Who is the pig in The Monkey King?
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In The Monkey King (part of the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West), the pig character is Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy. He is one of the main disciples of the monk Xuánzàng (Tang Seng) and accompanies him on his journey to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from India.
Characteristics of Pigsy (Zhu Bajie):
- Appearance: Zhu Bajie is depicted as having the body of a human but the face of a pig, with large ears, a snout, and a thick, pork-like belly.
- Personality: Pigsy is known for his gluttony, laziness, and flirtatious nature. He often gets distracted by food, women, and comfort. Despite his flaws, he is a loyal and brave companion who, at critical moments, helps his master on their journey.
- Strengths and Skills: Zhu Bajie wields a magical rake and has considerable strength. Though he may not be as skilled as Monkey King (Sun Wukong), he is a capable fighter when needed.
Despite his comical and less-than-heroic traits, Pigsy is an important character in Journey to the West, symbolizing human desires and weaknesses, yet also offering redemption through his journey and growth.
In summary, Pigsy (Zhu Bajie) is the "pig" character in The Monkey King and serves as a humorous yet endearing member of the journeying group.
