Dragons (龙 – Lóng) hold a prominent place in Chinese mythology and literature, serving as symbols of wisdom, power, and divine authority. In the classic 16th-century novel Journey to the West (西游记 – Xīyóu Jì) by Wu Cheng’en, dragons play crucial roles, influencing the journey of Sun Wukong (孙悟空) and his companions as they travel to India in search of Buddhist scriptures.
This article explores the different dragon characters in Journey to the West, their symbolic meanings, and how they contribute to the adventure, challenges, and spiritual lessons in the novel.
1. Dragons as Divine Beings in Journey to the West
In Chinese mythology, dragons are celestial creatures associated with the seas, rain, and the heavens. They are intelligent, noble, and powerful, often serving as guardians, rulers, or divine messengers.
In Journey to the West, dragons appear as:
✅ Rulers of the Four Seas – The Dragon Kings control the waters and serve as judges of aquatic realms.
✅ Heavenly Beasts – Some dragons act as celestial guardians or divine punishments.
✅ Transformers and Messengers – Dragons have shapeshifting abilities, allowing them to intervene in human and spiritual affairs.
Each dragon character in the story represents a different moral lesson about power, humility, and destiny.
2. The Dragon King of the Eastern Sea and Sun Wukong’s Golden Staff
One of the most famous dragon encounters in Journey to the West is between Sun Wukong and the Dragon King of the Eastern Sea (东海龙王 – Dōnghǎi Lóngwáng).
Sun Wukong’s Quest for a Weapon
After gaining immortality and superhuman abilities, Sun Wukong seeks a weapon worthy of his strength. His journey leads him to the underwater Crystal Palace of the Eastern Dragon King, where he demands a powerful weapon.
The Golden-Banded Staff (Ruyi Jingu Bang)
🔹 The Dragon King, hoping to get rid of Wukong, offers him the legendary Ruyi Jingu Bang (如意金箍棒), a magical iron staff that can change size and weight at will.
🔹 The staff was originally used by Yu the Great to control floods, showing its deep historical and mythological significance.
🔹 Wukong effortlessly lifts the staff, proving his superior strength and divine destiny.
Symbolism of the Dragon and the Staff
✅ The Dragon King represents traditional authority, resisting Wukong’s rebellious nature.
✅ The staff symbolizes cosmic balance, reinforcing that power must be used responsibly.
✅ Wukong’s ability to take what he wants from a dragon highlights his untamed spirit and defiance against divine hierarchy.
3. The White Dragon Horse – A Punished Prince Turned Loyal Steed
Another prominent dragon in the novel is the White Dragon Horse (白龙马 – Báilóng Mǎ), who becomes Tang Sanzang’s mount throughout the journey.
The White Dragon’s Crime and Punishment
🔹 Originally, the White Dragon was the third son of the Dragon King of the Western Sea (西海龙王 – Xīhǎi Lóngwáng).
🔹 He committed a crime in heaven (either setting fire to a palace or eating a sacred pearl, depending on the version).
🔹 As punishment, he was sentenced to death, but Guanyin (观音菩萨), the Bodhisattva of Mercy, saved him, offering him a chance to redeem himself by serving Tang Sanzang.
Transformation into the Pilgrim’s Steed
🔹 When Sun Wukong and Tang Sanzang reach the Snake-Infested River, the White Dragon attacks them in his original form.
🔹 After a fierce battle, Guanyin appears and reminds the dragon of his duty.
🔹 The dragon then transforms into a white horse, becoming Tang Sanzang’s loyal mount.
Symbolism of the White Dragon Horse
✅ Redemption and Spiritual Transformation – The dragon’s journey from a rebellious prince to a humble steed mirrors the theme of personal growth and enlightenment.
✅ Sacrifice and Duty – By serving Tang Sanzang, the dragon repays his karma and earns divine forgiveness.
✅ Dragons as Servants of the Greater Good – Despite their power, dragons can also be humble, loyal, and self-sacrificing.
4. The Dragon Kings and Their Role in the Celestial Bureaucracy
Throughout Journey to the West, the Four Dragon Kings—rulers of the Four Seas—play important roles in divine justice and cosmic order.
The Four Dragon Kings and Their Domains
🔹 Eastern Sea Dragon King (东海龙王 – Dōnghǎi Lóngwáng) – Appears in the story of Sun Wukong’s staff.
🔹 Southern Sea Dragon King (南海龙王 – Nánhǎi Lóngwáng) – Associated with Guanyin’s holy realm.
🔹 Western Sea Dragon King (西海龙王 – Xīhǎi Lóngwáng) – Father of the White Dragon Horse.
🔹 Northern Sea Dragon King (北海龙王 – Běihǎi Lóngwáng) – Lesser known but still influential in aquatic affairs.
Dragons as Enforcers of Cosmic Law
✅ Heavenly Messengers – The Dragon Kings often relay divine commands to other beings.
✅ Judges of the Waters – They control weather, floods, and oceanic balance.
✅ Punishers of the Wicked – Dragons enforce karmic justice, ensuring that wrongdoers face divine retribution.
The Dragon Kings highlight how mythical creatures in Chinese folklore are deeply tied to governance and cosmic balance.
5. Dragons as Opponents and Challenges in the Journey
Not all dragons in Journey to the West are benevolent. Some appear as monstrous beings that test the pilgrims.
The Fire Dragon of the Flaming Mountains
🔹 A fearsome fire dragon guards the Flaming Mountains, preventing travelers from passing.
🔹 Sun Wukong eventually borrows a magical fan from the Princess Iron Fan to extinguish the flames.
🔹 This dragon represents the destructive force of nature, requiring wisdom and diplomacy to overcome.
The Evil Dragons of the Underworld
🔹 Some dragons serve as demonic beings, trying to tempt or deceive the travelers.
🔹 Their defeat reinforces the novel’s Buddhist themes—that only discipline, morality, and faith can overcome obstacles.
6. Conclusion: The Multifaceted Role of Dragons in Journey to the West
In Journey to the West, dragons serve various roles, from divine rulers and wise sages to fallen princes and fearsome obstacles. Their presence highlights:
✅ The complexity of power – Dragons can be both benevolent and fearsome, symbolizing the dual nature of authority.
✅ The theme of redemption – Characters like the White Dragon Horse show that even mighty beings must learn humility and service.
✅ The balance of the cosmos – Whether ruling the seas or guiding heroes, dragons ensure that the laws of heaven remain intact.
Through Sun Wukong’s defiance, Tang Sanzang’s faith, and the dragons’ wisdom, Journey to the West crafts an enduring tale of adventure, spirituality, and cosmic justice—with dragons at its very heart. 🐉✨
