Is Goku based off Wukong?

Yes, Goku, the main protagonist of Dragon Ball, is indeed inspired by Sun Wukong, the legendary Monkey King from Chinese mythology, particularly the novel Journey to the West.

Similarities Between Goku and Sun Wukong

1. Monkey-Like Appearance:

   • Goku is a Saiyan, and his appearance, especially as a child, is often compared to that of a monkey. He has a tail (like Sun Wukong) and exhibits behaviors such as eating a lot and exhibiting childlike curiosity and playfulness.
   • In Journey to the West, Sun Wukong is a magical monkey born from a stone, who possesses extraordinary strength and intelligence. Goku’s monkey-like traits are a direct nod to this mythological origin.

2. Powerful and Determined:

   • Both Goku and Sun Wukong are incredibly strong and determined. They have boundless energy and an unwavering determination to become stronger, often training tirelessly and never backing down from a challenge.
   • In Journey to the West, Wukong trains and becomes a master of martial arts, learns magic, and even gains immortality. Goku, likewise, trains to become one of the strongest beings in the universe and constantly seeks to improve himself, such as through his rigorous training and battles against powerful enemies.

3. Magical Staff (Ruyi Jingu Bang) / Power Pole:

   • Wukong’s primary weapon is the Ruyi Jingu Bang, a magical staff that can change size and weight at will. It can grow to enormous sizes and is incredibly powerful.
   • Goku’s Power Pole (also called the Nyoi-Bō) is a similar magical staff that can extend and retract. Goku uses this pole in the early parts of Dragon Ball just like Sun Wukong used his staff in the myth.

4. Transformation and Shape-Shifting:

   • Sun Wukong has the ability to perform the 72 Transformations, allowing him to turn into various animals, objects, and even other people.
   • Similarly, Goku transforms into different forms as part of his Saiyan heritage. While not exactly shape-shifting like Wukong, Goku's ability to transform into stronger forms (like Super Saiyan and later forms) is a parallel to Wukong’s ability to adapt and change in his own mythical context.

5. Rebellious Spirit:

   • Wukong is famous for his rebellious nature. He defied the Jade Emperor, challenged the heavens, and refused to follow the rules of the gods. His rebellious nature is a defining aspect of his character.
   • Goku also has a rebellious streak, especially when he was younger. He often challenged authority and had a strong sense of justice. While Goku’s rebelliousness is less about defying higher powers and more about standing up for what is right, the defiance against stronger opponents is a trait shared with Wukong.

6. Immortality and Resilience:

   • Sun Wukong, after gaining immortality through the Peach of Immortality, the Elixir of Life, and other magical methods, becomes nearly impossible to defeat.
   • Goku, although not immortal in the traditional sense, has a remarkable resilience to injuries and death. He has been revived multiple times throughout the Dragon Ball series and constantly comes back stronger after each defeat, much like Wukong’s immortality and ability to regenerate.

7. Journey and Quest for Growth:

   • Sun Wukong’s journey in Journey to the West is about growth, enlightenment, and ultimately redemption. Despite being a mischievous and arrogant character at first, he eventually learns humility and wisdom.
   • Goku’s journey in Dragon Ball is also one of self-discovery, growth, and the pursuit of becoming the strongest martial artist. He faces numerous battles that challenge his abilities and character, and his growth throughout the series is akin to Wukong’s evolution from an unruly monkey to a divine being.

Key Differences:

While Goku draws inspiration from Sun Wukong, there are some key differences:

• Goku is a Saiyan, a member of an alien warrior race, and his powers come from his heritage and training, rather than from being a magical being born from a stone.
• Goku’s story is more centered around his love for fighting and improving his skills, while Wukong’s journey in Journey to the West has more spiritual and mythological significance, including his search for enlightenment and redemption.

YOUWEI TRADE Conclusion:

In essence, Goku is a modern, reimagined version of Sun Wukong, adapted to the Dragon Ball universe. The character of Goku incorporates many traits from Wukong, including his appearance, fighting spirit, powerful staff, shape-shifting ability, and his quest for growth. These elements, combined with Goku's own unique backstory, have made him an enduring, beloved character that continues to resonate with fans worldwide, just as Sun Wukong has been an iconic figure in Chinese mythology for centuries.