Reading Notes: The Monkey Kin Sun Wu Kung

Bibliography:

The Ape Sun Wu Kung in The Chinese Fairy Book, ed. by R. Wilhelm, translated by Frederick H. Martens (1921)

http://mythfolklore.blogspot.com/2014/06/myth-folklore-unit-monkey-king-sun-wu.html

(Image Information: Monkey King Sun Wukong on Behance: https://www.behance.net/gallery/42425851/MONKEY-KING-Sun-Wukong)

-The story begins in an island called the Mountain of Flowers and Fruits far away to the East. There is a high rock on the mountain that has been absorbing energy from heaven and earth and sun and moon for a very long time.

-This rock contained a monkey who broke free obtaining all the energy and power within.

-As the heavens worried for the birth of this strange beast, they sent down two gods to find out what had happened. The report was that two rays of shine came from the rock and split the heavens itself. 

-As the magical ape found other apes to interact with, the other apes told him that anyone that can force his way through the waterfall of the high cliff without injury will be their new king.

-The ape did it with no problem and became the king of the apes. 

-Reading this story, I completely forgot that I have read so many fun versions of this very story when I was a kid still living in East Asia.

-The monkey king is an obnoxious and strong character who goes on an adventure with a wizard and a pig in order to humble himself before the heavens. 

-The journey is long and difficult but the Ape King is able to push through each obstacles.

-The way the Ape King got his name is when he visited 'The Discerner" who is a saint who dwells in a cave, the Ape King complained that he did not have a name so he named him "Sun Wu Kung"

-Sun Wu Kung is a very popular character in East Asia and the stories are told in different ways to give valuable lessons to kids all around. 

-I want to write a story where the main character can be seen as a foolish but strong character who goes on a difficult journey to find himself and his purpose in life.