“It basically sees the Journey to the West as a mistake”: The Most Controversial Take on Black Myth: Wukong Turns Buddha Into a Major Antagonist

Black Myth: Wukong is without a doubt the biggest game of the year. The game is the latest adaptation of the classic Chinese novel Journey to The West and features a lot of characters and lore from it. The game is set after the events of the novel and portrays a darker and edgier version of Sun Wukong’s story.

While the game has received great praise, an aspect of its narrative has been theorized by fans. The game has a somewhat controversial perspective in its depiction of Buddha and the Celestial Court as a major antagonist.

Black Myth: Wukong is More Than An Adaptation of Journey to The West

The original Journey to the West is a deeply spiritual novel that follows the Monkey King, Sun Wukong’s, journey towards enlightenment. It is a tale that blends elements of Taoism and Buddhism and is one of the most iconic pieces of Eastern literature.

In the novel, Wukong begins as a rebellious figure who wages war against the Celestial Court. But after being subdued by Buddha, he undergoes a journey that ultimately leads to his redemption and transformation into the Fighting Buddha.

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Black Myth: Wukong takes place after the events of the original novel where Sun Wukong, having achieved Buddhahood, returns to his home on Flower Fruit Mountain.

But the game takes a turn and presents its own ideas compared to the more traditional interpretations by suggesting that Wukong’s journey was not a path to enlightenment but a manipulative scheme by the celestial powers, including Buddha.

Black Myth Wukong has a pretty controversial take on the characters
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According to a theory on Reddit, The representation of Buddha in Black Myth: Wukong is based on a popular fan theory of the original story. According to it, the celestial forces, with Buddha as a figurehead, used Wukong as a pawn to eliminate threats to their rule, such as the rebellious Yaoguais.

The Game’s Interpretation of The Classic Novel is Interesting

Game Science‘s spin on the lore does not outright paint Buddha as a villain but instead reinterprets his role within the context of the game’s narrative. In the game’s story Buddha’s actions are not driven by malice but by a cosmic order that seeks to maintain balance.

This clashes with Wukong’s newfound desire for freedom. Instead of a battle between good and evil, the game presents this as a clash of ideals and points of view. Wukong represents rebellion and Buddha embodies the established order. This portrayal of the lore has even gotten fans comparing it to God of War‘s Kratos and his story.

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The game is also not a direct retelling of Journey to the West but rather a continuation that takes creative liberties. It invites players to question the nature of authority and the consequences of blind obedience, themes that resonate with Wukong’s rebellious spirit.

Despite a story that some may consider controversial, Black Myth: Wukong is the biggest and hottest game of 2024. And it doesn’t look like it’s going anywhere with its record-breaking success.

Have you played the game? What did you think of the story? Let us know in the comments!