Who has defeated Wukong?

Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) is an immensely powerful and nearly invincible figure in Chinese mythology, but despite his immense strength, immortality, and magical abilities, he has been defeated or subdued by several figures in various myths and stories. Here are the most notable instances where Wukong was defeated or captured:

1. The Buddha (Sakyamuni):

• The most famous defeat of Sun Wukong occurs at the hands of Buddha Shakyamuni. After Wukong rebels against the Celestial Court, causing chaos and defying the gods, he is eventually captured by the Buddha. The Buddha challenges Wukong to escape from his palm, which Wukong, in his arrogance, believes he can do. However, Wukong fails to escape, and the Buddha traps him under a mountain (Mount Five Fingers, or Wujinshan) where he remains imprisoned for 500 years.
• This is the most significant and well-known defeat of Wukong, and it occurs in the classic Journey to the West (西游记). The Buddha’s spiritual power and wisdom far surpass Wukong’s physical strength, and this defeat is not only a humbling experience for Wukong but also marks the start of his path toward redemption.

2. The Jade Emperor’s Forces (and the Heavenly Army):

• Wukong's first major defeat occurs when he defies the Jade Emperor and the Heavenly Court. After being crowned the “Great Sage, Equal to Heaven”, Wukong causes havoc in Heaven, eventually starting a rebellion. He is confronted by the Heavenly Army led by various celestial generals and gods, including the General of Heavenly Army, Nezha, and Li Tieguai.
• Despite his immense power, Wukong initially fights the Heavenly Army to a standstill. However, eventually, the army is unable to subdue him. It's only after Buddha’s intervention that he is finally imprisoned.

3. The Immortal Taoist Priest (Zhenyuan Daxian):

• In some later myths and stories, there are references to the Taoist immortal Zhenyuan Daxian, who defeats Wukong in a battle of wits and strength. Zhenyuan Daxian is portrayed as a powerful celestial figure with magical abilities who manages to overpower Wukong in some encounters, particularly due to his immense wisdom and divine powers.

4. Erlang Shen:

• Erlang Shen, the God of War and Protector of Heaven, is another figure who temporarily defeats Wukong. During their famous battle, Erlang Shen uses his divine powers, including his third eye, to see through Wukong’s illusions and tricks. He is also a highly skilled warrior, and although Wukong is nearly invincible, Erlang Shen manages to subdue him after a fierce confrontation. This battle is significant because it highlights how divine wisdom and strength can overcome even Wukong's powerful abilities.

5. The Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu):

• In certain versions of the Journey to the West myth, Sun Wukong is also briefly defeated or put in his place by the Queen Mother of the West (Xiwangmu). She possesses extraordinary magical powers and is a key figure in Taoist mythology. While she doesn't directly defeat Wukong in combat, her actions, including giving him the Peach of Immortality, serve to help him in his eventual redemption but also remind him of the limits of his power.

6. The Taoist Immortal, Laozi:

• Laozi, the founder of Daoism and the author of the Tao Te Ching, is another legendary figure who indirectly defeats Wukong in the sense that he tames him using wisdom and philosophical teachings. In the Journey to the West, Laozi’s Taoist magic and philosophy challenge Wukong’s rebellious nature. Laozi is known for his profound understanding of the Dao, and his teachings help guide Wukong toward self-discipline.

7. Wukong’s Own Mistakes:

• Many of Wukong’s defeats come not from external enemies, but from his own pride and overconfidence. His arrogance often leads him to underestimate opponents or make rash decisions. For example, after he defeats the Celestial Army, he is tricked into being captured due to his underestimation of his adversaries’ abilities, such as the Buddha’s superior wisdom and spiritual powers.

YOUWEI TRADE Conclusion:

While Sun Wukong is immensely powerful and nearly invincible, his defeats come primarily at the hands of divine beings—those with greater wisdom, spiritual power, or celestial authority. The Buddha's superior wisdom, Erlang Shen's combat skills and third eye, and divine figures like Laozi and Zhenyuan Daxian all play crucial roles in Wukong's defeats. However, Wukong’s ultimate defeat and subsequent redemption are integral to his character arc, showing his transformation from a rebellious, self-centered figure to one who learns humility and becomes a key figure in the Journey to the West.