The White Dragon Horse, also known as the Third Prince of the Jade Dragon, the Eightfold Heavenly Dragon Horse, and the Bodhisattva of the Eightfold Heavenly Dragon's Vast Strength, is a character from the classic Chinese novel "Journey To The West". He first appears in Chapter 8 of the novel, titled "The Buddha Creates Scriptures to Spread Ultimate Bliss, Guanyin Receives Orders to Go to Chang'an." He is the third son of the Dragon King of the West Sea. His prototype may have been the white horse ridden by the monk Xuanzang.
Originally the son of the Dragon King of the West Sea, the White Dragon Horse was punished by the Jade Emperor for setting fire to a precious pearl in the palace. After being released through the intercession of Guanyin Bodhisattva, he waited at the Eagle Gorge of Snake Coil Mountain for the scripture-seeking pilgrim. When Tang Sanzang (Tripitaka) arrived at the gorge during his westward journey, he subdued the White Dragon Horse. From then on, the White Dragon Horse, in the form of a white horse, carried Tang Sanzang on his quest for the scriptures. When the group reached the Kingdom of Baoxiang, Sun Wukong (the Monkey King) had already been dismissed by Tang Sanzang, Zhu Bajie (Pigsy) fled in fear, and Sha Wujing (Sandy) was captured by the demon Kui Mulang. Tang Sanzang was transformed into a striped tiger by Kui Mulang. The White Dragon Horse transformed into a dragon to rescue Tang Sanzang but was injured and forced to retreat. He then urged Zhu Bajie to go to the Flower-Fruit Mountain to bring back Sun Wukong. In the Kingdom of Zhuzi, Sun Wukong used the White Dragon Horse's urine to cure the king. After completing the mission to retrieve the scriptures, the White Dragon Horse ascended to the Western Heaven with Tang Sanzang and his disciples to receive titles from the Buddha. For his service in carrying Tang Sanzang, he was granted the title of the Eightfold Heavenly Dragon Horse, or the Bodhisattva of the Eightfold Heavenly Dragon's Vast Strength.
In "Journey To The West", the White Dragon Horse is portrayed as simple, steadfast, and loyal. He represents the "mind horse," forming the concept of "the monkey of the mind and the horse of the will" alongside Sun Wukong, the "mind monkey." The White Dragon Horse's journey from being punished for his mistakes to achieving enlightenment reflects the novel's theme of using Buddhist teachings to rein in the restless mind and will. He also symbolizes the hardworking masses, who can rise to the occasion in times of crisis but often remain unsung. His character appears in various adaptations, including the Peking opera "White Dragon Horse", the TV series "Journey To The West", and the game "Fantasy Westward Journey".
- Early Dragon Form: "His beard hung like threads of white jade, and beneath his beard, pearls sprayed colorful mist. His eyes shone like golden lamps, and he wielded an iron staff, dancing like a fierce wind."
- Later Dragon Form: "Golden scales covered his entire body, and silver whiskers grew from his jaw. An aura of auspiciousness surrounded him, and his four claws were wreathed in clouds of good fortune."
- Simple and Steadfast: Throughout "Journey To The West", the White Dragon Horse faithfully carries Tang Sanzang to the Western Heaven, demonstrating his simplicity and steadfastness.
- Hardworking: Though originally a deity of the West Sea, he willingly becomes Tang Sanzang's steed, sparing him the hardships of the journey. He often faces danger alongside Tang Sanzang, diligently fulfilling his role.
- Loyal and Devoted: The White Dragon Horse is more than just a mount. In times of peril, he steps forward to protect Tang Sanzang with loyalty and bravery. For example, in the Kingdom of Baoxiang, when Tang Sanzang is turned into a tiger and imprisoned, and with Sun Wukong absent and Zhu Bajie and Sha Wujing unable to help, the White Dragon Horse transforms into a palace maid to attempt a rescue. Though he fails and is severely injured, his loyalty remains unwavering.
The White Dragon Horse's father is the Dragon King of the West Sea, one of the four Dragon Kings in Chinese mythology. The Dragon Kings are among the four divine creatures in ancient Chinese legends and hold significant importance in Chinese folk religion. Temples dedicated to the Dragon Kings are found throughout China, often featuring a seated statue of a single Dragon King.
The White Dragon Horse's master is Tang Sanzang, a character from "Journey To The West". Born as Chen Jiangliu, he later becomes the monk Xuanzang, also known as Tripitaka.
- Sun Wukong (also known as the Monkey King, the Great Sage Equal to Heaven, and the Victorious Fighting Buddha) is a main character in "Journey To The West". Born from a magical stone, he becomes the Monkey King after leading his troop to the Water Curtain Cave on the Flower-Fruit Mountain. He later learns powerful skills, including the Great Sage's Heavenly Immortal Technique, the Seventy-Two Transformations, and the Cloud-Somersault, from his master, Subhuti.
- Zhu Bajie (also known as Pigsy) is another key character in "Journey To The West".
- Sha Wujing (also known as Sandy) is a disciple of Tang Sanzang in the novel.
- "Among the eighty-one tribulations faced by Tang Sanzang, the transformation into a tiger is the greatest, and the White Dragon Horse's transformation to rescue his master makes him the greatest hero." — Wang Danyi, Qing Dynasty.
- "When the White Dragon Horse swallows the white horse, the will transforms into a dragon; when he becomes the white horse, the dragon transforms into the will. His transformations follow his will, and his dragon nature is tamed, achieving harmony with the heart. Thus, he controls himself effortlessly in the presence of the Monkey King." — Chen Shibin, Qing Dynasty Taoist.
- "The will is like a dragon, so why speak of a horse? The divine dragon is unpredictable, symbolizing the movement of the will, while the horse represents its calmness. Thus, the dragon becomes the horse, and the horse is also the dragon. Yet, the will is like a wandering dragon, and its momentum is like a galloping horse. Without restraint, the will cannot be controlled." — Zhang Shushen, Qing Dynasty writer.
- "The White Dragon Horse's transformation from a horse to a dragon demonstrates his 'benevolence,' his cleverness in transforming into a palace maid shows his 'wisdom,' his calmness in wielding a sword against demons reveals his 'courage,' and his tears while advising his brothers display his 'righteousness.'" — Yang Sen, modern scholar.
- "He risks his life to obey his father and bring peace to his heart. Such actions reflect not only great wisdom and courage but also utmost filial piety and sincerity." — Kang Yusheng, author of "The True Interpretation of Journey To The West".
- "Carrying Xuanzang westward and returning with the scriptures, he tirelessly moves forward, leaving a fragrant legacy in silence." — Ding Jianguo, author of "The Wind of the Yellow River".
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