Journey to the West and Its Influence on Black Myth: Wukong

Patrick_Yu · September 11

The legendary tale of Sun Wukong in Journey to the West

Journey to the West is a classic Chinese novel that has captivated readers for centuries. At the heart of this epic tale is Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King. Born from a stone on Flower-Fruit Mountain, Wukong quickly rises to power, becoming the leader of a group of monkeys. His early life is driven by a relentless quest for power and immortality. Wukong learns from various masters, including the Taoist sage Subhuti, who teaches him the 72 Transformations (allowing him to change into different animals and objects) and cloud-somersaulting, which lets him travel 108,000 miles in a single leap. He also acquires the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a magical staff that can change size at will.

Wukong’s ambition eventually leads him to challenge the heavens. After gaining immortality, he declares himself "The Great Sage Equal to Heaven" and forces his way into the celestial bureaucracy, causing chaos and demanding recognition. His defiance includes stealing the peaches of immortality, consuming the Jade Emperor’s royal wine, and disrupting the heavenly Peach Banquet. Despite efforts by the heavenly armies to subdue him, Wukong proves too powerful. Eventually, the Buddha intervenes, tricking Wukong and imprisoning him under a mountain for 500 years as punishment for his rebellion.

After centuries of confinement, Wukong is released by the monk Tang Sanzang, who needs protection on his journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from India. Wukong agrees, albeit reluctantly, and the journey begins. They are soon joined by Zhu Bajie, a pig-like creature with a past in the heavenly court, and Sha Wujing, a former celestial general. Along the way, they also gain another companion: the third son of the Dragon King of the West Sea, who, as punishment for a past offense, is transformed into a white horse to carry Tang Sanzang on the journey. This White Dragon Horse plays a crucial role in transporting the monk safely through the many perils they face.

Throughout their journey, the group encounters 81 challenges, including battles with demons, spirits, and other supernatural beings. Wukong's strength, cunning, and magical abilities are vital in protecting the group, though his impulsive and sometimes violent nature leads to frequent confrontations with Tang Sanzang. Over time, Wukong learns to temper his behavior, gradually transforming from a rebellious figure into a more disciplined and cooperative member of the group. By the end of their quest, Wukong achieves Buddhahood, symbolizing his redemption and the completion of his personal transformation.

How Journey to the West ties into Black Myth: Wukong

Black Myth: Wukong takes the rich narrative of Journey to the West and reimagines it within a dynamic action RPG framework. The game is set after the events of the novel, exploring Sun Wukong’s continued struggles and his quest for peace on Mount Huaguo. However, even after attaining Buddhahood, the heavens remain suspicious of his intentions, leading to new conflicts that reignite old tensions.

The game’s chapters are structured around significant events and characters from the novel, drawing on their mythological roots while expanding upon them with new storylines and challenges. Players take on the role of Wukong or his successor, embarking on a journey to retrieve relics that embody Wukong’s six senses, each guarded by powerful foes that reflect the novel’s themes and characters.

Recurring characters from Journey to the West in Black Myth: Wukong (warning spoilers ahead)

Black Myth: Wukong reintroduces several key characters from Journey to the West, each playing a significant role in the game’s narrative. These characters are deeply integrated into the storyline, reflecting both their origins in the novel and their newly reimagined roles in the game. Here’s a look at the main recurring characters and how they fit into Black Myth: Wukong:

Sun Wukong (The Monkey King)

Role in the Novel: Sun Wukong is the central figure in Journey to the West. Born from a magical stone, he gains extraordinary powers through Taoist practices and becomes a formidable figure who defies the heavens. After causing havoc in heaven and being imprisoned under a mountain by Buddha, he is eventually released to accompany Tang Sanzang on a pilgrimage to the West. Throughout the journey, Wukong’s strength and cunning are vital in protecting the group.
Role in the Game: In Black Myth: Wukong, the story picks up after Wukong has achieved Buddhahood. Despite his enlightenment, Wukong seeks a peaceful life, free from the responsibilities imposed by the heavens. However, his past deeds and the mistrust of the celestial beings lead to renewed conflicts. The player’s journey revolves around retrieving relics tied to Wukong’s six senses, battling against powerful adversaries to ultimately determine his fate or assume his mantle.

Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka)

Role in the Novel: Tang Sanzang, also known as Tripitaka, is a devout Buddhist monk tasked with journeying to the West to retrieve sacred scriptures. He embodies purity, compassion, and the quest for spiritual enlightenment. His journey is fraught with danger, and his companions, including Wukong, protect him from numerous demons who seek to consume him for immortality.
Role in the Game: While Tang Sanzang does not physically appear in Black Myth: Wukong, his influence is felt throughout the game. The narrative frequently references his teachings and the original pilgrimage, shaping the motivations and actions of the characters. Some fan theories suggest that Jin Chan Zi, who appears in the video after completing Chapter 3, might be an incarnation of Tang Sanzang

Zhu Bajie (Pigsy)

Role in the Novel: Zhu Bajie, commonly known as Pigsy, is a former heavenly marshal banished to Earth for his lecherous behavior. He possesses both human and pig-like features, and despite his flaws—such as greed and laziness—he serves as one of Tang Sanzang’s protectors. Pigsy’s character adds humor and complexity to the journey.
Role in the Game: In Black Myth: Wukong, Zhu Bajie’s past and his relationships, particularly with the Violet Spider, are explored in depth, especially in Chapter 4. His dual nature as both a powerful warrior and a flawed individual adds emotional layers to the narrative. The relationship between Pigsy and the Violet Spider is a central aspect of this chapter, adding depth to the story’s interpersonal dynamics.

Erlang Shen

Role in the Novel: Erlang Shen is a powerful deity and a nephew of the Jade Emperor, known for his third eye, which grants him the ability to see through all forms of deception and illusion. He is often depicted as a formidable warrior, wielding a spear and accompanied by his loyal dog, Xiaotian. Erlang Shen plays a pivotal role in several celestial conflicts within Journey to the West, most notably during the battle against Sun Wukong. When Wukong declares himself "The Great Sage Equal to Heaven" and causes chaos in the celestial realm, Erlang Shen is summoned to confront him. The two engage in an epic battle, showcasing their immense strength and magical abilities. Despite Wukong’s cunning and transformations, Erlang Shen ultimately defeats him with the help of the deities and his third eye's penetrating vision. This victory solidifies Erlang Shen’s reputation as one of the most powerful and respected gods in the celestial hierarchy.
Role in the Game: Erlang Shen appears as a major antagonist in the later stages of Black Myth: Wukong. His role is pivotal in the game’s beginning and final chapters, where he challenges The Destined One. The battle with Erlang Shen represents one of the ultimate tests of the player’s abilities and serves as a climactic point in the narrative.

The Black Wind Demon (Hei Feng)

Role in the Novel: The Black Wind Demon steals a sacred Kasaya (monk’s robe) from Tang Sanzang, only to be defeated by Sun Wukong. He is a minor demon in the novel but represents the constant threats faced by the pilgrims.
Role in the Game: The Black Wind Demon appears in Chapter 1 of Black Myth: Wukong, where he is reimagined as a guardian of one of Wukong’s relics. His character symbolizes themes of betrayal and redemption, as he now stands as an obstacle that the player must overcome to retrieve the relic.

The Yellow Wind Demon (Huang Feng)

Role in the Novel: The Yellow Wind Demon uses his powerful wind to blind and defeat his enemies. He is eventually subdued by Wukong with the help of a heavenly being who provides a method to counter the demon’s wind.
Role in the Game: In Chapter 2 of the game, the Yellow Wind Demon, now called the Yellow Wind Sage, guards another of Wukong’s relics. The chapter focuses on the demon’s overwhelming power and the challenge of overcoming natural forces, much like in the original novel.

The Spider Demons

Role in the Novel: The Spider Demons are a group of female demons who attempt to eat Tang Sanzang to gain immortality. They use their beauty and cunning to lure the pilgrims into traps.
Role in the Game: The Spider Demons play a significant role in Chapter 4 of Black Myth: Wukong. The game expands their backstory, particularly through their connection to Zhu Bajie and the Violet Spider, who has a complex relationship with him. Additionally, a fan theory suggests that the Fourth Sister of the Spider Demons is likely the Destined One’s lover from a previous incarnation. Her kidnapping by the Crane Immortal could potentially serve as the main story for a future DLC, if one is ever released.

The Hundred-Eyed Demon Lord (Bai Yan Wang)

Role in the Novel: The Hundred-Eyed Demon Lord is a demon with a hundred eyes, each capable of emitting destructive golden beams. He is eventually defeated by Wukong with the help of a divine needle.
Role in the Game: In Chapter 4, the Hundred-Eyed Demon Lord reappears as the final boss of the chapter, continuing his pursuit of power. His character is central to the chapter’s narrative, which explores his interactions with the Spider Demons and other characters, adding depth to his motivations and the challenges he poses to the player.

The Bull Demon King (Niu Mowang)

Role in the Novel: The Bull Demon King, also known as Niu Mowang, is a powerful demon and one of the most formidable adversaries in Journey to the West. He is an old friend of Sun Wukong, and their relationship is initially marked by mutual respect and camaraderie. However, as the story progresses, they find themselves on opposite sides, leading to significant conflict. The Bull Demon King is married to Princess Iron Fan and is the father of Red Boy, another notable antagonist in the novel. His formidable strength, combined with his cunning and strategic mind, makes him a significant threat to the protagonists. The Bull Demon King’s most notable confrontation with Sun Wukong occurs when Wukong seeks to borrow the magical Banana Leaf Fan from Princess Iron Fan to extinguish the flames of the Fiery Mountain. This leads to a series of battles in which the Bull Demon King uses his immense power and shapeshifting abilities to challenge Wukong and his companions. Despite his strength and alliances with other demons, he is eventually outmaneuvered by Wukong and his allies, leading to his defeat. The Bull Demon King's role in the novel highlights themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the complex dynamics between old friends turned foes.
Role in the Game: In Black Myth: Wukong, the Bull Demon King is central to the events of Chapter 5. After being weakened by his past battles and familial struggles, he is found trying to maintain control over his domain. The chapter delves into his relationship with his son Red Boy and his efforts to reconcile with his past, providing a deeper look into his character and motivations.

Red Boy (Hong Hai'er)

Role in the Novel: Red Boy is the son of the Bull Demon King and Princess Iron Fan. A powerful and cunning adversary, Red Boy is particularly known for his mastery of fire, especially the deadly Samadhi Flames. His primary goal is to capture Tang Sanzang, believing that consuming the monk's flesh will grant him immortality. Red Boy’s fierce abilities and determination make him a significant threat to the pilgrims, especially Sun Wukong, who struggles to defeat him. However, Red Boy is eventually subdued and forced to join the service of Guanyin, the bodhisattva, marking a turning point in his character. His role in the novel highlights themes of power, redemption, and the influence of parental legacy.
Role in the Game: In the game, Red Boy serves as a major antagonist in Chapter 5. He has imprisoned his father and is seeking greater power, driven by ambition and a desire for revenge. His complex relationship with his parents and his quest for power are central themes in this chapter.

Conclusion

Understanding the lore of Journey to the West can greatly enhance the experience of playing Black Myth: Wukong. The game closely ties its narrative and characters to the classic novel, and having background knowledge of the original story allows players to appreciate the depth and significance of the in-game events.

By recognizing the connections between the game’s chapters and the novel, players can better understand the motivations of key characters like Sun Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and the Bull Demon King. This familiarity with the source material not only provides context for the game’s challenges but also enriches the overall narrative experience.

For those interested in exploring more stories inspired by this epic, you might enjoy a manga also titled Journey to the West. While not officially canon, it offers an entertaining continuation of the story, taking place after the original events. You can check it out here.