Animals of Legend

Since the dawn of time, we’ve admired and marveled at the strength, character, and smarts of our brethren in the animal kingdom.

We immortalize them in the constellations, associate personalities with them through the zodiac. We name sports teams after those we deem the most fierce and companies after those we believe the most steadfast and true. What animals do you most admire? Find your spirit animal in these tales from across the globe.

The Monkey King

Tale

Monkey King Sun Wu Kong loved to party. He loved it so much he didn’t want it to end. He resolved to go on a quest for immortality. He studied at a temple and mastered martial arts and the powers of transformation. He demanded a weapon worthy of his talents, and the dragon kings of the oceans gave him a golden crowned helmet and armor, cloud-hopping shoes, and a staff he could use to defeat pesky demons.

Then, he cloud-somersaulted to heaven and demanded a place at court. He was appointed to guard the peaches of immortality. But what should happen after all this? The gods threw a party and didn’t invite Monkey! Miffed, he helped himself to the peaches they were going to serve at the banquet. Then, he transformed himself into one of the guests, and snuck into the party. 

When the Jade Emperor of heaven found out, he was furious. He took a huge mountain and plopped it on top of monkey, imprisoning him. Luckily, the Goddess of Mercy gave him a chance to redeem himself. He was sent to guard the monk Tripitaka on his journey west to obtain the complete sacred Buddhist sutras and bring them back to China. Monkey helped Tripitaka, earning enlightenment and the title Victorious Fighting Buddha for his service. A hero, he returned home to his friends on Flower Fruit Mountain … and partied on.

Designs

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