Myths and Legends: Episode 404 - Monkey King: Not Found
Hosts: Jason Weiser & Carissa Weiser
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Introduction: Revisiting the Monkey King
In Episode 404 of Myths and Legends, hosts Jason and Carissa Weiser dive deep into the legendary tales of Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, from the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West. They promise a blend of familiar narratives with fresh, surprising insights, aiming to captivate both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers to the mythology.
Jason Weiser begins the tale:
"The overall story is from a medieval Chinese novel called Journey to the West, where the characters are, unsurprisingly, on a journey to the west to retrieve holy Buddhist scriptures at a temple." [00:00]
Character Line-Up: The Pilgrims on a Sacred Quest
Jason introduces the ensemble of characters central to the story:
- Xuanzong (Tang Monk): The devout protagonist seeking enlightenment by retrieving sacred texts.
- Sun Wukong (Monkey King): An immortal monkey with shapeshifting abilities and an iron rod, whose rebellious nature almost toppled heaven before his imprisonment.
- Pigsy: A humanoid pig with insatiable appetites, striving for redemption despite his flaws.
- Sandy: An indigo Sandman with transformative sand-shapeshifting powers, once a fearsome traveler-eater until reformed by Xuanzong.
- Yulong (Dragon Horse): A steadfast dragon in horse form, rarely deviating from his nature.
Jason elaborates:
"These four, technically five, are traveling west to get the scriptures, and they constantly run into demons and dangers." [00:00]
Captured by Darkness: Xuanzong's Predicament
As the journey unfolds, Xuanzong finds himself ensnared in a monster's lair, struggling against ropes with the omnipresent threat of demons lurking. The immediate danger arises when a mole cricket inadvertently leads to their current predicament.
Narrative Highlight:
"Xuanzong, the Tang monk, struggled against his ropes…" [02:49]
Sun Wukong swiftly arrives, transforming into his monkey form to assess the situation. He theorizes the cause of the monastery's woes—a young woman with sinister intentions to consume Xuanzong for immortality.
Devious Plans and Ironic Ironies
Determined to rescue Xuanzong, the Monkey King devises a cunning plan to deceive the demoness. The strategy involves agreeing to marry her under false pretenses, aiming to outsmart her by exploiting her weaknesses.
Monkey King's Strategy:
"Xuanzong looked to the cave floor. Okay, just like, agree to marry her, but say that you want to go on a walk outside in the orchard." [02:49]
However, Xuanzong's eagerness to sacrifice himself introduces a layer of irony and humor, with Jason and Carissa playfully critiquing his naivety.
Entering Murder City: The Dharma Destroying Kingdom
The pilgrims navigate toward the Dharma Destroying Kingdom, a realm under the tyrannical rule of a king intent on murdering Buddhist priests. An elderly woman's warning sets the stage for their impending challenges.
Carissa interjects with humor:
"Please don't try to spend that silver you gave them. It's mostly pot." [36:27]
Inside the city, the group faces ethical dilemmas and strategic challenges, especially with Sun Wukong's reluctance to engage in needless violence despite the pervasive threat of demons.
Inn of Intrigue: Widow Zhao's Hospitality
Seeking refuge, the group encounters Widow Zhao's Inn, a place offering tiered services ranging from luxurious banquets to austere accommodations. The hosts humorously compare the inn's robust security measures to modern-day reviews warning of rampant pants theft.
Jason quips:
"You have to admire not just their commitment to this robbery, but their sheer strength." [36:27]
Choosing the superior service, they unintentionally expose themselves to a robbery plot, leading to their capture within a massive wardrobe—a pivotal moment blending suspense with the hosts' signature witty commentary.
Monkey King's Retaliation: A Bald Transformation
Faced with imminent danger, Sun Wukong unleashes his formidable powers. Transforming into a drill, he infiltrates the wardrobe, orchestrating a magical assault that leaves the entire court bald—a symbolic act of defiance and transformation.
Notable Quote:
"Monkey needed them to do some light barber work… with just a few haircuts." [36:27]
This act not only neutralizes the threat but also catalyzes the king's conversion, illustrating the Monkey King's profound influence and the power of non-violent resistance.
Redemption and Conversion: From Destruction to Dharma
The King of the Dharma Destroying Kingdom experiences a dramatic shift, renouncing his violent ways and embracing Buddhism. The city's transformation from a place of fear to one of honor underscores the overarching theme of redemption that permeates the journey.
Jason reflects:
"Monkey had his own way of dealing with these things… converted an entire city to Buddhism and helped them to see the error of their ways, all with just a few haircuts." [36:27]
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
With the kingdom transformed and the pilgrims one step closer to their sacred mission, the hosts hint at future adventures, teasing the next episode's exploration of the King of Beers—setting the stage for more mythical escapades.
Closing Teaser:
"Next time it's the King of Beers. And no, I'm not reaching for yet another sponsorship opportunity." [36:27]
Creature of the Week: The Cinnamologus
Beyond the main narrative, Jason delves into the mythical creature of the week—the Cinnamologus, a bird believed to collect cinnamon sticks. He contrasts medieval myths with the actual, labor-intensive process of cinnamon harvesting, highlighting the divergence between legend and reality.
Jason explains:
"Apparently, though, people in the Middle Ages preferred the story where the cinnamon sticks were covered in bird feces and brought down by being weighted down by ox chunks or contaminated with lead." [46:27]
This segment underscores the podcast's commitment to exploring and debunking historical myths, enriching listeners' understanding of folklore's intricate tapestry.
Final Notes:
Myths and Legends Episode 404 masterfully intertwines storytelling with insightful commentary, bringing ancient myths to life with modern flair. The Weisers' engaging narrative, punctuated by humor and thoughtful analysis, offers a comprehensive and entertaining exploration of the Monkey King's enduring legacy.
For more immersive mythological adventures, listeners are encouraged to join the show's community through their Discord server and Instagram, ensuring they stay connected with future tales from the annals of folklore.