The global sensation surrounding the game Black Myth: Wukong has sparked a wave of reactions, but Wukong has once again been reinterpreted as a form of artistic expression. Why does Wukong, a fictional character, hold such a significant place in the history of Chinese mythology? Among the four disciples in Journey to the West, why is Wukong the one who has been repeatedly portrayed in literature, art, and films throughout history? Beyond his abilities like the seventy-two transformations, his magical weapon, the Golden Cudgel, his ability to travel through heaven and earth, and somersault 108,000 miles in a single leap, there is more. Under the constraint of the golden headband placed by Guanyin Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva to subdue him, and the Five Elements Mountain imposed by the Tathagata Buddha, Wukong’s story represents the struggle of individual heroism in the face of real-world challenges.
The golden cudgel weighs 6,750 kg (14,880 pounds), is 3.3 meters (11 feet) long, and as thick as a bowl. It has a volume of about 0.2 cubic meters, giving it a density of 33.75g/cm³—much denser than osmium, Earth's densest metal (22.8g/cm³). Though not as dense as neutron stars or white dwarfs, the cudgel's remarkable density suggests it could be a special, non-Earthly item.
一
Before achieving greatness, true heroes must endure countless trials. Even before accompanying his master Tang Sanzang and the three other disciples on the journey to the West and facing eighty-one tribulations, Wukong had already experienced profound suffering.
In Journey to the West, Wukong is born from stone. More accurately, he is a spirit-infused stone, cultivated over millennia, transforming into a monkey spirit. Though he possesses powers, he lacks the wisdom to control them. Despite being the Monkey King on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, he steals the Dragon King’s magical staff -- the golden cudgel, a weapon meant to stabilize the sea, and claims it as his own. He storms the underworld and seizes the Book of Life and Death from the King of Hell, erasing his name and achieving immortality. Angered by not being invited to the gods’ Peach Banquet, he creates chaos in Heaven. But his rebelliousness leads him to be subdued and trapped beneath the Five Elements Mountain by Tathagata Buddha for five hundred years, where he survives on rain and wild fruit, suffering like Sisyphus in a cycle of unbearable pain.
Finally, enlightened by Guanyin Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, he accepts the golden headband and embarks on the journey to escort Tang Sanzang to the West, a mission far greater than himself.
二
Wukong’s master, Tang Sanzang, is based on a historical figure, the Tang Dynasty(618 to 907) monk Xuanzang, who traveled to the Western Regions to retrieve Buddhist scriptures and spread them in China, leaving a profound impact on religious culture and art. The mythical version of Tang Sanzang lacks any magical power; his only power is a chant given by Guanyin Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. When he recites this chant, no matter how rebellious Wukong is, the pain from the headband is so intense that he begs his master to stop.
三
"Man is born free, but everywhere he is in chains." — Jean-Jacques Rousseau
The Five Elements Mountain is the universe from which Wukong cannot escape, and the golden headband is the tangible chain binding him to reality. In Buddhism, it is taught that attachment leads to suffering. Wukong, driven by the desire for fun and freedom, can overpower anyone in the mortal world, even the Dragon King, the King of Hell, and the Earth Gods. But when he tries to explore the universe, he finds himself at the mercy of fate. His powers, which could achieve greatness, are also what bind him. Individual heroism often stirs passion and excitement, but collective endeavors that benefit others reveal a grander vision and have a more profound impact.
四
The image of Wukong has been reimagined countless times throughout history and across cultures, from Dragon Ball to A Chinese Odyssey. His distinct personality and legendary feats offer endless inspiration to creators and artists.
In Jeff Lau’s 1995 film A Chinese Odyssey, the protagonist, after donning the golden headband, sets aside his personal emotions and begins his mission to save all beings by becoming the true Wukong.
Before putting on the headband, Zhi Zunbao (the future Wukong) delivers a monologue that marks the emotional climax of the film, bidding farewell to Zixia Fairy and their tragic love story: "There was once a sincere love placed before me, but I didn’t cherish it. Only when I lost it, did I realize how much I regretted it. There is nothing more painful in the world than this. If Heaven could give me another chance, I would say three words to that girl: 'I love you.' And if I had to add a time limit to this love, I hope it would be... ten thousand years."
Wukong (Chinese: 悟空) the name signifies the understanding that all things arise from various conditions coming together, and are therefore illusory, impermanent, and ever-changing. One must see through the illusions of the mortal world and not cling too tightly to anything—whether it be joy, anger, sorrow, happiness, birth, aging, sickness, or death. In the end, all is emptiness.
Reflecting a theme found in Stoicism, individual heroism often carries a tragic undertone. After Prometheus brought fire to humanity, he was chained to Mount Caucasus, his knees unable to bend even from exhaustion, while an eagle feasted on his liver. The liver, symbolizing emotion, would regenerate every night because human emotions are eternal. To become a god, one must forsake personal feelings.
五
Becoming a deity does not mean disregarding others. On the contrary, it means showing empathy and compassion for all beings, while not being confined by narrow emotions. It is about embracing a selfless, universal love because we all share common ground. To understand Wukong is to understand a struggling deity, a submissive mortal, and a reflection of ourselves.
