In Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie is often portrayed as a comic figure – gluttonous, lazy, and lustful. Yet a closer reading of the original text reveals many overlooked virtues. Far from being merely a foil, he is a reliable companion whose contributions are vital to the journey’s success.
When Sun Wukong failed to defeat the Green Bull Demon, he sought aid from Tathagata Buddha. Though aware of the demon’s origins, Tathagata withheld this knowledge, fearing Wukong’s indiscretion. He dispatched Arhats instead of intervening personally — even when they too proved ineffective.
Sun Wukong managed to save his life thanks to a tremendous leap that carried him directly to the Ninth Heaven. As soon as he saw the demons leaving the battlefield with their banners lowered, he realized that his companions had been captured once again.
Sun Wukong and the star lords quickly mounted their clouds and soared high into the sky. The monster gathered all the golden fragments and, at the same time, ordered his troops to form up on the open ground beside the monastery gate.