Monkey: A Folk Novel of China

After wrapping up loose ends in Cart Slow, the pilgrims continue on their journey until they come to a deep river called “The River that leads to Heaven” (249), which is 800 leagues across and provides the location for this section of the story. Hearing Buddhist music nearby, the pilgrims follow it and find a village having a ceremony. Tripitaka goes ahead to find out if they can find shelter. When Monkey, Pigsy, and Sandy burst in, the Buddhists are terrified of them, and many of them run away. The old man who owns the house calls people to serve food to the pilgrims. Pigsy is greedy, and his appetite astonishes everyone.

The old man explains to Tripitaka that the river contains a God who brings rain and prosperity but, in exchange, demands children be sacrificed to him as food. He despairs, as “it is our family’s turn to provide the victims” (254), meaning his daughter, Load of Gold, and his brother’s son, War Boy. Monkey demonstrates how he can turn into an exact copy of War Boy and offers to take War Boy’s place in the sacrifice. Monkey says if the old man gives Pigsy enough food, Pigsy will take Load of Gold’s place.