The Vajra Cutter is one of Taishang Laojun’s most formidable magical treasures in Journey to the West. Its appearance is simple, but it plays a decisive role in some of Sun Wukong’s most difficult battles.
During the rebellion in Heaven, Erlang Shen is sent to fight the Monkey King. The two warriors match each other in weapons and transformations, and neither can easily gain the advantage.
Watching from above, Taishang Laojun chooses his moment and throws the Vajra Cutter down into the battle.
Sun Wukong is struck unexpectedly and falls. Erlang Shen and his allies seize the opportunity to surround him, finally allowing the celestial forces to capture the rebellious Monkey King.
Years later, the same treasure causes even greater trouble during the pilgrimage. Taishang Laojun’s Green Bull steals the Vajra Cutter, descends to the mortal world, and becomes a powerful demon king who blocks the pilgrims’ road.
The treasure possesses an extraordinary ability: it can seize weapons and magical objects from its opponents. Sun Wukong loses the Ruyi Jingu Bang to it, and divine reinforcements sent from Heaven also watch their treasures disappear into the ring.
Sun Wukong calls for help again and again, but force alone cannot solve the problem. Only after the origin of the demon is discovered does Taishang Laojun descend personally, reclaim the Vajra Cutter, and subdue his escaped mount.
The Vajra Cutter twice brings Sun Wukong into serious trouble: first by helping Heaven capture him during his rebellion, and later by stripping him and his allies of their weapons. For such an unassuming object, it is one of the most troublesome treasures the Monkey King ever faces.
