Chang’e(also known as Heng’e, Su’e) is the Moon Goddess in Chinese traditional mythology. We can find this figure of myth in Journey to the West and many other novels. However the portrayal of Chang’e in Journey to the West diverges sharply from traditional mythology.
Mythological Chang’e
In Chinese legend, Chang’e is the wife of the archer Hou Yi. She steals the Elixir of Immortality meant for her husband, consumes it, and ascends to the Moon, becoming its lonely goddess. She symbolizes beauty, longing, and the cost of ambition.
Journey to the West’s Adaptation
While rooted in cultural lore, the novel reimagines her as a collective title for celestial maidens in the Moon Palace(Lunar Palace), rather than a singular deity. The leader of all the Chang’es in Journey to the West is the Lord Supreme Yin, who governs the Moon Palace.
Delighted by the sight, the Great Sage trod the cloudy luminosity, leading the way, followed by Lord Supreme Yin, Heng’e fairies, and the jade hare.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 95
As they stared into the sky, they heard the Great Sage Sun crying out in a loud voice: “Your Majesty of India, please ask your queen and concubines to come out and look. Beneath this treasure canopy is the Star Lord of Supreme Yin, and the immortal sisters on both sides of him are two Chang’e from the moon. This little jade hare is the false princess of your household; she has now revealed her true form.”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 95
These maidens, including figures like Nishang, perform celestial dances and rituals. Their status is relatively low in the heavenly hierarchy, akin to attendants or courtesans.
Key Example: Zhu Bajie’s Scandal
The novel’s most notable reference occurs in the backstory of Zhu Bajie (Eight Rules), the lustful Pigsy.
As the Heavenly Marshal Tianpeng, Bajie drunkenly harassed Nishang, one of the Moon Palace’s maidens. This act led to his banishment from Heaven and rebirth as a half-pig demon.
Guanyin lowered the direction of her cloud and came to ask him, “What region are you from, wild boar who has become a spirit or old sow who has become a fiend, that you dare bar my way?”
“I am neither a wild boar,” said the fiend, “nor am I an old sow! I was originally the Marshal of the Heavenly Reeds in the Heavenly River. Because I got drunk and dallied with the Goddess of the Moon, the Jade Emperor had me beaten with a mallet two thousand times and banished me to the world of dust. My true spirit was seeking the proper home for my next incarnation when I lost my way, passed through the womb of an old sow, and ended up with a shape like this! Having bitten the sow to death and killed the rest of the litter, I took over this mountain ranch and passed my days eating people. Little did I expect to run into the Bodhisattva. Save me, I implore you! Save me!”
— Journey to the West, Chapter 8
Key Episode: Zhu Bajie and Nishang
The incident where Zhu Bajie harasses a “Chang’e” involves Nishang(or Nichang), one of many immortal maidens residing in the Moon Palace.
As they looked up into the air, Zhu Eight Rules was moved to lust. Unable to contain himself, he leaped into the air and embraced Nishang, crying, “Sister, you and I are old acquaintances! Let’s go play!”
Walking forward to grab hold of him, Pilgrim gave him a couple of slaps on the face and a scolding. “You vulgar Idiot!” he said. “Where do you think you are, that you dare vent your lust?”
“It’s just a bit of slapstick;’ replied Eight Rules, “to dispel my boredom and have some fun! That’s all!”
That Lord Supreme Yin ordered the entourage to turn. With al the Chang’e, they took the jade hare back to the Lunar Palace, while Pilgrim yanked Eight Rules back to the ground.
— Journey to the West, Chapter 95
Leave a Reply