85 pages 2 hours read

Wu Cheng'en, Transl. Anthony C. Yu

The Journey to the West: Volume I

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1592

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Chapters 6-10Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 6 Summary

Guanyin, a Bodhisattva, arrives in Heaven with her assistant, Hui’an, ready to attend the peach festival. When she finds everything in disarray, she seeks out the Jade Emperor, who recounts what happened with Wukong. Guanyin sends Hui’an to find out what’s going on at Wukong’s mountain, and Hui’an volunteers to fight Wukong. For much of the fight, they are evenly matched; Wukong eventually wins, and Hui’an flees back to Heaven to request assistance. Guanyin recommends that the Emperor’s nephew, Erlang, go to Wukong’s mountain.

Erlang agrees to subdue Wukong along with his six brothers. Wukong’s claim to be equal to Heaven is offensive to Erlang, who provokes a battle with Wukong. The battle commences, and Wukong’s monkeys are all captured, but Wukong flees. Erlang gives chase, and his brothers stop Wukong, who then transforms to escape; Erlang also transforms and follows. After several more transformations, they fight until Wukong transforms into Erlang. Wukong as Erlang tricks Erlang’s brothers into accepting him, but Erlang follows and attacks and they fight their way back to Wukong’s mountain. Guanyin and Laozi help Erlang. Together, Laozi and Erlang capture Wukong and prevent him from transforming again.