2019

Journey to the West

Demon, in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West, is not a single individual but rather a collective term. It broadly refers to any supernatural being, often animalistic or monstrous, that poses a threat to the protagonist, Tang Sanzang, and his disciples.

These demons serve as obstacles on Tang Sanzang's pilgrimage to retrieve Buddhist scriptures from the West. They typically seek to consume Tang Sanzang's flesh, believing it will grant them immortality or enhanced magical powers. Their motivations also extend to acquiring the pilgrims' sacred artifacts, such as the monk's cassock or staff.

The demons exhibit diverse forms, possessing varying degrees of power and cunning. Some are transformed animals who gained sentience and magical abilities through years of cultivation, while others are mischievous spirits or powerful deities who have strayed from the righteous path. Notable examples include the White Bone Demon and the Red Boy.

Ultimately, the demons' primary function in the narrative is to test the pilgrims' resolve, faith, and skill. Their defeat, often orchestrated by Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), represents the triumph of good over evil and reinforces the Buddhist themes of the story.