Misfortune, Disasters, and Calamities: Tales of the Monkey Spirit in the Taiping Guangji 太平廣記

Abstract

This study examines the representation of monkey spirits in the Taiping Guangji, focusing on seven narratives where these entities bring misfortune, disasters, and calamities. These spirits exhibit ambiguous traits, shifting between demonic and divine characteristics, and are linked to death, illness, or large-scale catastrophes. Recurring motifs include sealing or imprisonment, highlighting their perceived danger, and shape-shifting abilities, reinforcing their role as deceptive and chaotic figures. A comparative analysis reveals both common themes and notable differences: some stories depict monkey spirits as purely malevolent, while others suggest an uncertain nature. These representations align with broader literary traditions in China, where monkeys often appear as liminal beings between humans, animals, and the supernatural. The study sheds light on the evolving perception of monkey figures in pre-modern Chinese literature, an image that would later be reinterpreted in classical narratives such as Journey to the West.