It is named after a host of malevolent stellar deities (fig.
The actual name for this power of metamorphosis is the “Multitude of Terrestrial Killers” ( Disha shu, 地煞數). Now, I can already hear my readers saying, “What?!” Well, there is a good reason for this idea. This is where my current idea begins.ĭuring Monkey’s early Daoist training, his mind is subtly corrupted by one of his magic powers, namely his famous 72 transformations ( qi shi er bianhua, 七十二變化). This latter origin is tied to another idea where Wukong is a soldier-monk in Subodhi’s immortal monastic army similar to Shaolin. For instance, this article provides two possible origins for our hero: 1) he is the spiritual offspring of primordial and highly respected ape immortals, who themselves rebel against heaven after a long period of exile 2) he is the offspring of an ancient, rebellious martial god who wishes to overthrow heaven. I have previously posted a few of my story ideas regarding the Monkey King’s birth and training under Master Subodhi.
Regular articles will resume after this entry. From time to time I like to post a fun blog not directly related to (though sometimes informed by) my research.
