Journey to the West 030: The True and False Monkey King

The Appearance of Another Wukong

As the group continued their journey, they encountered a strange and confusing situation. A doppelgänger of Wukong, identical in every way, appeared and began to cause trouble for the group. This False Wukong mimicked the real Wukong’s appearance, voice, and abilities perfectly, making it impossible for the disciples and even Tripitaka to distinguish between the two.

The appearance of the False Wukong created tension and mistrust within the group, as neither Wukong nor his doppelgänger would yield, each claiming to be the true Monkey King.

The Celestial Court’s Dilemma

Unable to resolve the dispute on their own, the group sought help from the Celestial Court. They traveled to the heavens to present their case before the Jade Emperor and other celestial beings, hoping that the gods could determine which Wukong was real.

However, even the gods were baffled by the situation. The False Wukong was so convincing that not even the most powerful deities could tell them apart. The Jade Emperor called for the Buddha himself to intervene and resolve the matter.

Buddha’s Wisdom

The Buddha, with his omniscient wisdom, quickly identified the true Wukong and exposed the False Wukong as a demon known as the Six-Eared Macaque. The Six-Eared Macaque was a powerful and cunning spirit who had taken on Wukong’s form to cause mischief and disrupt the pilgrimage.

Realizing that his deception had been uncovered, the Six-Eared Macaque attempted to flee. However, Wukong, with the help of the Buddha, was able to capture the demon and restore peace to the group.

The Defeat of the Six-Eared Macaque

After capturing the Six-Eared Macaque, Wukong confronted the demon and defeated him in a final battle. The Six-Eared Macaque was then taken to the celestial realms to face judgment for his actions.

The defeat of the Six-Eared Macaque not only resolved the immediate conflict but also strengthened the bond between Wukong and his companions. The group’s trust in Wukong was fully restored, and they continued their journey with renewed unity.

Continuing the Journey

With the matter of the False Wukong resolved, the group continued their journey westward. The experience served as a reminder of the dangers of deception and the importance of trust among the disciples.

This chapter highlights themes of identity, trust, and the importance of wisdom in resolving conflicts—values that are central to Journey to the West and resonate in modern adaptations like Black Myth: Wukong, where characters often face challenges that test their integrity and resolve.