Quick Answer: Who Is the Six-Eared Macaque?
The Six-Eared Macaque (六耳猕猴, Liù’ěr Míhóu) impersonates Sun Wukong (孙悟空, Sūn Wùkōng) in Chapters 57 and 58 of Journey to the West (西游记, Xīyóu Jì). The double copies the Monkey King’s appearance and voice. The Buddha publicly identifies him.[1][2]
- The impostor takes the pilgrims’ baggage.[1]
- Diting (谛听, Dìtīng) recognizes the impostor privately.[2]
- The 2000 CCTV sequel adapts the story in its second episode.[3][4]
The false Monkey King appears to set up a pilgrimage of his own.
The person who seems to be Wukong is at Flower-Fruit Mountain with the stolen baggage. Another Wukong is with Guanyin. For the disciple sent to retrieve the bags, finding both of them turns a search for the stolen bags into a question of identity.
A Second Pilgrimage at Flower-Fruit Mountain
In Chapter 57, Sha Wujing (沙悟净, Shā Wùjìng) finds a duplicate group of pilgrims at Flower-Fruit Mountain. The figure who looks like his fellow disciple says he intends to obtain the scriptures himself. Sha goes to Guanyin, where he sees the real Wukong. Guanyin says he has been with her for days. She sends the two disciples to investigate.[1]
Who Can Tell the Two Apart?
The two monkeys sound and look alike. The court of heaven cannot distinguish the two, and both react to the spell that Tang Sanzang uses to tighten Wukong’s headband. Diting can identify the double but fears what would happen if he says so there. The two are directed to the Buddha, who names the Six-Eared Macaque and describes his extraordinary hearing. Wukong returns to the pilgrimage after the impostor is defeated.[2]
How to Read the Two Minds
Chapter 58 describes the confrontation as a contest between two minds. That phrase gives readers another way to read the double. A pilgrim who has been sent away now faces a rival intent on taking his place and gaining credit for the same journey. The Buddha’s identification still gives the episode an explicit outcome within the plot.[2]
The Episode in the CCTV Sequel
The CCTV catalogue labels episode 2 of the 2000 sequel True and False Monkey King. Its synopsis begins with Sha’s discovery of the duplicate travelers and follows the effort to distinguish the monkeys. The title makes their outward resemblance the organizing question of the episode.[3][4]
FAQs About the Six-Eared Macaque
Which chapters tell the story?
Chapter 57 sets up the double and Chapter 58 resolves the dispute.[1][2]
Who publicly identifies the impostor?
The Buddha names the Six-Eared Macaque in Chapter 58.[2]
Where does Sha find the duplicate pilgrims?
He finds them on Flower-Fruit Mountain.[1]
資料來源
[1] Journey to the West. Chapter 57
[2] Journey to the West. Chapter 58
[3] CCTV. Journey to the West sequel, series catalogue
[4] CCTV. Journey to the West sequel, episode 2