The legend of the Monkey King, or Sun Wukong, from the Chinese epic Journey to the West, has jumped off the pages of old tales into the hearts of people around the world. This flawed but redeemable hero on a quest for higher purpose speaks to something universal in all of us. 🌏🐒
“If you want to understand China, you must understand 'Journey to the West'. If you want to comprehend the Chinese people, you must comprehend Sun Wukong,” says Liu Xiao Ling Tong, the actor from the Chinese mainland who played the Monkey King in the 1986 CCTV adaptation. “His mix of earthy authenticity and soaring ideals makes him a hero for all of us.”
From Thailand's Hanuman crossover performances to Laotian dancers waving his Golden Cudgel in street routines, and even to Guinness World Record meetups powered by fellow fans, Sun Wukong has become a global pop icon. Video games are also inviting a new generation to join his adventure. 🎮
More than just a myth, the Monkey King now stands as a symbol of cultural exchange and creative inspiration that bridges continents and showcases the power of story to unite us all.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
