What is Wukong the god of?

Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, is not traditionally a god in the classical sense, but he becomes a powerful and significant figure in Chinese mythology, particularly in the classic novel Journey to the West. His journey to godhood is a complex and evolving story, and his position changes throughout his adventures.

1. The God of Mischief and Rebellion:

• Initially, Sun Wukong is depicted as the King of the Monkeys who rules over a kingdom of monkeys living on the Mountain of Flowers and Fruit. He isn't born into divinity but is a highly intelligent and powerful being who gains his powers through Taoist practices and training.
• Due to his nature, he could be considered a god of mischief and rebellion. He is notorious for defying the heavens and challenging authority, especially when he feels disrespected by the celestial beings. His rebellious nature is one of the defining characteristics of his personality, and it leads him to various conflicts with gods, immortals, and even the Buddha.

2. The Great Sage Equal to Heaven (齐天大圣):

• After gaining immense powers and undergoing training under Taoist masters, Sun Wukong earns the title "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" (齐天大圣), a self-proclaimed title that reflects his pride and ambition. This title is a reflection of his belief that he should be equal to the gods of heaven, and he takes it after he is granted a high position within the heavenly bureaucracy, though his duties are menial and beneath his power.
• "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" is not a formal godly title but a title that Wukong gives himself in defiance of the celestial hierarchy. His actions and his attempt to challenge the divine order lead to significant confrontations with the Jade Emperor and other gods.

3. A Taoist Immortal:

• Sun Wukong's true "godhood" or divine status comes through his connection with Taoism. He is considered an immortal, having attained the "immortality" through a combination of consuming the peaches of immortality, drinking the elixir of immortality, and other supernatural means. However, his immortality isn't granted by a single deity, but rather through the fruits of Taoist and alchemical practices.
• As an immortal, he is in a spiritual sense beyond death, but his status isn't directly linked to any one god or domain. Instead, his immortality represents a mastery over life and death, a common goal in Taoist and Buddhist philosophy.

4. Buddhist Protector:

• Later in Journey to the West, Sun Wukong's journey takes a spiritual turn. He becomes a Buddhist disciple, eventually attaining Bodhisattva status (though not fully enlightened). During the pilgrimage to the West with Xuanzang (the Tang monk), Sun Wukong is tasked with protecting Xuanzang and assisting him on his mission to retrieve Buddhist scriptures.
• Through this journey, Wukong evolves spiritually and attains a higher level of enlightenment, ultimately being granted the title of "Victorious Fighting Buddha" after his spiritual awakening. This title signifies his elevated status as a protector and warrior for the Buddhist faith.
• In this sense, Wukong becomes a god of protection and strength, particularly for the Buddhist mission and the enlightenment of others. He is no longer just the mischievous Monkey King but a being of spiritual power.

5. The God of Strength and Transformation:

• Sun Wukong is also associated with immense physical strength and the ability to transform into countless different shapes and beings. His powers include the 72 Transformations (a magical ability to shapeshift), the ability to grow in size, immense combat prowess, and the use of his magic staff (Ruyi Jingu Bang), which can change size and is nearly indestructible.
• His abilities in strength and transformation make him a god of flexibility, adaptability, and power, as he can defeat nearly any opponent using his physical strength, magical abilities, or cleverness.

6. God of Wisdom and Knowledge:

• In addition to his strength, Sun Wukong is also known for his cleverness and wisdom. He is resourceful and quick-witted, often using his intelligence to overcome seemingly impossible odds. Though his actions are often chaotic, he is highly skilled in strategy and tactics.
• Wukong’s knowledge of the universe, gained through his training and experiences, also makes him a god associated with wisdom and learning, particularly as he grows throughout his spiritual journey.

7. Wukong's Role as a Protector of the West:

• Ultimately, through his journey and transformation, Wukong becomes a protector god in the Buddhist pantheon, defending the Western Paradise and the Buddhist scriptures. His journey with the Tang Monk (Xuanzang) helps him achieve redemption for his previous rebellious acts and earns him a place among the enlightened beings of the cosmos.

Conclusion:

Sun Wukong evolves from a mischievous and rebellious figure into a protector, fighter, and a god associated with strength, transformation, and wisdom. He is ultimately a Buddhist protector god, symbolizing the power of redemption, spiritual growth, and the path toward enlightenment. His journey from being a self-declared "Great Sage Equal to Heaven" to achieving spiritual enlightenment makes him one of the most dynamic and multifaceted figures in Chinese mythology.

So, while Wukong starts off as a rebel god, his path leads him to a position of great spiritual significance, where he embodies a mixture of power, wisdom, protection, and transformation.