A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
Overview
In Jātaka 20 a monkey king discovers a dangerous lake by observing that tracks lead into the water but none return. Its resident ogre emerges in a frightening form, with a blue belly, white face and red hands and feet. It admits that it eats creatures which enter the lake, and invites the monkeys to do so.
The monkey king refuses. Invoking his accumulated perfections, he makes reeds hollow so the troop can drink through them while remaining outside the monster’s reach. The ogre cannot seize monkeys who never enter its domain. The text leaves the predator unnamed; Naḷapāna identifies the reed-drinking story rather than supplying a personal name for the being.
Origins & earliest records
South Asian Buddhist Jātaka narrative tradition
Records & interpretation
Directly read historical English primary-text translation, located by tale number and printed pages.
Selected bibliography
Documented works and useful reading. This is not a list of every appearance.
- 01
The Jātaka, Volume I
Jātaka 20, pp. 54–56; publication date of hosted volume not independently checked. Prose narrative and verse are presented together in the translated collection.
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
The Jātaka, Volume I
Volume I. Jātaka 20, pp. 54–56
Narrative directly read. Printed English pages distinguished from bracketed Pali-edition pagination; no plate image verified.
References
Sources supporting this profile. Linked pages have their own scope and editorial standards.
- Historical primary-text translationThe Jātaka, Volume I — Jātaka 20, pp. 54–56Research access: 2026-10-05
Image credits
A sourced illustration has not yet been added. This gap is included in the coverage record.
