[Author: Jessica Zheng]
Journey to the West is the first chapter-based novel in Chinese literature to embody elements of romanticism, featuring themes of gods, demons, and mythical adventures. It spans 100 chapters and is regarded as one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels (四大名著). Completed in the mid-16th century during the Ming Dynasty, the work is generally attributed to the writer Wu Cheng’en (吴承恩).
The story follows the journey of four characters, beginning in Chang’an (长安), present-day Xi’an (西安). They cross harsh deserts, magical forests, and hostile lands, facing numerous obstacles until they finally reach their goal: the West, where the sacred scriptures lay. Each encounter tests their courage, loyalty, and dedication to their mission, symbolizing both an external and internal journey toward enlightenment.
The protagonists of the novel are a monk, Tang Sanzang, and his three disciples. Each has a unique personality and represents animals or figures with strong cultural symbolism.
The most famous and beloved character among the disciples is Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, a monkey-like creature born from a stone. After acquiring supernatural powers through Taoist practices, he caused chaos in heaven (大闹天宫), for which he was then subdued by the Buddha under a mountain called Wǔ Zhǐ Shān (五指山). He remained trapped there for 500 years until he was released by Tang Sanzang. Symbolizing intelligence and skill, Sun Wukong is also impulsive and temperamental. To control him, Tang Sanzang uses a magical golden headband (金箍棒) that tightens painfully when a specific mantra (紧箍咒) is recited, reminding the Monkey King of his commitment to the pilgrimage.
The second disciple, Zhu Bajie, appears as a pig, symbolizing human flaws like gluttony, lust, cowardice, and laziness. Despite these weaknesses, Zhu Bajie proves reliable in battle and shows resilience and a certain rustic charm. His character represents the possibility of growth and redemption, suggesting that even those burdened with flaws can strive toward enlightenment.
The third disciple, Sha Seng, also known as Sha Wujing, was once a celestial general, the Juanliang General. In the novel, he is known for his patience, loyalty, and quiet strength, embodying characteristics like diligence and redemption. Sha Wujing’s transformation from a heavenly figure to a river demon and then a pilgrim highlights his journey toward perseverance and inner peace.
The last member of the companionship is the White Dragon Horse, Bai Long Ma. Originally a dragon prince, Bai Long Ma was sentenced to execution after accidentally destroying a pearl given by the Jade Emperor (玉皇大帝). Saved by Guanyin (观音菩萨), he was banished to Yingchou Stream (鹰愁涧) and instructed to wait for a monk who would journey westward. Upon meeting Tang Sanzang, Bai Long Ma transformed into a white horse to continue the journey with the group.
Finally, Tang Sanzang serves as the spiritual and moral centre of the group, inspiring his disciples through his dedication and compassion. Though he has no fighting abilities, he demonstrates an unbreakable spirit and a steadfast commitment to wisdom. His purity makes him a target for demons who believe that eating his flesh will grant them immortality, symbolized in the phrase “唐僧肉” (Tang Sanzang’s flesh). This mythological element, along with Tang Sanzang’s reliance on his disciples for protection, underscores the sacrifices and spiritual purity needed to achieve enlightenment.
The journey to the West has left an indelible mark on Chinese culture. It has inspired countless adaptations across various forms of media and continues to be a beloved story with themes that resonate across generations. The characters and their adventures have become cultural icons, ingrained in the memories of every Chinese person. The novel’s mix of fantasy, adventure, and moral lessons ensures its lasting legacy, allowing each generation to experience it in different formats. For example, over the past four decades, various versions of Journey to the West have been launched on the big screen. The homonymous TV series that aired in 1986 accompanied many Chinese elementary students, and despite limitations in special effects, it still holds an important place in viewers’ memories. With the advent of the new century, numerous cartoon versions of the novel have emerged, with the 2000 release being particularly popular among the children of that generation.
Sun Wukong has developed into an iconic character in Chinese literature and culture, comparable to Western heroes in terms of fame, power, and cultural impact. Just as figures like Hercules or Superman are celebrated for their strength and heroism in Western narratives, Sun Wukong is revered for his extraordinary abilities, rebellious spirit, and enduring appeal in Chinese folklore. His adventures and character development make him a legendary hero that resonates with audiences across the world.
Thus, recent adaptations of Journey to the West have put Sun Wukong’s character under the spotlight (Black Myth: Wukong), tapping into his potential and uniqueness. And advancements in technology have led to new adaptations worth noting, including Monkey King: Hero Is Back, released in 2015
Ultimately, Journey to the West is more than just a fantasy novel; it teaches important lessons about perseverance, morality, and the quest for enlightenment. Through the trials faced by Tang Sanzang and his disciples, readers are reminded of the values of loyalty, selflessness, and the transformative power of compassion. The story encourages not only an appreciation for the fantastical but also a reflection on one’s journey toward spiritual growth and understanding.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_to_the_West
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