Who they are
Wukong is a Shimon vastaya who was exiled for his pranks. After Master Yi defeated him, he became the last student of the Wuju martial art.
He now defends Ionia from oppression and ruin, mixing cunning with discipline.
Their story belongs to Ionia. Natural magic, spirits, and a peace that war broke.
Their story, step by step
- Step 1
Kong the prankster
Wukong was born Kong, a Shimon vastaya, a monkey-like people who seek wisdom. His pranks annoyed the tribe, and he once falsely warned them of an elemental dragon. When they found out, they expelled him.
- Step 2
The Monkey King
Cast out, he called himself the Monkey King and challenged people to duels and tests of cunning. When Noxian soldiers chased him, he hid in the forest until sure they were gone.
- Step 3
Master Yi
In a village ruined by Noxian invasion, Kong found a lone meditating warrior and challenged him for weeks. He lost every time, and finally knelt and asked to be taught. The warrior was Master Yi, last of the Wuju.
- Step 4
Passing the test
For a final test Kong lured Yi into a field of smokeflowers and struck from surprise with a straw decoy, beating his teacher with cunning. Yi then explained how the village had been lost. He gave Kong an enchanted staff and the name Wukong.
- Step 5
Defending Ionia
Since the war ended, Wukong and Yi have opposed injustice and oppression wherever Noxus threatens Ionia. Wukong once taught a pupil named Ting but sent him to Yi to learn humility.
Turning points
- Being expelled by the Shimon
- Kneeling to Master Yi after repeated defeats
- Receiving the staff and name Wukong
Where their story stands now
Wukong travels with Master Yi, protecting Ionia from oppression. Riot's lore page is incomplete, so little is known beyond that.
Who they are tied to
Where this fits in the story
- Ionia · step 1
The Vastaya
Ionian history says mortals merged with spirit-realm power to defeat invading Titans, and that this gave rise to the Vastayashai'rei, the Vastaya.
- Ionia · step 2
The Darkin war
Ancient god-warriors invaded Ionia in the Darkin war. The Kinkou Order sealed them inside weapons.
- Ionia · step 3
The Noxian invasion
Noxus occupied territory for about five years and took magical artifacts, then withdrew. Irelia led the resistance.
- Ionia · step 4
A divided peace
The war left Ionia split between those who want to stay peaceful and those who want to be ready to fight. Zed founded the Order of Shadow, a rival to the Kinkou that uses forbidden dark magic.