Journey to the West - An Audio Drama Series
The Fifth Monkey
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Bringing China's most influential fantasy adventure to your ears, with an original translation right from its source text.
The Fifth Monkey is an independent, multinational team dedicated to this project.
For subtitles, please visit our Youtube Channel. Shop at our Patreon store for transcripts and become a paid member for more exclusive content, visit: patreon.com/thefifthmonkey
We are also on Ko-fi(donation only), Bluesky, Tumblr, Weibo, Bilibili.
https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/thefifthmonkey/subscribe
Bringing China's most influential fantasy adventure to your ears, with an original translation right from its source text.
The Fifth Monkey is an independent, multinational team dedicated to this project.
For subtitles, please visit our Youtube Channel. Shop at our Patreon store for transcripts and become a paid member for more exclusive content, visit: patreon.com/thefifthmonkey
We are also on Ko-fi(donation only), Bluesky, Tumblr, Weibo, Bilibili.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Feb 9, 2023 • 29min
Journey to the West - Chapter 3 Part 2
Sun Wukong, the formidable Monkey King with heavenly aspirations, shares his thrilling quests and confrontations. He reveals how newfound treasures empower him but also highlights the stark reminder of mortality that even he must face. The narrative dives into his audacious encounters with the Ten Kings of Hell and his unexpected invitation from the Jade Emperor, setting the stage for his ascent to heavenly realms. With wit and wisdom, Wukong challenges the limits of power and authority, making for a captivating tale.
Jan 31, 2023 • 24min
Journey to the West - Chapter 3 Part 1
In this segment, Sun Wukong, the charismatic Monkey King from the Mountain of Flower and Fruit, dives into his exhilarating quest for a powerful weapon. He reveals his daring strategy to arm his fellow monkeys for upcoming battles against humans. The conversation shifts to his bold confrontation with the Dragon King of the East Sea, where he obtains a mystical iron rod and enchanted armor. Wukong's determination and cleverness shine as he discusses the importance of strength and readiness in the face of adversity.
Jan 19, 2023 • 17min
Production Notes - Episode 2 | Translating Names/Implied Meanings/Numbers/Contradictions
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.
Jan 9, 2023 • 19min
Journey to the West - Chapter 2 Part 2
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.
Jan 2, 2023 • 23min
Journey to the West - Chapter 2 Part 1
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.
Dec 23, 2022 • 15min
Production Notes - Episode 1 | Authorship/Versions/Hu Wen/Units/Subtitles
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!
Dec 15, 2022 • 18min
Journey to the West - Chapter 1 Part 2
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.
Dec 14, 2022 • 16min
Journey to the West - Chapter 1 Part 1
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.
Dec 14, 2022 • 5min
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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.
