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In Chinese, it is pronounced as: sūn wù kōng,Written as:

Sun Wukong is one of the main characters in the classic Chinese novel “Journey to the West,” written by the Ming Dynasty author Wu Cheng’en. Also known as the Great Sage, he is a monkey endowed with extraordinary supernatural powers. His character blends heroism with humor and a spirit of rebellion, making him beloved by readers of all ages.

Sun Wukong was born from an Immortal Stone on Mount Huaguo in the Ao Lai Kingdom of the Eastern Victory Divine Land. Possessing innate strength, he is knowledgeable about the transformations and magic spells of the world. In his pursuit of immortality, Sun Wukong leaves Mount Huaguo to study under the Grand Master of Bodhi, where he learns advanced skills, including the Seventy-two transformations and the Somersault Cloud.

Main Skills:

  1. Seventy-two transformations: Sun Wukong can transform into various forms, including animals, plants, and inanimate objects. This grants him considerable flexibility and an advantage in battles against enemies.
  2. Somersault Cloud: He can cover vast distances in a single somersault, moving at incredible speed, which allows him to traverse the expansive world rapidly.
  3. Golden Hoop: This is his primary weapon, originally the Sea-stabilizing Golden Cudgel from the Dragon Palace. It weighs 13,500 pounds and can be resized at will.
  4. Fiery Eyes: Gained from the furnace of Taishang Laojun, Sun Wukong possesses Fiery Eyes, enabling him to see the true forms of Yaoguais and Fiends.

Sun Wukong’s personality is filled with a rebellious spirit. He once caused Havoc in Heaven, proclaiming himself the Great Sage and even opposing the deities of the Celestial Court. Ultimately, he was subdued by the Tathagata Buddha and imprisoned under Mount Wuxing for five hundred years. During this period, he underwent self-reflection and personal growth.

After being rescued by Tang Seng from beneath Mount Wuxing, Sun Wukong embarked on the arduous journey of protecting Tang Seng on his quest for Buddhist scriptures. Throughout this journey, alongside Zhu Bajie and Sha Seng, he faced eighty-one trials and ultimately obtained the true scriptures, achieving enlightenment.

Sun Wukong is not only a vital character in “Journey to the West” but also an indispensable figure in Chinese culture. He symbolizes wisdom, bravery, loyalty, and a spirit of resistance. His story has been adapted into numerous films, animated series, and comics, garnering a large following around the world.

Through the character of Sun Wukong, Wu Cheng’en not only painted a fantastical world but also expressed a pursuit of freedom, justice, and the brilliance of human nature. Sun Wukong holds a significant position in Chinese literary history and has become one of the symbols of Chinese culture.

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