ghostexorcist
06-26-2019, 08:37 AM
A few weeks ago I wrote this article exploring the surprising parallels between the literary warriors Sun Wukong from Journey to the West and Wu Song from the Water Margin.
https://journeytothewestresearch.wordpress.com/2019/06/01/parallels-between-sun-wukong-and-wu-song-2/
Each is:
A reformed supernatural spirit previously imprisoned under stone.
A tiger-killer.
Nicknamed "Pilgrim" (行者, i.e. traveling monk).
An Unruly martial monk who likes to drink and fight.
Wears a golden fillet (戒箍).
Fights with a bin steel (鑌鐵) weapon.
This was a fun piece to write because it helped me better visualize the cultural and literary landscape in which both characters developed. Both have a deep connection to warrior monks, appearing as staff-wielding "Pilgrims" in oral literature as far back as the 13th-century.
https://journeytothewestresearch.wordpress.com/2019/06/01/parallels-between-sun-wukong-and-wu-song-2/
Each is:
A reformed supernatural spirit previously imprisoned under stone.
A tiger-killer.
Nicknamed "Pilgrim" (行者, i.e. traveling monk).
An Unruly martial monk who likes to drink and fight.
Wears a golden fillet (戒箍).
Fights with a bin steel (鑌鐵) weapon.
This was a fun piece to write because it helped me better visualize the cultural and literary landscape in which both characters developed. Both have a deep connection to warrior monks, appearing as staff-wielding "Pilgrims" in oral literature as far back as the 13th-century.