Zhu Bajie

Zhu Bajie (猪八戒), also known as Pigsy or Monk Pig, is one of the three main disciples of the Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka) in the classic Chinese novel Journey to the West (西遊記). His name translates roughly to "Pig of the Eight Prohibitions" or "Pig of the Eight Precepts," reflecting his initial attempts at self-cultivation.

Originally a celestial marshal named Tianpeng Yuanshuai (天蓬元帥), commanding 80,000 naval soldiers in Heaven, Zhu Bajie was banished to the mortal realm after drunkenly flirting with the moon goddess Chang'e. During his fall, he was accidentally reborn as a pig-monster.

Zhu Bajie is characterized by his gluttony, laziness, and lust. He constantly complains about the journey to the West and often suggests returning to the comfortable life he once led. He is known for his comedic nature and provides much of the lightheartedness in the epic.

Despite his flaws, Zhu Bajie is a loyal, if reluctant, companion to Tang Sanzang. He wields a nine-toothed rake called the Jiǔchǐdīngpá (九齿钉耙) as his weapon and possesses considerable strength. While not as skilled as Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie is a capable fighter and helps to overcome many obstacles on the journey.

At the conclusion of the Journey to the West, Zhu Bajie is not granted Buddhahood like Sun Wukong. Instead, he is appointed the "Altar Cleaner" (净坛使者, Jìngtán Shǐzhě), a position that ensures he is never without food, a fitting reward for his insatiable appetite.