The Demon with the Matted Hair
by Unknown · from Indian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once, a brave young Prince Leo lived. Prince Leo was a baby. Everyone knew he would be a great prince. He was special. He was very brave.
Prince Leo grew up. He went to a special school. He learned many things there. He learned to be strong. He learned to be smart.
Prince Leo learned many brave things. He was ready. He started his journey home. He walked a long way.
Prince Leo came to a big forest. The forest was very dark. People warned: A Big Hairy Monster lives there. He is very scary. Leo was not afraid.
In the forest, the Big Hairy Monster came. He was very, very big. He looked very scary. He made loud, scary noises. He tried to scare Prince Leo.
Prince Leo had a bow. He shot an arrow. The arrow went into the Monster's hair. It just stuck there. He shot more arrows. They all stuck in the hair.
Prince Leo used his sword. The sword stuck in the hair. He used his spear. The spear stuck too. He used his club. The club stuck too.
Prince Leo hit with his right hand. It stuck. He hit with his left hand. It stuck. He kicked with his right foot. It stuck. He kicked with his left foot. It stuck. His head stuck too.
Prince Leo was stuck. He was not afraid. He had smart thoughts in his heart. He told the Monster, "My thoughts are strong. They will make you feel bad. You cannot eat them."
The Big Hairy Monster was surprised. He was a little scared. Prince Leo was very brave. The Monster let go of Prince Leo. He let go of his hands and feet.
Prince Leo talked kindly to the Monster. He said, "Be kind. He said, 'Do not be scary.' Be good." The Big Hairy Monster listened. He wanted to be good now.
Prince Leo went home. He became the king. He was a very good king. He helped all people. He was kind to everyone.
Prince Leo showed: smart, kind hearts are strong. Being good is always the best power of all.
Original Story
The Demon with the Matted Hair
his story the Teacher told in Jetavana about a Brother who had ceased striving after righteousness. Said the Teacher to him: "Is it really true that you have ceased all striving?"—"Yes, Blessed One," he replied. Then the Teacher said: "O Brother, in former days wise men made effort in the place where effort should be made, and so attained unto royal power." And he told a story of long ago.
Once upon a time, when Brahmadatta was King of Benares, the Bodhisatta was born as son of his chief queen. On his name-day they asked 800 Brahmans, having satisfied them with all their desires, about his lucky marks. The Brahmans who had skill in divining from such marks beheld the excellence of his, and made answer:
"Full of goodness, great King, is your son, and when you die he will become king; he shall be famous and renowned for his skill with the five weapons, and shall be the chief man in all India." On hearing what the Brahmans had to say, they gave him the name of the Prince of the Five Weapons, sword, spear, bow, battle-axe, and shield.
When he came to years of discretion, and had attained the measure of sixteen years, the King said to him:
"My son, go and complete your education."
"Who shall be my teacher?" the lad asked.
"Go, my son; in the kingdom of Candahar, in the city of Takkasila, is a far-famed teacher from whom I wish you to learn. Take this, and give it him for a fee." With that he gave him a thousand pieces of money, and dismissed him.
The lad departed, and was educated by this teacher; he received the Five Weapons from him as a gift, bade him farewell, and leaving Takkasila, he began his journey to Benares, armed with the Five Weapons.
On his way he came to a forest inhabited by the Demon with the Matted Hair. At the entering in of the forest some men saw him, and cried out:
"Hullo, young sir, keep clear of that wood! There's a Demon in it called he of the Matted Hair: he kills every man he sees!" And they tried to stop him. But the Bodhisatta, having confidence in himself, went straight on, fearless as a maned lion.
When he reached mid-forest the Demon showed himself. He made himself as tall as a palm tree; his head was the size of a pagoda, his eyes as big as saucers, and he had two tusks all over knobs and bulbs; he had the face of a hawk, a variegated belly, and blue hands and feet.
"Where are you going?" he shouted. "Stop! You'll make a meal for me!"
THE DEMON WITH THE MATTED HAIR
Said the Bodhisatta: "Demon, I came here trusting in myself. I advise you to be careful how you come near me. Here's a poisoned arrow, which I'll shoot at you and knock you down!" With this menace, he fitted to his bow an arrow dipped in deadly poison, and let fly. The arrow stuck fast in the Demon's hair. Then he shot and shot, till he had shot away fifty arrows; and they all stuck in the Demon's hair. The Demon snapped them all off short, and threw them down at his feet; then came up to the Bodhisatta, who drew his sword and struck the Demon, threatening him the while. His sword—it was three-and-thirty inches long—stuck in the Demon's hair! The Bodhisatta struck him with his spear—that stuck too! He struck him with his club—and that stuck too!
When the Bodhisatta saw that this had stuck fast, he addressed the Demon. "You, Demon!" said he, "did you never hear of me before—the Prince of the Five Weapons? When I came into the forest which you live in I did not trust to my bow and other weapons. This day will I pound you and grind you to powder!" Thus did he declare his resolve, and with a shout he hit at the Demon with his right hand. It stuck fast in his hair! He hit him with his left hand—that stuck too! With his right foot he kicked him—that stuck too; then with his left—and that stuck too! Then he butted at him with his head, crying, "I'll pound you to powder!" and his head stuck fast like the rest.
Thus the Bodhisatta was five times snared, caught fast in five places, hanging suspended: yet he felt no fear—was not even nervous.
Thought the Demon to himself: "Here's a lion of a man! A noble man! More than man is he! Here he is, caught by a Demon like me; yet he will not fear a bit. Since I have ravaged this road, I never saw such a man. Now, why is it that he does not fear?" He was powerless to eat the man, but asked him: "Why is it, young sir, that you are not frightened to death?"
"Why should I fear, Demon?" replied he. "In one life a man can die but once. Besides, in my belly is a thunderbolt; if you eat me, you will never be able to digest it; this will tear your inwards into little bits, and kill you: so we shall both perish. That is why I fear nothing." (By this, the Bodhisatta meant the weapon of knowledge which he had within him.)
When he heard this, the Demon thought: "This young man speaks the truth. A piece of the flesh of such a lion-man as he would be too much for me to digest, if it were no bigger than a kidney-bean. I'll let him go!" So, being frightened to death, he let go the Bodhisatta, saying:
"Young sir, you are a lion of a man! I will not eat you up. I set you free from my hands, as the moon is disgorged from the jaws of Rāhu after the eclipse. Go back to the company of your friends and relations!"
And the Bodhisatta said: "Demon, I will go, as you say. You were born a Demon, cruel, blood-bibbing, devourer of the flesh and gore of others, because you did wickedly in former lives. If you still go on doing wickedly, you will go from darkness to darkness. But now that you have seen me you will find it impossible to do wickedly. Taking the life of living creatures causes birth, as an animal, in the world of Petas, or in the body of an Asura, or, if one is reborn as a man, it makes his life short." With this and the like monition he told him the disadvantage of the five kinds of wickedness, and the profit of the five kinds of virtue, and frightened the Demon in various ways, discoursing to him until he subdued him and made him self-denying, and established him in the five kinds of virtue; he made him worship the deity to whom offerings were made in that wood; and having carefully admonished him, departed out of it.
At the entrance of the forest he told all to the people thereabout; and went on to Benares, armed with his five weapons. Afterwards he became king, and ruled righteously; and after giving alms and doing good he passed away according to his deeds.
And the Teacher, when this tale was ended, became perfectly enlightened, and repeated this verse:
Whose mind and heart from all desire is free,
Who seeks for peace by living virtuously,
He in due time will sever all the bonds
That bind him fast to life, and cease to be.
Thus the Teacher reached the summit, through sainthood and the teaching of the law, and thereupon he declared the Four Truths. At the end of the declaring of the Truths, this Brother also attained to sainthood. Then the Teacher made the connexion, and gave the key to the birth-tale, saying: "At that time Angulimala was the Demon, but the Prince of the Five Weapons was I myself."
Story DNA
Moral
True strength lies not in physical prowess, but in unwavering wisdom and moral conviction, which can even transform evil.
Plot Summary
The Prince of the Five Weapons, on his journey home, encounters a fearsome Demon with Matted Hair. Despite using all his physical weapons and even his body, he becomes completely ensnared. Unfazed, the Prince declares he possesses an inner 'thunderbolt' of wisdom that would destroy the Demon if eaten. Impressed by his courage and fearing this unseen power, the Demon releases him. The Prince then preaches to the Demon, transforming him from a wicked creature to a virtuous one, before returning to rule righteously as king.
Themes
Emotional Arc
confidence to challenge to triumph and transformation
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Jataka tales are a voluminous body of literature native to India concerning the previous births of Gautama Buddha in both human and animal form. They are a core part of Buddhist scripture and often convey moral lessons.
Plot Beats (14)
- A Brother ceases striving for righteousness, prompting the Teacher to tell a story about wise men making effort.
- Prince of the Five Weapons is born, his greatness foretold by Brahmans, and he is named for his skill.
- At sixteen, the Prince is sent to Takkasila to complete his education, paying his teacher a thousand pieces.
- After mastering the five weapons, the Prince begins his journey back to Benares.
- He enters a dangerous forest, warned by locals about the man-eating Demon with the Matted Hair.
- The Demon appears, massive and terrifying, threatening to eat the Prince.
- The Prince shoots fifty poisoned arrows, but they all stick in the Demon's hair and are snapped off.
- He then attacks with his sword, spear, and club, but these also become stuck in the Demon's hair.
- Finally, the Prince uses his right hand, left hand, right foot, left foot, and head, all of which get stuck, leaving him completely ensnared.
- Despite being trapped, the Prince shows no fear, explaining that he carries an undigestible 'thunderbolt' (wisdom) that would kill the Demon if consumed.
- Impressed and frightened by the Prince's unique courage and inner strength, the Demon releases him.
- The Prince then preaches to the Demon, explaining the evils of wickedness and the virtues of a righteous life, converting the Demon.
- The Prince returns to Benares, becomes king, rules righteously, and passes away according to his good deeds.
- The Teacher concludes the story, revealing the Prince of the Five Weapons was himself in a former life, and the Brother attains sainthood.
Characters
Prince of the Five Weapons (Bodhisatta)
A young man of sixteen years, possessing a strong and capable build, indicative of his training in martial arts. His physical presence is described as fearless and lion-like, suggesting a confident and imposing stature despite his youth.
Attire: Practical attire suitable for travel and combat, likely consisting of sturdy fabrics like cotton or linen, perhaps a tunic and trousers, allowing for freedom of movement. He is armed with five specific weapons.
Wants: To complete his education, return to Benares, and eventually rule righteously. His deeper motivation is to live virtuously and spread righteousness.
Flaw: Initially, a reliance on physical weapons, which prove ineffective against the Demon. His physical body is vulnerable to being ensnared.
Begins as a skilled warrior relying on physical prowess, but learns that true strength lies in inner wisdom and fearlessness. He transforms from a warrior to a spiritual guide, converting a demon and later ruling righteously.
Fearless, wise, determined, righteous, compassionate. He exhibits incredible bravery and self-possession in the face of mortal danger, and later shows great wisdom and compassion in converting the Demon.
The Demon with the Matted Hair
A colossal and terrifying figure, as tall as a palm tree. His head is the size of a pagoda, and his eyes are as big as saucers. He possesses two tusks covered in knobs and bulbs, a hawk-like face, a variegated (multi-colored or mottled) belly, and blue hands and feet. His most distinctive feature is his matted, tangled hair, which ensnares all weapons and limbs.
Attire: None, as he is a monstrous demon. His body itself is described with variegated colors.
Wants: To kill and eat any living creature that enters his forest, driven by his demonic nature and past wicked deeds.
Flaw: Fear (specifically, fear of the 'thunderbolt of knowledge' and the consequences of his actions), and ultimately, his inability to digest the righteous. He is also susceptible to moral persuasion.
Begins as a terrifying, unyielding monster who kills all who enter his domain. Through his encounter with the Bodhisatta, he is frightened, subdued, and ultimately converted to a path of virtue, becoming self-denying.
Initially cruel, bloodthirsty, predatory, and powerful. He is a devourer of flesh and gore. However, he is also capable of fear and reason, eventually showing a capacity for change and self-denial.
King Brahmadatta
As the King of Benares, he would be of noble bearing and stature, though no specific physical details are given. He is a father and a ruler.
Attire: Regal attire befitting an ancient Indian king, likely rich silks or fine cottons, possibly adorned with gold or jewels. A turban or crown would be appropriate headwear.
Wants: To ensure his son receives a complete education and is prepared to rule, fulfilling his destiny.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but perhaps a reliance on traditional methods and prophecies.
Remains a static character, serving to initiate the Bodhisatta's journey.
Wise, caring (towards his son), and responsible. He seeks the best education for his son and trusts the prophecies of the Brahmans.
The Teacher (of Takkasila)
A far-famed teacher, implying a person of wisdom and experience. No specific physical details are given, but he would likely appear scholarly and perhaps venerable.
Attire: Simple, scholarly robes, likely made of cotton or linen, in muted colors, reflecting his role as an educator rather than a warrior or royal.
Wants: To impart knowledge and skill to his students.
Flaw: Not applicable; he is a figure of wisdom.
Remains a static character, serving as a mentor figure.
Wise, knowledgeable, and generous (giving the Five Weapons as a gift).
Locations
Royal Palace of Benares
The royal residence where the Bodhisatta was born and raised, likely featuring architecture typical of ancient Indian palaces, possibly with carved stone, intricate courtyards, and vibrant textiles. The setting for important ceremonial events like the naming ceremony.
Mood: regal, secure, nurturing in the Bodhisatta's youth
The Bodhisatta's birth and naming ceremony, where his future as a skilled warrior and king is prophesied. Later, he returns here to rule righteously.
City of Takkasila
A renowned center of learning in the kingdom of Candahar, where the Bodhisatta completes his education. Implied to be a bustling city with a famous teacher's residence.
Mood: scholarly, busy, purposeful
The Bodhisatta receives his advanced education and the 'Five Weapons' from his teacher.
Forest of the Demon with the Matted Hair
A dense, perilous forest, known to be inhabited by a fearsome demon. The path through it is avoided by locals. The trees are tall, possibly palm-like, and the undergrowth is thick.
Mood: eerie, dangerous, tense, later transformed to peaceful
The Bodhisatta confronts the Demon with the Matted Hair, demonstrating his courage and wisdom, ultimately subduing the demon and establishing him in virtue. This is the central conflict location.