Comparing Zhu Bajie in Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong: Similarities and Differences

The tale of Journey to the West is one of the most enduring and celebrated stories in Chinese literature, and its iconic characters have left a lasting mark on both Eastern and Western culture. One such character is Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy, who plays a pivotal role in the story’s journey. With the release of the highly anticipated action RPG Black Myth: Wukong, fans are now able to see this legendary character in a new light. While Black Myth: Wukong draws heavily from the classic Journey to the West story, there are both similarities and differences in how Zhu Bajie is portrayed. In this blog, we will explore these aspects and compare the character of Zhu Bajie across both the original story and the new game.

Zhu Bajie in Journey to the West

In Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie is introduced as one of the key companions of the monk Xuánzàng on his pilgrimage to retrieve the sacred Buddhist scriptures. Originally a heavenly general in the Jade Emperor’s army, Zhu Bajie is banished to the mortal realm after his lustful behavior causes trouble in Heaven. His transformation into a pig-like creature is symbolic of his moral flaws and shortcomings, but also of his humanity.

Zhu Bajie is portrayed as a comedic and flawed character. He is often depicted as lazy, gluttonous, and prone to making lewd remarks. However, despite these flaws, he is loyal to his companions, and his strength and courage come through when needed. His role in the story is both comedic and heroic, making him a memorable figure in the epic.

Zhu Bajie in Black Myth: Wukong

In Black Myth: Wukong, Zhu Bajie is reimagined for a new, darker, and more immersive narrative. The game, set in a rich mythical world where gods, demons, and legendary beings coexist, takes inspiration from Journey to the West but adds its own twists. Zhu Bajie retains many of his core characteristics, including his brute strength and somewhat mischievous personality, but his role and appearance have been altered to suit the game’s more mature tone.

In the game, Zhu Bajie appears as an ally to the protagonist, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King). While still a formidable fighter with immense strength, the character is presented with a deeper backstory and more complex motivations. He is no longer just the comical pig-man; instead, he embodies the themes of redemption and loyalty, much like in the original text, but with an added layer of depth. His interactions with Wukong are crucial to the development of both characters, and his emotional struggles are more pronounced in the game.

Similarities Between the Two Versions of Zhu Bajie

Despite the differences in their settings and tones, both Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong maintain several key aspects of Zhu Bajie’s character:

1. Loyalty and Friendship: In both versions, Zhu Bajie is unwaveringly loyal to his companions, particularly to the protagonist, whether it’s Xuánzàng in Journey to the West or Sun Wukong in Black Myth: Wukong. His friendship with these characters is one of the defining aspects of his personality, and it is this loyalty that often drives him to push beyond his flaws when the situation demands it.

2. Humor and Wit: While the tone of Black Myth: Wukong is darker, Zhu Bajie still carries the comedic nature that fans have come to expect. His mischievous personality and tendency to make humorous remarks are preserved in both versions, adding a lighthearted element to the otherwise serious themes of the game and the novel.

3. Strength and Combat Prowess: Zhu Bajie is a powerful fighter in both iterations. While his physical strength is often a source of comic relief in Journey to the West, it is treated more seriously in Black Myth: Wukong, where his combat abilities are showcased in a more realistic and impactful manner. His ability to fight fiercely and contribute in battle remains a constant throughout both works.

4. Moral Complexity: Both the Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong versions of Zhu Bajie are morally complex characters. In the original story, his lustful and gluttonous behavior contrasts with his moments of valor and loyalty. Similarly, in Black Myth: Wukong, Zhu Bajie is not simply a one-dimensional "pig-man" character but one who grapples with his past mistakes and seeks redemption.

Differences Between the Two Versions of Zhu Bajie

1. Appearance and Tone: The most obvious difference between the two versions of Zhu Bajie is his appearance. In Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie’s physical form is that of a human-pig hybrid, with comical features and a distinctive, often humorous look. In Black Myth: Wukong, his design is more realistic and imposing, fitting with the game’s darker tone. His pig-like features are still present but are more exaggerated in a way that emphasizes strength rather than comedy.

2. Narrative Role: In Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie is a supporting character whose role is largely comedic, adding levity to the journey. In Black Myth: Wukong, his character is given a more serious and integral role within the game's plot. The game explores his backstory and emotional depth more thoroughly, turning him into a more nuanced character who helps drive the narrative forward alongside Sun Wukong.

3. Moral Journey: In the original Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie undergoes some personal growth, but his flaws remain part of his character throughout the story. In Black Myth: Wukong, there is a greater emphasis on his potential for redemption. His journey in the game is more focused on overcoming his past and dealing with the consequences of his actions, adding complexity to his character arc.

Conclusion

The character of Zhu Bajie in both Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong shares many fundamental qualities, such as his loyalty, strength, and humorous nature. However, the context in which these traits are expressed and the role he plays in each story are quite different. Black Myth: Wukong takes a darker, more mature approach to the character, giving him additional depth and a more serious narrative role. Whether in the classic novel or the new game, Zhu Bajie remains one of the most memorable and complex characters in Chinese mythology, and his journey—filled with humor, strength, and redemption—continues to captivate audiences across generations.

For a deeper look at Zhu Bajie’s role in Black Myth: Wukong, check out his detailed profile here: Zhu Bajie on Black Myth Wukong Wiki.