Journey to the West 001: The Birth of Wukong

The Origins of the Universe and the Formation of the Monkey King

In ancient times, before the heavens and earth were separated, the universe was in a state of primal chaos, without form or order. It was a boundless, dark expanse where nothing yet existed. Eventually, the heavens and the earth began to take shape, and the forces of yin and yang were established. The heavens were high above, pure and clear, while the earth was below, thick and heavy. From the interaction of these two forces, all things in the universe were born.

Among these was a sacred mountain known as the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, situated on the continent of Aolai. This mountain, famed in myths and legends, was the ancestral source of the ten continents and the origin of the three islands. It was a majestic peak, renowned for its lush vegetation, colorful flowers, and abundant fruits. There, the mountain nurtured a giant stone on its summit, standing about 36 feet tall and 24 feet wide. This stone had been absorbing the essence of heaven and earth for countless millennia, nourished by the yin and yang, and the four seasons.

One day, this stone egg split open, and from it emerged a fully-formed stone monkey. The monkey had eyes as bright as the sun and moon, and a body that sparkled like polished jade. As soon as it was born, it could walk, run, jump, and speak. The moment it emerged, it radiated a golden light that shot up to the heavens, causing a great disturbance in the celestial realms. This marked the beginning of the legendary tale that inspired modern interpretations such as the popular game "Black Myth: Wukong," where the mythological roots of Sun Wukong's journey come to life.

The Monkey King Discovers the Water Curtain Cave

The stone monkey began to explore its surroundings. It crossed the mountain's streams, climbed its peaks, and marveled at the beautiful scenery. One day, it followed a stream and found a grand waterfall cascading down from a high cliff. The water was crystal clear, and the sound of the rushing water was like music to the monkey's ears.

The stone monkey was intrigued and wanted to find the source of the waterfall. It bravely leaped through the waterfall and discovered a large cave behind it. The cave was spacious and well-ventilated, with smooth stone walls and a flat floor. The cave's entrance was hidden by the waterfall, making it a perfect hiding place. Overjoyed, the stone monkey thought, "This is a great place to live! It's safe, hidden, and has plenty of fresh water."

The stone monkey returned to its fellow monkeys and excitedly described the cave. The other monkeys were eager to see it, so they all followed the stone monkey to the waterfall. When they saw the cave, they were amazed and impressed. They all agreed that this would be their new home, and they would live there happily ever after. The monkeys crowned the stone monkey as their king, and from that day on, he was known as the Monkey King, a title that would resonate through ages and inspire tales such as "Black Myth."

The Monkey King's Journey for Immortality

The Monkey King ruled his tribe with wisdom and courage, and the monkeys lived a peaceful and joyful life under his leadership. However, despite his happiness, the Monkey King was troubled by the thought of mortality. He realized that although they were enjoying a carefree life now, one day they would all grow old and die. This realization filled him with sadness and anxiety.

Determined to find a way to escape death, the Monkey King decided to embark on a journey to learn the secret of immortality. He left his mountain home and began wandering through the world, searching for wise sages who could teach him the art of living forever. This quest for immortality would later inspire many retellings and adaptations, including elements found in "Black Myth: Wukong," where the struggle against fate and the pursuit of eternal life are central themes.

The Monkey King Finds a Master

After many years of traveling and facing countless challenges, the Monkey King finally arrived at the Western Ocean. There, he encountered an old woodcutter who told him about a wise and powerful sage named Patriarch Subhuti, who lived in a secluded cave on the Mountain of the Mind and Heart.

The Monkey King eagerly sought out this sage and, after a long journey, found his cave. He knelt before Patriarch Subhuti and humbly requested to be accepted as a disciple. The sage, seeing the Monkey King's determination and intelligence, agreed to teach him. He gave the Monkey King a new name, Sun Wukong, which means "Awakened to Emptiness."

Sun Wukong's Training and Return Home

Under Patriarch Subhuti's tutelage, Sun Wukong learned many powerful techniques and magical arts. He mastered the 72 transformations, allowing him to change into different animals and objects at will. He also learned the ability to fly on clouds, enabling him to travel great distances in a single bound. Additionally, he became proficient in the art of combat and learned various spells and incantations.

One day, after mastering his skills, Sun Wukong decided it was time to return to his mountain home. He thanked Patriarch Subhuti for his teachings and set off on his journey back. When he arrived at the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit, the monkeys were overjoyed to see him. With his newfound powers, Sun Wukong was even more respected and feared among the creatures of the mountain.

However, his growing ambition and strength would soon lead him into conflict with the heavens, setting the stage for the epic adventures that would follow—adventures that continue to inspire modern storytelling, including the highly anticipated "Black Myth: Wukong."