The Journey to the West

Summary

A book from the ancient times. It speaks of a monk called Xuanzang Sanzang and her trek across a long lost continent to retrieve 2 ancient artefacts and bring them home in order to help spread her religion. It says that as she left on her journey she was attacked by demons and was unable to protect herself until the monkey king, named Sun Wukong, appeared to save her. They travelled together for the rest of the journey where they went through trials placed against them by the demon lord they passed all of them and managed to reach their location. When they arrived Sun Wukong revealed herself to be the god of the sun and the leader of the pantheon the Xuanzang worshipped. Seeing the monk go through so many tribulations impressed the god and so she made Xuanzang a great figure of the pantheon by marrying her and making her the god of the land.

Historical Basis

The journey to the west is based on the journey of a monk name Xuanzang and Sun Wukong did exist but neither were ever gods they were merely monks who sought enlightenment. Whether they made it to their location is unknown some sources suggest that they were captured by the demon king and sealed away within the sixth heaven.

Spread

The myth is not widely known it only told and heard by the monks of the Xuanzang and Sanzang monasteries.

Variations & Mutation

It has mutated and twisted into a religion that grants answers to the questions of the cosmos.

Cultural Reception

People don't really give much thought to this tale.

In Literature

The legend has shaped groups of monks for years.