Is Black Myth: Wukong connected to Journey to the West?

December 17, 2024

Yes, Black Myth: Wukong is deeply connected to the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West (西游记, Xi You Ji). The game takes inspiration from the story of Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, who is one of the central characters in the novel. While the game offers a reimagined and darker version of Wukong's story, many of the fundamental aspects of his character and the themes from Journey to the West are still present.

**Connection to Journey to the West:**

The game draws directly from Sun Wukong’s story as depicted in Journey to the West, particularly focusing on the character’s origins, his rebellion against Heaven, and his search for redemption. In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong is a rebel monkey who gains supernatural powers and defies the gods. Eventually, he is imprisoned under a mountain by Buddha for his defiance and his violent actions. Later, he is freed by the monk Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka), and he becomes one of the key protectors of the monk as they journey to India to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.

In the game, Wukong's backstory and powers are explored in a more mature and complex light, often delving into themes of power, sacrifice, and the consequences of his rebellion, which are not always the focus in more traditional, heroic versions of the myth.

**Key Chapters from Journey to the West Related to Wukong:**

While Black Myth: Wukong doesn’t directly follow any single chapter of Journey to the West, certain chapters and story arcs from the novel provide inspiration for the game’s plot. Here are some important chapters that influence the game's setting:

Chapter 1: The Birth of the Monkey King
- This chapter details the birth of Sun Wukong, his rise from humble origins as a stone egg that was birthed by the Heavenly Rock, and his self-taught mastery over magical arts. This is the starting point for Wukong’s character in both the novel and the game, where he learns about immortality and acquires various powers like shape-shifting, strength, and cloud-riding.
Chapter 2: The Monkey King's Rebellion
- In this chapter, Wukong rebels against Heaven after learning that he is not recognized as a deity. He causes havoc in Heaven, claiming he is the "Great Sage, Equal to Heaven", and even fights the gods. This rebellious nature is central to his character, and the game likely builds upon this moment, offering players a chance to experience Wukong’s wild and defiant nature firsthand.
Chapter 7: Wukong's Imprisonment
- After his rebellion, the gods cannot control Wukong, and he is imprisoned by Buddha under a mountain for 500 years. This is one of the key points in the original story where Wukong is punished for his actions but also forced into reflection and growth. The game might explore this period of imprisonment and Wukong’s eventual search for redemption.
Chapter 14: Wukong's Redemption
- Eventually, Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka), the Buddhist monk on a pilgrimage to retrieve sacred texts, releases Wukong, and he becomes part of the group that travels to the West. His character is redeemed through his service to the monk and the fulfillment of his mission. This redemption arc is likely to be explored in Black Myth: Wukong, as players follow Wukong through his personal trials and development.

**Characters from Journey to the West in the Game:**

The game features many key characters from Journey to the West, though with a darker or more reinterpreted twist. Some notable characters include:

Sun Wukong (The Monkey King)
- The protagonist of both Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong. In the game, players experience his rebellion against Heaven, quest for immortality, and search for purpose. Wukong's abilities, including his staff, shapeshifting, and immortality, will likely be explored in greater detail with an action-oriented gameplay style.
Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka)
- While not necessarily a central character in the game, Tang Sanzang, the monk whom Wukong serves, is an important figure in Journey to the West. In the game, the character may appear, but it's likely Wukong’s own journey is more heavily focused upon, potentially leaving Tang Sanzang to a secondary role.
The Jade Emperor
- The Jade Emperor of Heaven is a significant figure in the original story who represents the authority of the gods and Heaven. He is one of the figures against whom Wukong rebels, which may play a role in the game’s conflict and themes of defiance.
Buddha
- The Buddha is a key character in Journey to the West, who imprisons Wukong under the mountain. In Black Myth: Wukong, Buddha’s presence may either be symbolic or literal, as Wukong contemplates his existence, immortality, and spiritual journey.

Summary:

Black Myth: Wukong is deeply connected to Journey to the West, drawing on key themes, characters, and events from the classic novel. The game takes creative liberties, particularly focusing on Wukong’s rebellion, imprisonment, and personal growth, exploring them through a darker, more complex lens. It provides a reimagined journey through Wukong’s mythos, exploring deeper themes of power, sacrifice, and redemption.