About Wukong

Wukong: A cultural icon

Sun Wukong, often called Wukong, stands as a legendary figure in Chinese culture. Revered by people of all ages, he plays a pivotal role in the classic tale “Journey to the West.” In China, Sun Wukong’s fame is nearly universal; many young boys dream of becoming just like him.

The legend says that Wukong was born from an enchanted stone, and his extraordinary courage quickly earned him the title of Monkey King on Mount Huaguo. After facing numerous challenges, Wukong set out on a quest for immortality, mastering the Tao through his journeys. However, his rebellious spirit and disdain for conventional rules led to a series of misdeeds, culminating in a legendary showdown with the Buddha, who imprisoned him beneath the Five Elements Mountain. Five centuries later, the monk Tang Sanzang freed Wukong. Embracing Buddhism, Wukong joined Tang Sanzang on a perilous journey westward to retrieve sacred Buddhist texts. Along the way, they battled countless demons and supernatural beings. At the journey’s end, Wukong achieved enlightenment and was honored with the title of Victorious Fighting Buddha.

Exploring the World of “Journey to the West”

The universe of “Journey to the West” is divided into four realms: the Heavenly Realm, the Buddhist Realm, the Human Realm, and the Underworld. Each realm is home to unique beings, including Immortals (Xian), Buddhas, Humans, demons (Yaoguai), and Spirits.

The Heavenly Realm

The Heavenly Realm, ruled by the Jade Emperor, is the domain of Immortals. Notable locations include the Hall of Miraculous Mist, the Peach Garden, and the Tushita Palace.

The Buddhist Realm

Ruled by the Buddha Tathagata, the Buddhist Realm is where Buddhas reside. Mount Lingshan, the destination of the Journey to the West team’s quest, is its primary location.

The Human Realm

The Human Realm is where humans and demons coexist. Some demons are antagonistic, while others are benevolent. Both humans and demons can cultivate to become immortals or transcend to become Buddhas. Failure to achieve this leads to reincarnation in the Underworld. Some Immortals and Buddhas choose to live in the Human Realm, often at a personal cost.

The Underworld

Governed by King Yama, the Underworld is the realm of spirits. King Yama oversees the life and death of humans and demons, following their predestined lifespans.

The Journey to the West pilgrimage team

Sun Wukong: The Monkey King, also called just Monkey. He’s super strong, can fly on a cloud, and has 72 transformations. He’s mischievous but fiercely loyal to Tang Sanzang.
Tang Sanzang: Also known as Tripitaka, he’s the leader of the group. He’s a Buddhist monk on a quest to obtain sacred scriptures from India. He’s kind-hearted but often naive and vulnerable to dangers.
Zhu Bajie: Known as Pigsy in some translations. He’s part pig, part human. He’s lazy, greedy, and always thinking about food or pretty ladies. But he’s also a strong fighter when needed.
Sha Wujing: Also called Sandy. He’s a river monster turned disciple. He’s the most level-headed of the group and often acts as the voice of reason.
White Dragon Horse: This is Tang Sanzang’s steed. It used to be a dragon prince but was turned into a horse as punishment. It doesn’t speak but is a loyal and hardworking member of the team.

The Tale Behind “Black Myth: Wukong”

The story of “Black Myth: Wukong” takes place after the journey to the West of the Tang Monk and his disciples. Sun Wukong resigned as the Victorious Fighting Buddha and returned to Huaguo Mountain, hoping to live a carefree life. However, the Heavenly Court wants to level Huaguo Mountain and sends Erlang Shen leading the heavenly soldiers and generals to descend on Huaguo Mountain again. They use the massacre of Huaguo Mountain as a threat to “invite” Sun Wukong back. The two have a duel in the clouds, and Sun Wukong is finally defeated. Five of Sun Wukong’s six senses (eyes, ears, nose, tongue, and body) are given as rewards to five demon kings (black bear, sable, Huangmei, centipede, and bull demon). His “mind” turns into a strange stone and falls on the top of Huaguo Mountain. Since then, countless monkeys and descendants have set out from Huaguo Mountain, trying to find and collect the “five senses” to resurrect Sun Wukong. The protagonist “the one chosen by fate” played by the player is also one of them. Accompanied, guided, and helped by Zhu Bajie, the player defeats the five major demon kings, finds the “five senses”, and along the way, through the perspective of “the one chosen by fate”, understands the fates and stories of various immortals and gods.