Tradition: Chinese Mythology
Alternative Names: Zhu Wuneng, Wuneng, Zhu Bajie, Pigsy, Bajie
Category: Pig
The Myth
Zhu Bajie, whose Dharma name is Zhu Wuneng, is one of the four disciples of the Buddhist monk Tang Seng in the Chinese classical novel Journey to the West. He has a pig-like face, a human body, and the appearance of a black pig. His unusual appearance reflects his hybrid nature, combining human characteristics with those of a pig.
Zhu Bajie accompanies Tang Seng on his pilgrimage to obtain Buddhist scriptures, travelling alongside Sun Wukong, Sha Wujing, and the White Dragon Horse. Among the group, he is frequently the target of Sun Wukong’s teasing, who often calls him a fool. Despite his role as a disciple on a sacred journey, Zhu Bajie’s pig-like appearance and comic personality make him a distinctive figure in the novel.
Sources
“Zhu Bajie” (猪八戒). Chinese Wikipedia. Wikimedia Foundation. Accessed October 27, 2026.