The Little Sage in Journey to the West and his historical origins

Erlang Shen, also known as “God Erlang” or the “Little Sage”, holds a unique and pivotal position in Journey to the West. Erlang Shen’s victory over Sun Wukong marks a turning point in the novel, forcing the Monkey King to confront his limitations and paving the way for his eventual redemption under Tang Sanzang.

His character embodies a blend of divine authority, martial prowess, and humility, serving as a foil to Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) while embodying the virtues that Sun Wukong must learn to embrace and reflecting deeper Taoist and Confucian ideals.

Historical origins of Erlang

There are multiple theories about the historical prototype of the deity Erlang Shen, with no definitive consensus.

• Li Bing: A hydraulic engineer from the Warring States period.
• Li Bing‘s second son: Li Bing’s second son, renowned for assisting his father in constructing Dujiangyan, the water conservancy projects, and subduing water monsters, was later officially enshrined in state-sponsored rituals. The people of the Shu region (ancient Sichuan) revered him as ‌”Guankou Erlang Shen”‌ (the Erlang Deity of Guankou).
• Zhao Yu: A Sui Dynasty governor.
• Yang Erlang: A legendary figure from Tang and Song Dynasty folklore.

God Erlang vs Yang Jian

Notably, the most widely recognized modern incarnation of Erlang Shen is Yang Jian who is popularized in The Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi), a Ming Dynasty novel written slightly after Journey to the West.

Role in Folklore and Religion

Historically, Erlang Shen was venerated as a water deity who subdued aquatic monsters. Depictions show him commanding celestial troops to capture water demons, some resembling apes or monkeys—a detail later mirrored in Journey to the West.

Historically, there are several coins of Erlang as a water god to subdue water monsters.

Depictions on ancient coins show him commanding celestial forces from the clouds to capture water demons, some resembling apes or monkeys.

Why “Little Sage”?

In Journey to the West, Erlang Shen is the nephew of the Jade Emperor who is the supreme ruler of Heaven, but why is he called “Little Sage”?‌

• Born to a mortal father, making his divine status unconventional.
• He resides in the mortal realm, refusing celestial privileges, living independently without celestial stipends.
• Despite his power, he holds a subordinate position in the heavenly hierarchy. Celestial figures like Guanyin Bodhisattva address him as ‌”Little Sage” —a title acknowledging his semi-subordinate status and pragmatic compromise with heaven.
• The title “Little Sage” (Xiao Sheng) or “Minor Sage” reflects both his humility and his indirect royal lineage.

Contrast with Sun Wukong

• Sun Wukong (the “Great Sage”) embodies arrogance and defiance.
• Erlang Shen (the “Little Sage”) represents modesty and duty.

In Taoist philosophy, the “small” can overcome the “great”, symbolizing humility’s triumph over hubris. This dynamic explains why Erlang Shen ultimately defeats Sun Wukong in their legendary battle.

This interplay of power, humility, and cosmic order defines Erlang Shen’s role as both a celestial enforcer and a Daoist archetype.