Journey to the West 014: The Kingdom of the Women and the River of Motherhood

Entering the Kingdom of Women

After their encounter with the White Bone Demon, Tripitaka and his disciples continued their journey westward. Their path eventually led them to a mysterious and secluded region known as the Kingdom of Women. This kingdom was unique, as it was populated entirely by women—no men were allowed within its borders. The land was ruled by a wise and benevolent queen, and the people lived in harmony.

Upon arriving at the kingdom’s outskirts, the pilgrims were met with curiosity and intrigue. The presence of men, especially strangers on a sacred mission, was unheard of in the Kingdom of Women. Despite their initial apprehension, the queen welcomed Tripitaka and his disciples as honored guests, offering them shelter and hospitality.

The River of Motherhood

As the group prepared to continue their journey, they were warned about a dangerous river they would have to cross—The River of Motherhood. This river was no ordinary body of water; it was enchanted and had the power to cause miraculous pregnancies. Anyone who drank from the river or even touched its water would instantly become pregnant, regardless of their gender.

Tripitaka and his disciples, aware of the potential risks, decided to be cautious as they approached the river. However, the beauty of the surrounding landscape and the clear, inviting waters of the river led to a moment of carelessness.

Tripitaka’s Peril

Despite Wukong’s warnings, Tripitaka, exhausted from the journey and the recent trials, inadvertently drank from the river, not realizing the consequences. Almost immediately, Tripitaka began to feel unwell, and the signs of pregnancy started to manifest. This unexpected development placed the entire mission in jeopardy, as Tripitaka’s condition made it impossible for him to continue the journey.

Wukong, Zhu Bajie, and Sha Wujing were alarmed by the situation and quickly sought a remedy. They knew that they had to find a way to reverse the effects of the river’s magic and restore Tripitaka’s health before it was too late.

The Search for a Cure

Determined to save their master, the disciples set out to find a cure. Wukong, with his knowledge of magic and medicine, sought advice from the local inhabitants of the Kingdom of Women. The queen, upon learning of Tripitaka’s condition, offered her assistance. She revealed that the only way to reverse the effects of the River of Motherhood was to obtain a special potion made from the Golden Thread Grass, a rare and powerful herb that grew deep within the kingdom’s forests.

However, the journey to retrieve the Golden Thread Grass was fraught with danger. The forest where the herb grew was home to wild beasts and guarded by ancient spirits who did not take kindly to intruders. Wukong, undeterred by these challenges, volunteered to retrieve the herb, knowing that Tripitaka’s life depended on it.

Wukong’s Quest for the Golden Thread Grass

Wukong set off into the depths of the enchanted forest, using his agility and strength to overcome the obstacles in his path. Along the way, he encountered fierce creatures and cunning spirits, but his determination and skill allowed him to prevail.

After a long and arduous journey, Wukong finally located the Golden Thread Grass. He carefully collected the herb and made his way back to the Kingdom of Women, where the queen and her healers prepared the potion. The potion was administered to Tripitaka, and after a short time, the effects of the river’s magic began to reverse.

Resuming the Journey

With Tripitaka’s health restored, the group prepared to leave the Kingdom of Women. The queen, grateful for the pilgrims’ visit and impressed by their dedication to their mission, bid them farewell and provided them with provisions for the next leg of their journey.

As they departed, Tripitaka and his disciples reflected on the challenges they had faced and the lessons they had learned. The experience in the Kingdom of Women served as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of their journey and the importance of vigilance, trust, and unity.

This chapter highlights the themes of perseverance, the consequences of carelessness, and the strength of teamwork—values that are central to Journey to the West and resonate in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, where the characters' trials are as much about personal growth as they are about physical challenges.