Traditional metamorphosis stories, typified by accounts of humans transforming into tigers, typically center on the anxiety of alienation, often representing the selfapprehension of literati. Within this narrative tradition, the character of Zhu Bajie(猪八戒) in the 100-chapter version of Journey to the West(西游记) occupies a significant position, yet differs fundamentally from conventional protagonists of transformation tales. The novel emphasizes Zhu Bajie’s harmonious acceptance of his transformed state in its plot construction, while the text highlights the comic effect generated by both the character and his porcine form. This conveys a concept of “the body as the self,” which stands in stark contrast to the traditional mind-body dualism prevalent in earlier metamorphosis stories, thereby constituting a significant alteration and even subversion of established narrative paradigms. A detailed examination of Zhu Bajie’s characterization reveals that its construction was substantially influenced by popular culture and live performances. Unlike traditional transformation stories primarily shaped by literati sensibilities, Zhu Bajie’s narrative emerged from the soil of mass culture, infusing the metamorphosis genre with renewed vitality.