Suddenly, full of pearls and sober, he said to himself, “Shit, that’s bad.1 This time the trouble I’ve caused is bigger than heaven, if the Jade Emperor hears of this that’ll be it for me. I’ve gotta get out of here.2 I might as well go be king down below!” He ran out of DoushuaiContinue reading “Journey to the West – Chapter 5.4”
Tag Archives: chinese literature
Journey to the West – Chapter 5.1
Short posts are better than no posts! No matter what else he may be, the Great Sage, Equal to Heaven was a monkey.1 He didn’t know what officials’ ranks meant and he didn’t care about salary. He only cared that his title had changed. In the Great Sage Residence, immortals of the two offices attendedContinue reading “Journey to the West – Chapter 5.1”
JttW Literal Translation: What does Heaven look like?
Since I am taking a few more liberties translating Chapter 4 than I did previously, I thought it might be kind of fun to take a look at what a literal, direct translation of the description of Heaven in the Journey to the West looks like.1 So, maintaining as much of the original structure andContinue reading “JttW Literal Translation: What does Heaven look like?”
Journey to the West – Chapter 4.1
I am experimenting with narration style, so hopefully you’ll find that things are different in this chapter. The Handsome Monkey King and old Gold Star Taibai1 ascended their clouds bound for Heaven. Wukong’s somersault cloud was especially swift. He quickly left the Gold Star behind and arrived alone in front of the South Heavenly Gate,Continue reading “Journey to the West – Chapter 4.1”
Journey to the West – Chapter 3.5
We turn now to the heavens, to discuss the Most High Sage, the Merciful and Awesome Jade Emperor in the Lingxiao Cloud Palace, who one morning was holding court with his civil and military officials when the immortal Qiu Hongji1 came forth with a report: “Your Majesty, Aoguang, Dragon King of the East Sea, hasContinue reading “Journey to the West – Chapter 3.5”
Etymology Adventures 