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.wor...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.