Jhun Carlo A.
Lampadio
Journey to the West: A Spiritual Adventure
Journey to the West, written by Wu Cheng’en in the 16th century, is a cornerstone of Chinese
literature. The novel follows the monk Tang Sanzang on a pilgrimage to India to obtain sacred
Buddhist scriptures, accompanied by his three disciples: the rebellious and powerful Sun
Wukong (Monkey King), the gluttonous Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and the quiet Sha Wujing (Sandy).
Together, they face numerous trials and adversaries, each symbolizing moral and spiritual
challenges.
The characters reflect human qualities: Sun Wukong embodies the restless mind, Zhu Bajie
represents indulgence, and Sha Wujing signifies perseverance. Tang Sanzang, as the leader,
symbolizes faith and purity. Their journey is an allegory for enlightenment, emphasizing
teamwork, self-discipline, and growth.
Rich in Buddhist, Daoist, and Confucian themes, the novel blends mythology and philosophy,
making it a cultural treasure. Its universal appeal has inspired countless adaptations, cementing
its legacy as a timeless epic.
Author and it’s inspiration
The author of Journey to the West (西遊記, Xī Yóu Jì) is Wu Cheng’en, a Chinese scholar and
writer from the Ming Dynasty (1368–1644). Little is known about his life, and much of what is
known is derived from historical speculation and scholarly analysis. Wu Cheng’en is often
believed to have been born in the early 1500s, and while he may have held some official
positions, it is his literary work that has earned him lasting fame. He is generally regarded as the
author who transformed the mythological story of the Buddhist monk Xuanzang’s pilgrimage
into the fantastical adventure that became Journey to the West.
Asia: “Journey to the West” (Critique)
Journey to the West is
a cornerstone of Chinese literature, blending adventure, comedy, and spirituality. Its central
character, the Monkey King (Sun Wukong), is a complex figure whose mischievous nature
gradually transforms into wisdom and self-discipline. This transformation, alongside themes of
redemption and enlightenment, gives the story timeless appeal. Furthermore, the novel’s
integration of Buddhist, Taoist, and Confucian philosophies adds a profound cultural depth.
While the novel has been celebrated for its depth, imagination, and complex characters, it also
invites critique on various fronts, particularly its narrative structure, religious themes, and
character development. This essay explores the strengths and limitations of Journey to the West,
offering a balanced critique of its artistic, philosophical, and cultural contributions.
This essay explores the strengths and limitations of Journey to the West, offering a balanced
critique of its artistic, philosophical, and cultural contributions.On the surface, Journey to the
West is a thrilling adventure that showcases Wu Cheng’en’s creative prowess. The episodic
nature of the novel—where each chapter presents a new trial or challenge for the protagonists—
keeps readers engaged through a series of dramatic encounters, often filled with supernatural
battles, magical creatures, and witty dialogues. The imaginative world-building and vivid
descriptions of the landscapes, gods, demons, and magical powers display Wu Cheng’en’s
exceptional talent for storytelling.
North America: “Pocahontas” (Native American Folklore)
The story of Pocahontas, a Native American woman whose interactions with early English
settlers became part of the mythology of the American colonial experience, has been told and
retold through centuries. From historical accounts to romanticized legends, the story of
Pocahontas has been shaped by various authors and cultural influences. These retellings are
influenced not only by historical events but also by the broader political and social needs of the
time. This essay explores the authors who have shaped the story of Pocahontas and the
inspirations behind the various versions of her life, tracing how her narrative evolved from fact
to legend.
Author and it’s inspiration
Pocahontas was a real historical figure, born around 1596. She was the daughter of Powhatan,
the paramount chief of a network of tribal nations in the Tidewater region of present-day
Virginia. Her original name was Matoaka, and Pocahontas was a nickname meaning “playful
one” or “little mischief.”
The most famous story involving Pocahontas is her alleged saving of English colonist Captain
John Smith’s life in 1607. However, historians debate the accuracy of this account, as it primarily
comes from Smith’s writings, which may have been exaggerated. Pocahontas later played a key
role in fostering relations between the Powhatan people and the English settlers, culminating in
her marriage to English tobacco planter John Rolfe in 1614, a union that temporarily brought
peace between the groups.
North America: “Pocahontas”( critique )
The tale of Pocahontas highlights the complex dynamics between Native Americans and
European settlers. It symbolizes peace and cultural exchange, embodying values of
understanding and reconciliation. However, the story is often romanticized, particularly in
Western media, which distorts historical truths. The overemphasis on her relationship with
English settlers, especially John Smith, shifts the focus from her role within her own culture.
Moreover, this narrative often reflects a colonial perspective, overshadowing Native American
voices and reducing Pocahontas to a symbol rather than a historical figure. While the story holds
cultural significance, it requires reinterpretation to honor its indigenous roots and provide a more
balanced perspective.
Latin american: The Legend of La Llorona: A Haunting Tale of Sorrow and Warning
La Llorona, or “The Weeping Woman,” is one of the most enduring legends in Latin American
folklore. Its chilling tale of tragedy and supernatural sorrow has captivated generations,
transcending cultural boundaries to become a symbol of grief, warning, and moral lessons. This
essay explores the origins, variations, and cultural significance of the La Llorona legend,
demonstrating its role as both a cautionary tale and a reflection of societal values.
The origins of La Llorona are steeped In oral tradition, making it difficult to pinpoint a definitive
beginning. Most versions of the story share a common thread: a woman named Maria, renowned
for her beauty, falls in love with a man of higher social status. Their relationship leads to
children, but their romance deteriorates due to the man’s infidelity or abandonment. In a moment
of anguish, Maria drowns her children in a river, an act she immediately regrets. Overwhelmed
by guilt, she takes her own life and is condemned to wander the earth, crying for her lost
children.
Historically, some scholars link the legend to pre-Hispanic Aztec myths, particularly the goddess
Cihuacóatl, who was said to weep for her children before the Spanish conquest. Others see it as a
cautionary tale emerging from colonial-era societal norms, warning women about the dangers of
defiance and unrestrained emotion.
Author and it’s inspiration
Pre-Columbian Mythological Roots
One of the earliest inspirations for La Llorona comes from pre-Columbian mythology. Scholars
often draw parallels between her and the Aztec goddess Cihuacóatl. This deity, known as the
“Snake Woman,” was a protector of motherhood and childbirth but was also said to cry out in
mourning, foretelling the conquest and destruction of the Aztec Empire. Her sorrow for the loss
of her people and culture closely mirrors the grief of La Llorona, connecting the legend to
themes of cultural trauma and collective loss.
3. Latin America: “La Llorona” (critique)
The legend of *La Lorena*, or the “Weeping Woman,” is a haunting tale of grief and regret. Its
emotional depth and themes of remorse resonate across generations, making it a staple of
Mexican folklore. The ghostly figure serves as both a moral caution and a cultural icon, blending
supernatural horror with societal warnings about motherhood, despair, and consequences.
However, the story can sometimes feel one-dimensional, reducing *La Llorona* to a figure of
pure regret without exploring the complexity of her emotions or circumstances. Additionally, the
archetype of the weeping woman exists in various cultures, which can dilute its uniqueness. Still,
*La Llorona* endures as a chilling and evocative narrative that bridges folklore and moral
storytelling.
4. Europe: “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” (Germany)
The story takes place in the town of Hamelin (or Hameln), Germany, in the year 1284. The town
is plagued by an infestation of rats. The residents, desperate for relief, are visited by a mysterious
man dressed in colorful, pied (multicolored) clothing who claims he can rid the town of rats for a
fee.
The man, often referred to as the Pied Piper, plays a magical pipe that lures the rats out of
Hamelin, leading them to a river where they drown. The townspeople rejoice, but when the Piper
returns to collect his payment, the townsfolk refuse to pay him the agreed-upon sum, either out
of greed or claiming he did not deserve it.
In revenge, the Pied Piper plays his pipe again, this time enchanting the children of Hamelin. The
children follow him as he leads them out of town and into a cave or through a mountain pass.
Depending on the version of the story, the children are never seen again, though some variations
say they were led to a utopian land, or that one child (often lame or deaf) was left behind to tell
the tale.
Author and it’s inspiration
The story of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” is most famously attributed to Robert Browning, who
wrote a poetic version of the tale in 1842. Browning’s poem, titled “The Pied Piper of Hamelin:
A Child’s Story,” is a narrative retelling of the medieval legend.The legend of the Pied Piper
originated in the German town of Hamelin (Hameln). It is based on a mysterious historical event
that allegedly occurred in 1284. According to local accounts and town records:
4. Europe: “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” (critique)
The story of “The Pied Piper of Hamelin” is one of the most enduring and enigmatic folktales in
Western literature. First popularized by the poem written by Robert Browning in 1842, the tale
has since become a symbol of justice, vengeance, and the consequences of broken promises. Set
in the medieval town of Hamelin, it tells the story of a mysterious piper who rids the town of a
rat infestation with his magical pipe, only to be denied payment by the townspeople.
In retaliation, he uses his music to lead the town’s children away, leaving the town in anguish.
While the story offers powerful moral lessons, its ambiguities—particularly concerning the
Piper’s actions—raise significant questions about justice, morality, and the consequences of
betrayal.
The *Pied Piper of Hamelin* is a European classic that explores themes of justice, broken
promises, and revenge. Its moral ambiguity—where the piper, both savior and villain, punishes a
town for its greed—invites diverse interpretations. The eerie imagery of the disappearing
children has ensured the tale’s memorability, making it a favorite for retellings.
Despite its strengths, the story lacks character depth, particularly for the piper, whose
motivations remain enigmatic. The dark and unsettling ending may also be too grim for younger
audiences, limiting its appeal. Nevertheless, its allegorical richness and enduring legacy solidify
its place in European folklore.
Africa: Anansi and the Quest for Wisdom
In the heart of the African savannah, where the sun’s rays painted the earth golden, there lived a
clever spider named **Anansi**. Anansi was no ordinary spider; he was a trickster and a master
of wit, known far and wide for outsmarting even the most powerful animals and gods. His
intelligence was his greatest weapon, and with it, he had made his name both feared and
respected. Yet, despite all his cunning and success, Anansi felt a gnawing emptiness inside. He
wanted something more—something greater than the tricks he had already mastered: he wanted
wisdom, the kind of wisdom that could never be outdone, the kind that could make him the
wisest being in the world.
Anansi heard stories of a place high in the sky where the great **Sky God Nyame** kept all the
wisdom of the universe locked away in a treasure chest. Legends told that whoever could claim
this chest would possess the knowledge of all things. Filled with both excitement and greed,
Anansi decided that he would be the one to claim it.
With his spider legs trembling in anticipation, Anansi set off toward the mountain where the Sky
God lived. The journey was long and perilous, but Anansi’s mind was quick and sharp, always
finding solutions to obstacles in his way. Along the way, he encountered **Elephant**, the
mighty ruler of the forest, who towered over him and blocked his path.
Author and it’s inspiration
Anansi’s stories are traditionally oral folklore passed down through generations, so there is no
single author. Rather, they were shaped and retold by countless storytellers over centuries. The
tales were first documented and popularized by various authors and scholars who collected
African folktales, including Robert Montgomery in the 19th century, and later by authors such as
James Berry, Eric A. Kimmel, and Verna Aardema, who adapted Anansi’s tales for children in
English and other languages.
The stories of Anansi the Spider are deeply rooted in African folklore, primarily originating from
the Akan people of Ghana, though they are also prominent in the folklore of other West African
cultures, as well as in the Caribbean and parts of the Americas due to the African diaspora.
5. Africa: “Anansi the Spider” (West Africa)
Anansi the Spider, a central figure in West African folklore, is celebrated for his cleverness and
resourcefulness. As a trickster, Anansi’s tales often contain humor and moral lessons, making
them engaging and educational. His ability to outsmart more powerful beings emphasizes
intelligence over strength, reflecting values of resilience and ingenuity.
However, as a trickster, Anansi’s actions sometimes blur ethical lines, which might confuse
audiences unfamiliar with the cultural context of such characters. Some stories may appear
simplistic, but their charm lies In their ability to convey profound wisdom through accessible
narratives. Anansi’s adaptability ensures his stories remain relevant in both traditional and
modern settings.
Conclusion
These stories from Asia, North America, Latin America, Europe, and Africa reveal the diversity
and universality of human storytelling. While each tale has unique cultural roots, they share
common themes—redemption, morality, justice, and ingenuity. Despite their individual flaws,
these narratives endure because they resonate deeply with human experiences, transcending time
