The New Legends of Monkey is a television series that has captivated viewers with its unique and engaging storyline. The show is a modern adaptation of the classic Chinese novel, Journey to the West, written by Wu Cheng’en.
This article will explore the true story behind the show, provide a book summary of Journey to the West, and delve into the TV series, its characters, and its enchanting universe.
So, sit back, relax, and let’s begin our journey into the fascinating world of “The New Legends of Monkey.”
The true story behind the show: Wu Cheng’en’s Journey to the West
The New Legends of Monkey is based on the renowned Chinese novel Journey to the West, written by Wu Cheng’en during the Ming Dynasty.
The novel has been adapted into various forms of media, including plays, films, and television series. Journey to the West is considered one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature and follows the adventures of the Buddhist monk Tripitaka and his three disciples—Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy—on their quest to retrieve sacred scriptures from the West.
Book summary: Journey to the West
The novel begins with the story of the Stone Monkey, who later becomes the Monkey King.
After obtaining magical powers, the Monkey King becomes arrogant and causes chaos in the celestial realm. As punishment, he is imprisoned under a mountain by Buddha for 500 years. Meanwhile, the Buddhist monk Tripitaka is tasked with journeying to the West to retrieve sacred scriptures. He frees the Monkey King, who pledges to serve and protect him on the journey.
Tripitaka, the Monkey King, Pigsy, and Sandy face numerous challenges, demons, and supernatural beings along their journey. Each member of the group possesses unique abilities and contributes to their overall success. After facing countless trials and tribulations, the four adventurers finally reach the Western Paradise, where they receive the sacred scriptures and attain enlightenment.
TV series summary: The New Legends of Monkey
The New Legends of Monkey takes the essence of Journey to the West and adapts it for a modern audience.
The show follows a young girl named Lucy, who disguises herself as the monk Tripitaka and releases the Monkey King from his 500-year imprisonment. Together with Pigsy and Sandy, they embark on a quest to retrieve the sacred scrolls and save the world from an evil force.
Throughout the series, the group faces various challenges, learns valuable lessons, and forms strong bonds of friendship. The New Legends of Monkey introduces new characters and storylines while maintaining the essence of the original novel, making it a fresh and engaging adaptation.
Exploring the characters: Who’s who in the world of Monkey
The New Legends of Monkey features a diverse and interesting cast of characters, each with their own unique abilities and personalities.
This section will introduce you to the main characters, as well as some unforgettable guest stars and their roles.
Monkey
Monkey, also known as the Monkey King or Sun Wukong, is the main protagonist of the series. He is a powerful and mischievous character with a strong sense of loyalty towards his friends. Monkey possesses immense strength, agility, and the ability to transform into various forms.
Tripitaka
Tripitaka, played by Lucy in the TV series, is a young girl who disguises herself as a monk to lead the quest for the sacred scrolls. She is wise, compassionate, and resourceful, often serving as the moral compass of the group.
Pigsy
Pigsy, also known as Zhu Bajie, is a half-man, half-pig character who was once a celestial general. He is strong and skilled in martial arts but can be gluttonous and lazy. Despite his flaws, Pigsy is a loyal friend and an invaluable member of the group.
Sandy
Sandy, or Sha Wujing, is a river demon who was once a celestial general like Pigsy. He is calm, wise, and proficient in water-based magic. Sandy often serves as the voice of reason within the group and helps keep the others grounded.
Unforgettable guest stars and their roles
Throughout the series, numerous guest stars have appeared in various roles, adding depth and excitement to the storylines.
Some noteworthy guest stars include:
- Font Demon (played by Chai Hansen) – A powerful demon who seeks to control the world through written language.
- Gwen (played by Emilie Cocquerel) – A skilled warrior who aids the group in their quest for the sacred scrolls.
- Davari (played by Josh Thomson) – A cunning and manipulative demon who poses a significant threat to the group.
The best episodes and seasons: A comprehensive analysis
The New Legends of Monkey has produced several memorable episodes and seasons that have left a lasting impact on viewers.
Some of the best episodes and seasons include:
Season 1, Episode 1: “Hope Must Never Die”
This episode introduces the main characters and sets the stage for their epic journey. The group faces their first challenge, as they must retrieve a powerful weapon to defeat the evil Font Demon.
Season 2, Episode 6: “Masterchef”
In this lighthearted episode, Pigsy enters a cooking competition to prove his culinary skills. The group encounters a new ally, Gwen, and the episode showcases the importance of teamwork and friendship.
Season 3, Episode 10: “End of the Road”
The season finale sees the culmination of the group’s quest for the sacred scrolls. The stakes are higher than ever, and the group must face their greatest challenges yet. This gripping episode highlights the importance of sacrifice, friendship, and perseverance.
When and where the story takes place: An exploration of locations
The New Legends of Monkey is set in a fantastical version of ancient China, with a blend of real-world and mythical locations.
Some key locations in the series include:
- The Eastern Paradise: The home of the gods and celestial beings, where Monkey originally resides before being imprisoned.
- The Western Paradise: The destination of the group’s quest, where they hope to retrieve the sacred scriptures.
- The Mountain of Five Elements: The site of Monkey’s imprisonment under a mountain by Buddha.
Iconic quotes from the show
The New Legends of Monkey is filled with memorable quotes that capture the spirit and essence of the series.
Some iconic quotes include:
- “Hope must never die.” – Tripitaka
- “Together, we can overcome anything.” – Monkey
- “A true warrior knows when to fight and when to yield.” – Gwen
The enchanting soundtrack by Peter van der Fluit
The soundtrack for The New Legends of Monkey, composed by Peter van der Fluit, adds depth and emotion to the series.
The music is a blend of traditional Chinese instruments and modern electronic sounds, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere that transports the viewer into the world of Monkey and his friends.
Curiosities and trivia about “The New Legends of Monkey”
- The New Legends of Monkey is a New Zealand-Australian co-production, with filming taking place inNew Zealand.
- The series was created by Jane Allen, who also produced the popular Australian TV series “Round the Twist.”
- The Monkey King character is a popular figure in Chinese mythology and has been featured in numerous works of art and literature.
- The show was originally titled “The Legend of Monkey” but was changed to “The New Legends of Monkey” for the second season.
- The original Journey to the West novel is over 100 chapters long and has been adapted into various forms of media over the years.
Tips for cosplay: Dressing like your favorite characters
Cosplay is a popular way for fans to show their love for their favorite characters.
Here are some tips for dressing like your favorite characters from The New Legends of Monkey:
- Monkey: Wear a red and gold outfit with a monkey mask and a staff.
- Tripitaka: Dress in a monk’s robe with a bald cap and carry a prayer bead necklace.
- Pigsy: Wear a pig nose and ears with a green robe and a forked weapon.
- Sandy: Dress in blue and carry a water jug or use water-based makeup to create a watery appearance.
Wu Cheng’en: A brief biography and bibliography
Wu Cheng’en was a Chinese author from the Ming Dynasty who is best known for his novel Journey to the West.
He was born in 1500 and worked as a government official before turning to writing. In addition to Journey to the West, Wu wrote several other works, including The Tower of Myriad Mirrors and The Moon and Sixpence.
Jane Allen’s filmography: The creator’s other works
Jane Allen is the creator and producer of The New Legends of Monkey. She has worked on several other popular TV shows, including Round the Twist and The Saddle Club.
Similar films and TV shows to “The New Legends of Monkey”
If you enjoyed The New Legends of Monkey, here are some similar films and TV shows to check out:
- Kung Fu Panda (2008)
- Mulan (2020)
- Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)
- Into the Badlands (2015-2019)
Parent guide: What to expect when watching the show
The New Legends of Monkey is rated TV-PG for mild language and violence.
Parents should be aware that the show contains some scary and intense scenes that may not be suitable for young children. However, the series also promotes positive themes such as teamwork, friendship, and perseverance.
Conclusion and the lasting impact of “The New Legends of Monkey”
The New Legends of Monkey is a unique and engaging television series that has captivated audiences with its blend of mythology, fantasy, and adventure.
The show’s memorable characters, exciting storylines, and enchanting universe have left a lasting impact on viewers of all ages.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the world of Monkey, this comprehensive guide has provided a deeper understanding and appreciation for the series.
So, grab your staff, put on your monkey mask, and enjoy the journey into the world of “The New Legends of Monkey.”
