04 The Equal of Heaven

Invited to Heaven, Monkey is appointed as a lowly stable supervisor. Furious upon discovering his menial rank, he rebels and flees back to earth. After adopting the grand title Great Sage, Equal of Heaven, he easily defeats the Jade Emperor’s mobilised heavenly armies. To avoid an exhausting war, the Emperor cleverly pacifies the rebellious Monkey by officially granting him this prestigious, nominal celestial title, allowing him to live in peace. Monkey is driven by a deep, restless desire for recognition. When he discovers his post as Pi-ma-wen is low-ranking and has no salary, flames leap up in his heart, and he abandons his post in a great rage. He demands to be recognized by the grandiose title Great Sage, Equal of Heaven, showing an intense attachment to status and self-importance.