The Demon with the Matted Hair
A young prince, destined to become a great king, is sent by his father to learn the art of warfare from a renowned teacher. After completing his education, he embarks on a journey back home, armed with five weapons. He enters a forest known to be inhabited by a fearsome demon, who has a reputation for devouring anyone who dares to enter his territory. Despite warnings from locals, the prince confidently proceeds into the forest. The demon, a terrifying figure with exaggerated features, confronts him and threatens to eat him. The prince, undeterred, boasts of his skills and shoots arrows at the demon, but they become stuck in the demon's matted hair. He then attempts to use his sword, spear, and club, all of which also become ensnared. Despite being caught in five different ways, the prince remains calm and fearless. The demon, intrigued by the prince's bravery, questions why he is not afraid. The prince explains that death is inevitable and that he possesses a powerful weapon of knowledge that would harm the demon if he were to consume him. This revelation causes the demon to reconsider his intentions. Realizing the prince's strength and wisdom, the demon decides to release him. The prince then takes the opportunity to counsel the demon on the consequences of his wicked actions and the importance of virtue. He encourages the demon to abandon his cruel ways and embrace a life of righteousness. After imparting his wisdom, the prince leaves the forest and continues his journey to Benares, where he eventually becomes king. He rules justly and generously, ultimately passing away in accordance with his virtuous deeds. The narrative concludes with a moral lesson about the importance of striving for righteousness and the transformative power of wisdom and virtue. The story serves as an allegory for personal growth and the potential for redemption, illustrating that even those who have strayed can find a path to goodness through understanding and self-reflection.
By Joseph Jacobs · First published 1892 · Genre: Fable, Mythology, Adventure · 1,633 words
First lines
This 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.
What this Textopian page supports
The Demon with the Matted Hair is listed on Textopian as a short story by Joseph Jacobs, dated 1892 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: Joseph Jacobs
- Date: 1892 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Fable, Mythology, Adventure, Fantasy, Spiritual
- Length: 1,633 words
- Structure: 1 section, 24 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Very Easy (5th Grade or below)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for The Demon with the Matted Hair by Joseph Jacobs
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering The Demon with the Matted Hair?
- How does this short story by Joseph Jacobs fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Fable first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Fable — The story conveys moral lessons through allegorical characters and events, typical of fables.
- Mythology — It incorporates elements of ancient beliefs and supernatural beings, characteristic of mythological narratives.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a journey facing challenges, which aligns with adventure genre conventions.
- Fantasy — The presence of a demon and magical elements places the story within the fantasy genre.
Tags
Folklore · Mythology · Demonology · Jewish Folklore · Slavic Mythology · Supernatural Beings · Malevolent Spirits · Evil Entities · Dark Magic · Occultism · Satanic Cults · Demonic Possession