Is Pigsy immortal?

In the original Journey to the West (西游记), Zhu Bajie, also known as Pigsy, is not immortal in the strictest sense. While he is a powerful character with divine origins, he is still subject to the limitations of mortality. However, his immortality is somewhat nuanced due to his connection to the divine realm.

Origins of Zhu Bajie’s Immortality

Zhu Bajie was once a heavenly general in the Jade Emperor's army, where he was highly regarded for his skills. He was originally an immortal being, but after his inappropriate behavior—particularly his lustful and greedy nature—he was banished from Heaven and sent to the mortal world. In his fall from grace, he was transformed into a half-human, half-pig creature as punishment, losing his former immortality but retaining some of his strength and power.

Despite his fall from Heaven, Zhu Bajie does possess some supernatural abilities. These abilities, which include great physical strength, combat skills, and a certain degree of resilience, come from his past as an immortal being. However, he is no longer truly immortal in the way that gods or higher celestial beings are. He is still susceptible to injury, aging, and death, though his divine background gives him extraordinary endurance.

Immortality in Black Myth: Wukong

In Black Myth: Wukong, the treatment of characters like Zhu Bajie may differ from the original text due to the game's more fantastical and darker reimagining of the Journey to the West story. While we don’t yet know the full extent of Zhu Bajie’s immortality in the game, it is likely that, much like in the original, he retains some supernatural qualities. However, any exploration of his immortality would depend on the game's interpretation of his character, which might lean more heavily on his strengths and combat prowess.

Conclusion

In summary, Zhu Bajie in Journey to the West is not truly immortal after his fall from Heaven. While he retains some supernatural abilities due to his former status as a heavenly general, he is not invincible or impervious to death. His immortality is a matter of divine grace rather than an intrinsic quality, and in both Journey to the West and Black Myth: Wukong, his strength and resilience reflect his complex nature as a once-divine, now-mortal being.