There has long been a debate surrounding the origin of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King from Journey to the West. Two main theories exist: one from Lu Xun, a famous Chinese writer, and the other from Hu Shi, a prominent Chinese scholar. Lu Xun believed that Sun Wukong is rooted in Chinese folklore, specifically a water spirit called Wu Zhiqi, mentioned in the ancient text Classic of Mountains and Seas. According to Lu Xun, Wu Cheng’en, the author of Journey to the West, adapted this local monkey demon into the character of Sun Wukong, leaning heavily on Taoist traditions.
On the other hand, Hu Shi proposed that Sun Wukong is the Chinese version of Hanuman, the monkey god from the Indian epic Ramayana. Like Sun Wukong, Hanuman was fearless and caused chaos, famously “wreaking havoc” in a garden, which Hu Shi compared to Sun Wukong’s “Havoc in Heaven” scene in Journey to the West. Hu Shi’s argument leans more toward a Buddhist influence.
In reality, Sun Wukong likely embodies both influences, combining elements of the Buddhist and Taoist traditions.
The evolution of Sun Wukong’s character can be traced through two key sources. The first is a popular folk story from the late Tang Dynasty called Tales of Tang Sanzang’s Journey to the West, where a monkey protector, transformed from a Buddhist guardian deity, helps the monk Tang Sanzang on his pilgrimage. This version of the monkey is closely tied to Buddhist mythology. The second source comes from a Yuan Dynasty play called The Journey to the West, where the monkey’s rebellious and powerful traits, typical of a local Chinese monkey demon, are emphasized. This version represents the Taoist influence.
Generally speaking, Buddhist teachings are more restrained, which is why Buddhist characters often appear gentle, wise, and compassionate. Figures like Ji Gong and Lu Zhishen, who break this mold, are exceptions. Taoism, on the other hand, embraces freedom and individuality, leading to colorful and eccentric characters like the Eight Immortals, who all have unique personalities. In folk stories, powerful and magical beings who defeat evil tend to be Taoist deities, while wise and compassionate figures who guide others to enlightenment are typically Buddhist monks.
This duality is reflected in Sun Wukong. In his early adventures, especially during the “Havoc in Heaven,” Sun Wukong exhibits strong Taoist traits: rebellious, wild, and incredibly powerful, even declaring himself “The Great Sage Equal to Heaven.” However, during the later Journey to the West storyline, as he accompanies Tang Sanzang on the pilgrimage, he takes on more Buddhist characteristics. He is often subdued by the monk’s controlling mantra, becomes more disciplined, and his powers are somewhat diminished.
In essence, Sun Wukong’s transformation represents a shift from a chaotic rebel to a defender of order. This character arc mirrors his journey from an outsider challenging authority to becoming an insider, working within the system to maintain order. Some critics have even labeled Sun Wukong a “traitor” for abandoning his rebellious nature.
Calling Sun Wukong a “traitor” might upset fans of Journey to the West, but a better way to understand this transformation is to see it as a natural progression. His rebellion against the old order during the “Havoc in Heaven” and his pursuit of truth and enlightenment during the pilgrimage are not contradictory. They reflect different stages in his journey, and his role as a protector and enforcer of order in the end does not negate his earlier rebellion.
As Sun Wukong transitions from a challenger of authority to a defender of it, his character evolves, much like someone moving from an outsider challenging the system to an insider benefiting from and enforcing its rules. The trade-off, of course, is that while the system offers stability and benefits, it also demands the sacrifice of individuality and creativity. On the other hand, those outside the system, like Sun Wukong during his rebellious phase, are unbound by rules, allowing for greater freedom and creativity—often at the cost of stability and security.
During his “Havoc in Heaven” phase, Sun Wukong is wild, energetic, and driven by strong desires, which fuels his immense strength and vitality. However, once he gains a formal role as a pilgrim on the journey to the West, his creativity and power are diminished as he becomes bound by the expectations and constraints of his new identity.
This interpretation adds another layer to the understanding of Sun Wukong’s complex character and the tension between freedom and order, individuality and conformity, that lies at the heart of his story.