Sun Wukong, his iconic weapon the Ruyi Jingu Bang (Bo Staff), and their impact on Chinese culture and beyond. Additionally, we’ll explore Sun Wukong’s influence on modern pop culture, particularly in video games like Black Myth: Wukong.
The Story of Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong
The Historical Context
Journey to the West is loosely based on the real-life journey of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang. He traveled from China to India in the 7th century to bring back Buddhist scriptures. His journey lasted 17 years. And had a profound impact on the spread of Buddhism in China. However, the novel embellishes this historical journey with mythological elements. Which turn it into a grand adventure filled with gods, demons, and magical creatures.
The Main Characters
Tang Sanzang (Xuanzang): The central figure of the journey. Tang Sanzang is a devout Buddhist monk chosen to retrieve sacred scriptures from India. He embodies purity, compassion, and unwavering faith. Despite his noble qualities, he is often depicted as somewhat naive and overly reliant on his disciples for protection.
Sun Wukong (The Monkey King): The most famous character from the novel. Sun Wukong is a mischievous and powerful monkey born from a stone. He possesses immense strength, agility, and magical abilities. Initially a rebellious figure, he eventually becomes Tang Sanzang’s most loyal disciple after being subdued by the Buddha.
Zhu Bajie (Pigsy): A former heavenly general. Punished for his lustful behavior, Zhu Bajie is reincarnated as a pig-like creature. Though often lazy and gluttonous, he provides comic relief and occasional moments of bravery.
Sha Wujing (Sandy): Another former celestial being. Sha Wujing was banished to Earth for breaking a crystal goblet in Heaven. He is depicted as a quiet and dependable disciple who loyally assists Tang Sanzang on his journey.
The White Dragon Horse: Tang Sanzang’s mount. A dragon prince who was transformed into a horse as punishment for disobeying his father. Though often overlooked, he plays a vital role in the journey.
The Plot
The plot of Journey to the West can be divided into several distinct phases:
Sun Wukong’s Origins: The first seven chapters of the novel focus on Sun Wukong’s backstory. Born from a magical stone, he becomes the Monkey King after mastering martial arts and acquiring the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a magical staff. His arrogance leads him to rebel against Heaven, where he causes chaos until the Buddha subdues him by imprisoning him under a mountain for 500 years.
Tang Sanzang’s Journey: The next phase of the story introduces Tang Sanzang and his mission to retrieve the sacred scriptures. He is chosen by the Tang Emperor to undertake this journey. Along the way, he encounters various obstacles, including demons who wish to eat him to gain immortality.
The Disciples’ Recruitment: As Tang Sanzang travels westward, he recruits his disciples—Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing. Each disciple has their own unique backstory and reason for joining the pilgrimage. Sun Wukong, in particular, plays a crucial role in protecting the group from various threats.
The Journey’s Challenges: The bulk of the novel consists of episodic adventures in which the group encounters demons, gods, and other supernatural beings. These challenges test the characters’ resolve, faith, and loyalty. Sun Wukong’s cunning and martial prowess are often essential in overcoming these obstacles.
The Completion of the Journey: After overcoming numerous trials, the group finally reaches India and obtains the sacred scriptures. Upon returning to China, they are rewarded for their efforts, and each disciple attains enlightenment or redemption.
Black Myth: Wukong. The Monkey King
The Origins of Sun Wukong
Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is one of the most iconic figures in Chinese mythology. His character is a blend of various mythological and cultural elements, making him a complex and multifaceted figure.
Sun Wukong is born from a stone that has absorbed the essence of Heaven and Earth for millennia. From the moment of his birth, he displays extraordinary abilities. Including immense strength, speed, and intelligence. His early life is marked by a quest for power and immortality. Which leads him to become the disciple of the Taoist master Subhuti. The latter teaches him the 72 Transformations—a set of magical abilities that allow him to transform into different animals and objects.
Sun Wukong’s Rebellion
Sun Wukong’s thirst for power and recognition leads him to challenge the celestial hierarchy. He steals the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a magical staff that can change its size at will, from the Dragon King of the East Sea. This weapon becomes his signature tool and is often depicted as a bo staff in popular culture.
After acquiring the Ruyi Jingu Bang, Sun Wukong declares himself the “Great Sage Equal to Heaven” and demands to be recognized by the Jade Emperor, the ruler of Heaven. Despite being given a minor position in the heavenly bureaucracy, his rebellious nature leads him to cause havoc in Heaven, culminating in a battle against the celestial armies.
The Subjugation by the Buddha
Sun Wukong’s rebellion ultimately leads to his defeat at the hands of the Buddha, who traps him under a mountain for 500 years. This act of subjugation serves as a turning point in Sun Wukong’s character development. He is eventually released by the Bodhisattva Guanyin. And tasked with accompanying Tang Sanzang on his pilgrimage as a form of redemption.
Sun Wukong’s Redemption
Throughout the journey, Sun Wukong struggles with his impulsive nature and his desire for freedom. However, his loyalty to Tang Sanzang and his growing sense of responsibility gradually transform him. By the end of the journey, Sun Wukong attains enlightenment and is granted the title of “Victorious Fighting Buddha” by the Buddha himself.
Ruyi Jingu Bang: The Iconic Weapon
The Origins and Abilities of Black Myth: Wukong’s staff
The Ruyi Jingu Bang, often referred to simply as the “Bo Staff,” is Sun Wukong’s primary weapon and one of the most iconic symbols associated with him. According to the lore, the staff was originally the “Golden-Cudgel” used by the Great Yu to measure the depth of the world’s oceans. It was later stored in the underwater palace of the Dragon King of the East Sea.
The Ruyi Jingu Bang has the ability to change its size, length, and weight at will. It can shrink to the size of a needle, allowing Sun Wukong to carry it behind his ear when not in use, or it can expand to immense proportions, making it a formidable weapon in battle. The staff’s adaptability makes it a versatile tool, capable of both offensive and defensive maneuvers.
Symbolism of the Ruyi Jingu Bang in Black Myth: Wukong
The Ruyi Jingu Bang is more than just a weapon; it symbolizes Sun Wukong’s power and independence. The name “Ruyi” means “as one wishes,” reflecting the staff’s ability to change according to Sun Wukong’s will. This adaptability mirrors Sun Wukong’s own nature as a shape-shifter and his ability to overcome challenges through wit and determination.
In a broader sense, the Ruyi Jingu Bang represents the idea of balance and control. While Sun Wukong initially uses the staff to assert his dominance and rebel against authority, he eventually learns to wield it with restraint and discipline. This journey from reckless power to a more tempered use of his abilities is a central theme in Sun Wukong’s character development.
Black Myth: Wukong – A Modern Retelling of the Legend
Synopsis of Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong is a modern action soulslike role-playing game that reimagines the legendary journey of Sun Wukong after the events of Journey to the West. After successfully escorting Tang Sanzang and recovering the Buddhist scriptures, Sun Wukong ascends to Buddhahood but ultimately rejects immortality to live in peace on his mountain. However, his refusal to return to the Celestial Court angers the deities, who send an army led by Erlang Shen (the top boss in the game) to capture him.
Sun Wukong duels Erlang but is ultimately defeated and sealed in stone. Before being sealed, he manages to split his power into six Relics, each corresponding to one of Wukong’s six senses, in line with the Buddhist philosophy of Āyatana. These Relics are scattered across China, and over the centuries, the monkeys of Mount Huaguo send out young warriors to recover them and revive Sun Wukong.
Black Myth: Wukong Plot
The game follows one such warrior, known as the “Destined One,” who embarks on a quest to recover the six Relics and restore Sun Wukong. The journey begins at the ruins of Guanyin Temple, where the Destined One recovers the first Relic—Sun Wukong’s “eyes”—after defeating the Black Bear Guai, who was coerced by the Celestial Court into opposing him.
As the Destined One continues his journey, he ventures to Yellow Wind Ridge, where he encounters and defeats the Yellow Wind Sage, recovering the Bodhisattva Lingji’s severed head. In gratitude, Lingji grants the Destined One the second Relic, which he had been protecting.
Next, the Destined One travels to the mountains, where he frees Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) from imprisonment. Together, they defeat Yellowbrow, and Maitreya, who had his artifacts stolen by Yellowbrow, rewards them with the third Relic.
The adventure then takes them to the lair of the Spider Demons, where Bajie is captured by the Violet Spider, who seeks revenge for past grievances. The Destined One battles both the Violet Spider and the Hundred-Eyed Daoist Master, eventually securing the fourth Relic.
In the Forest of Embers, they find Red Boy attempting to steal the fifth Relic from the Bull Demon King. The Destined One defeats Red Boy, who chooses to end his life rather than face the humiliation of defeat. The fifth Relic is then retrieved.
With five of the six Relics in hand, the Destined One and Bajie return to Mount Huaguo, where they discover that the sixth and final Relic is the Destined One himself. He is revealed to be the embodiment of Sun Wukong’s mind, destined to inherit the Monkey King’s powers and legacy. To complete the transformation, the Destined One must battle the mindless stone body of Sun Wukong. The outcome of this final battle leads to multiple possible endings, reflecting the complex and layered nature of the story.
The Lore of Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong expands upon the rich lore of Journey to the West by imagining what happens after the original story concludes. In this reimagined world, the Celestial Court’s dissatisfaction with Sun Wukong’s rejection of immortality and his choice to live in peace sets the stage for a new conflict. The game introduces new characters and challenges. While staying true to the core themes of the original tale, such as the struggle between authority and freedom, redemption, and the pursuit of enlightenment.
The concept of Sun Wukong splitting his powers into six Relics tied to his senses—sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell, and mind—draws from Buddhist philosophy, specifically the Āyatana, which deals with the six internal and external sense bases. This connection to Buddhist thought adds a deeper spiritual dimension to the game, echoing the original novel’s exploration of the relationship between the material and spiritual worlds.
The Destined One’s journey is also a continuation of Sun Wukong’s path of self-discovery and transformation. By inheriting Wukong’s powers and name, the Destined One must come to terms with his identity and role in the larger cosmic order. This echoes Sun Wukong’s own struggle to reconcile his rebellious nature with the responsibilities of his newfound status as a Buddha.
Symbolism and Themes in Black Myth: Wukong
Black Myth: Wukong retains many of the symbolic elements that made the original Journey to the West so compelling. The theme of transformation is central to the story, both in terms of Sun Wukong’s physical and spiritual evolution and the Destined One’s quest to become his new incarnation. This idea of metamorphosis is a key element in both the game and the original text, representing the ongoing process of self-improvement and the attainment of enlightenment.
The conflict between Sun Wukong and the Celestial Court also reflects the tension between individual freedom and institutional authority. In both the novel and the game, Wukong’s defiance of the celestial powers represents a challenge to the established order, while his eventual submission (in the novel) and his potential revival (in the game) suggest that true power lies in finding a balance between rebellion and responsibility.
The six Relics, representing Wukong’s senses, serve as metaphors for the process of awakening. Each Relic symbolizes a different aspect of perception, and their recovery is akin to the Destined One regaining a complete understanding of the world and his place within it. This mirrors the Buddhist journey toward enlightenment, where mastery of the senses leads to liberation from the cycle of rebirth.
The multiple possible endings in Black Myth: Wukong allow for different interpretations of the story’s resolution, much like the various interpretations of Sun Wukong’s character in different adaptations of Journey to the West. Whether the Destined One fully embraces his role as Wukong’s successor or chooses a different path, the game invites players to reflect on the nature of destiny and the choices that define a person’s identity.
Sun Wukong’s Influence on Pop Culture and Anime
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West, has had a profound and lasting influence on popular culture around the world, particularly in East Asia. His character, with its blend of rebelliousness, charisma, and incredible power, has inspired countless adaptations, reimaginings, and references in various media, including film, television, video games, and especially anime and manga.
The Influence of Sun Wukong in East Asian Culture
In China, Sun Wukong is more than just a character from literature. He is a cultural icon. His image and stories have been passed down through generations. Often appearing in operas, stage plays, and folklore. The tale of the Monkey King’s exploits continues to resonate with audiences, not only for its entertaining adventures. But also for its deeper themes of self-improvement, loyalty, and the struggle for redemption.
Sun Wukong’s influence extends beyond China, reaching other parts of East Asia, such as Japan and Korea. Where his story has been adapted and reinterpreted in various forms. In Japan, his character became a part of their rich tapestry of folklore and influenced the development of characters in various anime and manga series. Similarly, in Korea, the Monkey King’s adventures have inspired adaptations in television and literature.
Sun Wukong in Japanese Anime and Manga
The impact of Sun Wukong on Japanese anime and manga is particularly noteworthy. Several iconic characters and storylines in Japanese pop culture can trace their roots back to the Monkey King. Here are some of the most notable examples:
Son Goku from Dragon Ball: Perhaps the most famous and direct homage to Sun Wukong in anime is the character Son Goku from Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series. Goku, whose name is the Japanese transliteration of Sun Wukong, shares many traits with the Monkey King. He possesses incredible strength, agility, and a childlike sense of adventure. Goku also wields a magical staff (the Power Pole, similar to the Ruyi Jingu Bang) and travels on a flying cloud, echoing Sun Wukong’s journey on the somersault cloud. The Dragon Ball series itself is loosely based on Journey to the West, particularly in its early episodes, where Goku’s adventures resemble those of the Monkey King.Saru from Gatchaman: In the classic anime series Gatchaman (known as Battle of the Planets in the West), one of the characters, Jinpei, is often referred to by the nickname “Saru” (monkey in Japanese). His mischievous nature, agility, and playful demeanor are reminiscent of Sun Wukong, though in a more modern and technological setting.
The Legend of Son Goku from Saiyuki: The Saiyuki anime and manga series is a modern retelling of Journey to the West. In this version, the character Son Goku is directly based on Sun Wukong, with his iconic staff, supernatural abilities, and rebellious spirit. The series takes a darker, more mature approach to the story, but the essence of the Monkey King’s character remains intact.
Monkey D. Luffy from One Piece: While not a direct adaptation, Monkey D. Luffy, the protagonist of One Piece, shares several traits with Sun Wukong. Both characters are free-spirited, relentlessly optimistic, and possess a strong sense of justice. Luffy’s rubbery powers, which allow him to stretch and transform his body, are reminiscent of Sun Wukong’s 72 Transformations. Additionally, Luffy’s journey to become the Pirate King mirrors Sun Wukong’s quest for recognition and power, albeit with a more lighthearted tone.
Sun Wukong in Western Pop Culture
Sun Wukong’s influence is not limited to East Asia; he has also made his mark on Western pop culture. Though his story is not as widely known in the West, the character’s appeal has led to various adaptations and inspirations in Western media:
Monkey from Enslaved: Odyssey to the West: This video game, developed by Ninja Theory, is a futuristic retelling of Journey to the West. The protagonist, named Monkey, is heavily inspired by Sun Wukong, complete with a staff weapon and agility reminiscent of the Monkey King. The game transposes the ancient story into a post-apocalyptic setting, blending elements of mythology and science fiction.Wukong from League of Legends: In the popular MOBA game League of Legends, the character Wukong is directly based on Sun Wukong. He wields a staff, can transform into a cloud to evade attacks, and has a playful, trickster-like personality. Wukong’s abilities and lore within the game are clear nods to the original Monkey King, making him a favorite among players who appreciate mythological references.
Monkey King in American Born Chinese: Gene Luen Yang’s graphic novel American Born Chinese features the Monkey King as a central figure in one of its three intertwined stories. The novel explores themes of identity, cultural assimilation, and self-acceptance, using Sun Wukong’s story as a metaphor for the struggles of the Chinese-American protagonist. The novel was critically acclaimed and brought Sun Wukong’s story to a broader Western audience.
The Monkey King in Films: Sun Wukong has also appeared in various Western films, often portrayed as a larger-than-life figure with incredible powers. For example, in The Forbidden Kingdom (2008), Jet Li plays the role of the Monkey King in a story that blends Eastern and Western elements. While the film takes creative liberties with the character, it introduces Sun Wukong to a global audience.
The Symbolic Power of Sun Wukong
The enduring popularity of Sun Wukong across different cultures and media can be attributed to the symbolic power of his character. The Monkey King represents many universal themes that resonate with audiences, such as:
Rebellion and Freedom: Sun Wukong’s defiance of authority and his quest for independence make him a symbol of rebellion against oppression. This aspect of his character has universal appeal, as people from different cultures can relate to the desire for freedom and self-determination.
Transformation and Redemption: Sun Wukong’s journey from a mischievous troublemaker to a disciplined protector is a story of personal growth and redemption. This theme of transformation is timeless and speaks to the human experience of overcoming one’s flaws and becoming a better person.
Strength and Intelligence: Sun Wukong’s combination of physical strength and cunning intelligence makes him a formidable and admirable figure. His ability to outsmart enemies as well as overpower them has made him an enduring symbol of both mental and physical prowess.
Cultural Adaptability: Sun Wukong’s ability to change form and adapt to different situations mirrors his adaptability as a character across various cultures and media. Whether in a traditional Chinese opera, a Japanese anime, or a Western video game, the Monkey King’s essence remains recognizable, making him a truly global figure.
Conclusion
Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West, has transcended the pages of classical Chinese literature to become a global cultural icon. His influence on pop culture, especially in anime, manga, and video games, is profound, with characters and stories across the world drawing inspiration from his adventures, personality, and symbolism. Whether as a rebellious trickster, a loyal protector, or a symbol of transformation, Sun Wukong’s legacy continues to captivate and inspire new generations of audiences.
In modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, the Monkey King’s story is reimagined and expanded, proving that his mythological journey still resonates with contemporary themes and challenges. The game not only honors the original lore but also provides a fresh perspective on Sun Wukong’s character and the philosophical questions he embodies. As pop culture continues to evolve, it is likely that we will see even more reimaginings and reinterpretations of the Monkey King, further cementing his place as one of the most enduring and beloved figures in global mythology.