A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

Overview

A queen sends Shanggasba north to kill seven horse-riding demons as a further condition of marrying her daughter. She secretly poisons the white bread intended for his return journey. The demons arrive while he eats the harmless black bread; he flees and leaves both kinds behind.

After pursuing him, the seven agree to content themselves with his provisions. Each eats a piece of the white bread and dies. Shanggasba finds their bodies beside their grazing horses and carries them back as apparent proof of his prowess. The story gives neither individual names nor monstrous anatomy, and his victory results from the queen’s failed poisoning scheme rather than an asserted supernatural power of his own.

Mounted demon companyAccidental death by poisoned bread
01

Origins & earliest records

Mongolian transmission of an Indian-derived tale, mediated by European editions and Busk’s adaptation

02

Records & interpretation

Busk’s 1873 Sagas from the Far East, Tale XVIII, How Shanggasba buried his Father, pp. 178–191; the mounted demons appear on pp. 189–191. Associated editorial notes are on pp. 377–379. This is evidence of a recorded narrative, not of living demons.

Selected bibliography

Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.

  1. 01

    Sagas from the Far East

    Rachel Harriette Busk, compiler and adapter · 1873

    Tale XVIII, How Shanggasba buried his Father, complete178–191; demons189–191; notes377–379

Family & connections

A source-supported family tree or inspiration record has not yet been compiled for this profile. Related reading below indicates a connection in subject matter, not a proven lineage or creative influence.

Primary records and illustrations

Direct primary record

Rachel Harriette Busk, Sagas from the Far East (1873)

Tale XVIII, How Shanggasba buried his Father. 189–191 within complete178–191; notes377–379

Complete tale and four notes read; demons distinguished from accidental military prowess, false divine-body conjecture and nonanimated Garuda shrine image. Original paraphrase of historical adaptation.

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References

Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.

  1. Historical literary adaptationBusk, How Shanggasba buried his Father, pp.178–191 and notesResearch access: 2026-10-05

Image credits

A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.

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