so i actually started to read "journey to the west"

[mckracken]

but it wasnt any good. i think i got to page 50 or so. I found the book (from what ive read) boring because sun wukong was portrayed as invincible and there was constant praise of what he could do...
I take it the game is VERY loosely based on the novel?

[WestlandRobot]

I mean watching TV series (1986 edition) is more fun than reading books. Even for Chinese.

[AngryChinesEDOTAER]

The original novel is in ancient Chinese, written in the spoken ancient Chinese（Written language of ancient mandarin is more hard, and totally different with spoken ancient Chinese),

as a modern Chinese, it is difficult to read, there are many poems in it, I can't understand it at all, and your foreign translated version is definitely completely different

a little more explain of Language (basically, only Chinese known):

In modern ancient China, such as the Ming and Qing dynasties, there are ancient Chinese novels that do not use the written language of the ancient language exclusively, but instead use easily understandable versions of the ancient texts, similar to the ancient spoken language of the version of the ancient texts

but, it's still hard for me to read it (ancient spoken language of the version of the ancient texts).

[mckracken]

interesting. i got my translation from amazon kindle.
i value word for word translations not inaccurate westernized retellings.

I found the book (from what ive read) boring because sun wukong was portrayed as invincible and there was constant praise of what he could do...

[吞狼咽虎]

After Wukong met Tangseng(his master), the story goes interesting and Wukong began to become not invincible.

[吞狼咽虎]

the game story is happened after Wukong became Buddha. The world is dominate by bad guys.

[mckracken]

thanks for the notes!

you know what game has a really nice backstory involving buddishm?
Sekiro!

[小行家AGT]

Don't read. Just watch the TV series. Most Chinese don't watch the book, truly boring

[椒椒]

The original, Chinese is difficult to understand because it is ancient Chinese, and it is difficult for even students to read. Only those who specialize in ancient Chinese can understand it. I suggest you watch the 1986 TV series, it is easy to understand.

[周周不喜欢]

Originally posted by AngryChinesEDOTAER:

The original novel is in ancient Chinese, written in the spoken ancient Chinese（Written language of ancient mandarin is more hard, and totally different with spoken ancient Chinese),

as a modern Chinese, it is difficult to read, there are many poems in it, I can't understand it at all, and your foreign translated version is definitely completely different

a little more explain of Language (basically, only Chinese known):

In modern ancient China, such as the Ming and Qing dynasties, there are ancient Chinese novels that do not use the written language of the ancient language exclusively, but instead use easily understandable versions of the ancient texts, similar to the ancient spoken language of the version of the ancient texts

but, it's still hard for me to read it (ancient spoken language of the version of the ancient texts).

Normal, it is difficult to understand Journey to the West for crossing the language barrier, and it will be much easier to watch TV series

[WeaponX]

I suggest watching the 86' series. It's free on youtube with English subtitle

[Hanferd]

Originally posted by mckracken:

but it wasnt any good. i think i got to page 50 or so. I found the book (from what ive read) boring because sun wukong was portrayed as invincible and there was constant praise of what he could do...
I take it the game is VERY loosely based on the novel?

I can recommend you to check out in youtube of "Uproar in Heaven" that was a cartoon from 1960. It basically an easy to digest story origin of Monkey before the "Journey to the West". Like how he found his stick weapon and how he revolted against heaven and become immortal.

[弗兰的妄想]

Journey to the West is one of China's Four Great Classical Novels. It was written by an official, and I believe that it hides political allegory under the guise of supernatural elements. This might be one of the reasons why it can be boring to read, as the text needs to account for two layers of narrative.

Moreover, Sun Wukong is not truly invincible; gods, Buddhas, and demons can all pose a threat to him. I think the novel mainly focuses on how a young person with great talent matures in terms of mindset, ultimately becoming a Buddha.

[mckracken]

yeah i think i rather give the original another try, instead of watching a tv series for modern sensibilities. (condensed and simplistic)
It was a product of its time, and thats how i want to experience it.

I love ancient literature.

[弗兰的妄想]

Yes, then you might see a monkey gradually learning to be adaptable and smooth. :)

[守岸人的老公]

等你看到后面就明白了。中国神话是很有深度的。