Journey to the West: How This Classic Tale Continues to Shape Modern Culture 🌏

Have you ever heard of Journey to the West?

This iconic Chinese novel, written in the 16th century during the Ming dynasty. Its authorship is traditionally ascribed to Wu Cheng'en, and it is one of the most influential pieces of literature in East Asia. It's not just a story; it's a cultural phenomenon that has crossed centuries and borders, leaving its mark on modern popular culture in ways you might not even realise.

The Epic Tale

At its core, Journey to the West is an adventure story that chronicles the pilgrimage of the monk Xuanzang as he travels to India to obtain sacred Buddhist scriptures. He is accompanied by three protectors – the mischievous Monkey King Sun Wukong (孫悟空), the gluttonous and somewhat lazy Pigsy, Zhu Bajie (猪八戒), and the diligent but slightly bumbling Sandy, Sha Wujing (沙悟淨). Along the way, they face numerous challenges, battling demons, monsters, and various other supernatural beings.

The novel is beloved for its rich blend of humour, adventure, hints and references to Chinese alchemy, and deep spiritual and philosophical insights. But what makes Journey to the West truly special is its timeless appeal and its incredible influence on popular culture, both in Asia and around the world. 

The Monkey King: A Cultural Icon

Perhaps the most famous character from Journey to the West is Sun Wukong, the Monkey King. With his supernatural strength, agility, and intelligence – not to mention his magical abilities, like the power to transform into an endless number of different forms – Sun Wukong is a character that has captured the imaginations of readers and audiences for centuries.

Sun Wukong has appeared in countless adaptations of Journey to the West, ranging from traditional Chinese operas and television series to movies and video games. But his influence doesn't stop there. Sun Wukong has inspired characters and stories in various other works around the globe. For example: 

Goku from Dragon Ball: Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball series draws heavily from Journey to the West, with the protagonist Son Goku being directly inspired by Sun Wukong. Goku's journey and the cast of characters around him mirror the epic adventure of the original novel.

League of Legends: The game League of Legends features a character named Wukong, who, like Sun Wukong, is a mischievous trickster with a staff and incredible agility. His design and abilities pay homage to the Monkey King.

Saiyuki: This Japanese manga series, the story of which is loosely based on Journey to the West, follows a monk named Genjo Sanzo who receives a mission to travel to the west with a group of three yokai (demons) to stop anyone reviving the evil god Gyumao. The series has spawned a media franchise that includes multiple anime series and movies.

American Born Chinese: This contemporary fantasy action series heavily features the plot and characters from Journey to the West and follows a young Chinese American high schooler whose life becomes embroiled in the world of Chinese mythology.

Films: The Monkey King has also appeared in numerous films and animated series. Notable examples include the Chinese animated film Monkey King: Hero is Back and the character’s inclusion in global films like Kung Fu Panda 3, where elements of Sun Wukong’s story are subtly referenced.

A Journey That Continues

The enduring legacy of Journey to the West is a testament to its universal themes and the unforgettable characters it introduced to the world. Whether you’re a fan of anime, video games, or literature, chances are that you’ve encountered echoes of this classic tale without even realising it.

As we continue to see new adaptations and reinterpretations of Journey to the West in various media, it’s clear that this ancient story still has much to offer modern audiences. So, the next time you enjoy a story about an epic journey, a group of unlikely heroes, or a clever trickster with a heart of gold, take a moment to appreciate the timeless influence of
Journey to the West.