Journey to the West - An Audio Drama Series

Celebrating the Year of the Rabbit, the hosts dive into the intricacies of translating character names and their cultural significance. They share fascinating insights into the challenges of conveying meaning, especially with numerals like 108,000 Li. The discussion also touches on the theme of contradictions, exemplified by Wukong's interactions with his monkey children. It's an engaging exploration that highlights the depth and complexity of translating a beloved fantasy adventure.

In this podcast, Wukong, the legendary Monkey King, shares his whimsical yet heartfelt journey back to his birthplace. He recalls a mishap that sent him home and how he found everything changed. Wukong discusses his powerful magic skills showcased during a gathering and the chaos he faced upon his return. The thrilling confrontation with a monstrous foe leads to a bittersweet reunion with his fellow monkeys, blending humor, adventure, and the power of friendship in this captivating tale.

Wu Kong embarks on a captivating journey under the guidance of Patriarch Pu Ti. He dives into profound teachings of Taoism while engaging in humorous debates about immortality. As he practices meditation and interpretation, his skills blossom, leading to cloud-soaring adventures. This transformative tale beautifully blends wisdom with a touch of lightheartedness, revealing the Monkey King's path to enlightenment.

Dive into the intricate world of adapting a classic! Discover the collaborative authorship behind 'Journey to the West' and the contrasting styles of its translations. Learn how the team tackles the nuances of translation, ensuring cultural integrity while crafting an engaging audio experience. Delve into the creative decisions made in maintaining the novel’s original dialogue and explore the challenges of translating meanings and iconic names. It's a fascinating journey behind the scenes!

In this tale, the Monkey King, Sun Wukong, embarks on a quest for immortality, driven by disillusionment with the human world. His decade-long journey unveils transformative encounters, including a pivotal meeting with an immortal in the mountains. Along the way, he discovers his true identity, awakening to the profound themes of emptiness and self-realization. With each revelation, Sun Wukong’s adventures become richer, setting the stage for a legendary quest filled with challenges and mysteries.

Delve into the origin story of the Monkey King in the mythical kingdom of Aulai. Follow his journey from a stone monkey with exceptional abilities to his rise as the Monkey King among his fellow monkeys. Witness his departure in search of eternal youth, marked by a lavish banquet and a symbolic journey on a raft.

Join us on this wonderful journey today! The Fifth Monkey presents: Journey to the West - an Audio Drama Series Bringing China's most influential fantasy adventure to your ears, with an original translation right from its source text. The Fifth Monkey is a multinational team dedicated to this project. ⁠⁠Follow us on Twitter⁠⁠ for the latest news. For full English subtitles, please visit ⁠⁠our Youtube Channel⁠⁠. Support us on ⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠our homepage⁠⁠ to find us on other platforms.