Pigsy

Pigsy, also known as Zhu Bajie, is a central fictional figure in Journey to the West, a Chinese novel from the Ming dynasty. He accompanies the monk Xuanzang (Tripitaka) on a pilgrimage to obtain Buddhist sutras from the West, forming a four-person party that also includes Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) and Sha Wujing (Friar Sand). Pigsy is depicted as a human with pig-like features who, despite a crude demeanor and appetite, displays loyalty and courage in service of the mission.

In the story, Pigsy is a former celestial marshal banished to Earth and transformed into a pig-human hybrid. He is characterized by his gluttony, laziness, and lustful tendencies, often providing comic relief. Yet he also shows bravery, practical strength, and a willingness to risk himself for his companions and the quest when needed.

Pigsy is traditionally depicted as wielding a nine-toothed rake, which serves as his martial weapon. He participates in various trials and battles alongside the other travelers, contributing to the group’s dynamic through a combination of brawny force and streetwise cunning.

Culturally, Pigsy is one of the best-known figures from Journey to the West and has had a lasting impact on Chinese literature and East Asian media. The character appears extensively in adaptations across novels, film, television, theater, comics, and video games. Pigsy is commonly interpreted as a symbol of earthly appetites and human flaws, tempered by loyalty and a capacity for redemption. In English-language contexts, he is usually referred to as Pigsy or Zhu Bajie.