Sun Wukong’s 11 Magical Treasures: More than Just the Jingu Bang
At the beginning of the classic novel Journey to the West, it is mentioned that Sun Wukong was born from a divine stone, making him a magical monkey with extraordinary abilities. After apprenticing under the sage Bodhi, Sun Wukong mastered numerous skills, gaining abilities that made him invincible. In addition to his skills, Wukong also acquired a series of powerful treasures along his journey.
It all started when Sun Wukong caused havoc in the Dragon Palace and obtained his famous weapon, the Ruyi Jingu Bang. Since then, Wukong continued to collect powerful treasures, in addition to his abilities learned from Bodhi. His collection of magical items became legendary. Apart from the Jingu Bang, Sun Wukong possesses 10 other powerful treasures. Let’s explore each of them!
1st Treasure: The Golden Hairs
Sun Wukong has three golden hairs, which are actually transformed from three willow leaves taken from the Jade Pure Bottle of Guanyin Bodhisattva. Contrary to popular belief, the golden hairs are not the same as the regular hairs Wukong pulls from his body to transform into monkeys for assistance in battle. The golden hairs are top-tier items, meant for use in dire situations to rescue him from disaster.
For instance, when Sun Wukong was trapped inside the Yin-Yang Gourd by the Golden-Winged Great Peng, none of his usual methods could save him. It was only when he used one of the golden hairs that he was able to pierce through the gourd and escape effortlessly, showcasing the incredible power of these hairs.
2nd, 3rd, and 4th Treasures: Phoenix-Feathered Cap, Golden Chainmail Armor, and Cloud-Walking Boots
These three treasures were obtained after Wukong refused to leave the Dragon Palace, even after getting the Jingu Bang, and pressured the Dragon Kings into giving him more gifts. The Phoenix-Feathered Cap came from Ao Qin, the Dragon King of the South Sea; the Golden Chainmail Armor from Ao Run, the Dragon King of the West Sea; and the Cloud-Walking Boots from Ao Shun, the Dragon King of the North Sea.
These items became Wukong’s first set of royal attire, a symbol of his newfound power and status after his rebellion against the heavens.
5th Treasure: Fiery Golden Eyes
Sun Wukong’s Fiery Golden Eyes were a byproduct of being burned in the Eight Trigrams Furnace by the Supreme Lord Laozi. These eyes allow him to see through illusions and identify monsters in disguise. Whenever Tang Sanzang, his master, was deceived by demons, Sun Wukong could always see through their tricks. However, despite this power, Wukong often found himself frustrated as Tang Sanzang never fully trusted his ability.
6th Treasure: Somersault Cloud
The Somersault Cloud is another ability bestowed upon Sun Wukong by Bodhi. With a single somersault, Wukong can travel 108,000 li (approximately 54,000 kilometers), making mountains and rivers no obstacle to him.
7th Treasure: Heavenly Transformation
Heavenly Transformation is an advanced version of Wukong’s shape-shifting ability, surpassing his usual 72 transformations. While the 72 transformations can alter his form and size, Heavenly Transformation allows him to grow to an enormous size, towering over mountains. Only three beings are capable of this: Sun Wukong, the deity Erlang Shen, and the Six-Eared Macaque.
8th Treasure: 72 Transformations
The 72 Transformations are also learned from Bodhi and involve more than just turning into 72 different objects. This power includes a wide range of mystical abilities, such as controlling wind, summoning spirits, borrowing mountains, and even becoming invisible.
9th Treasure: Diamond Body
After being burned in the Eight Trigrams Furnace, Sun Wukong not only gained his Fiery Golden Eyes but also attained a Diamond Body. His invulnerable form makes him immune to blades, fire, lightning, and other physical attacks, cementing his status as an unbeatable warrior.
10th Treasure: Golden Headband
Many people think the Golden Headband is a punishment for Wukong, but it also serves as protection. The headband was forged from divine iron used by the Great Yu in his water-control efforts, much like the Jingu Bang. As such, it too is an impenetrable artifact.
When you combine the Jingu Bang with these other treasures, Sun Wukong carries 11 magical artifacts, each one holding immense power. No wonder he boldly calls himself the Great Sage Equal to Heaven.
