SuaveG – The Gentle Path

Tag: Ming Dynasty

‌Are there cat demons in Journey to the West?

If you visit the Forbidden City in Beijing, you might encounter cats. It is said that nearly 200 cats live there.
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April 16, 2025
Why is the author of Journey to the West unknown?

Journey to the West (Xiyouji), one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, was published anonymously in the 16th century during the Ming Dynasty. While Wu Cheng’en is traditionally credited as its author, the work’s true authorship remains debated and shrouded in mystery.
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April 9, 2025
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.
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April 2, 2025
Versions and Alternative Titles of Journey to the West

Journey to the West (Xiyouji) is a literary masterpiece rooted in the historical pilgrimage of the Tang Dynasty monk Xuanzang (602–664 CE) to India in search of Buddhist scriptures. Over centuries of layered cultural creation, it absorbed diverse influences—myths, folklore, religious teachings, and performative arts—to evolve into a literary classic blending adventurous storytelling with philosophical depth.
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March 31, 2025