Indian Fairy Tales · Character

Buddha

The enlightened one, referenced in fables as a past birth.

minor

Also known as Gautama the Buddha, Gautama Buddha, the Buddha

First appearance: The Lion and the Crane

Buddha shows up with force in The Lion and the Crane. The page is where that presence becomes real.

The Buddha, identified as the crane in the tale, tells the story and identifies the lion as Devadatta.

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In The Lion and the Crane: The Buddha, identified as the crane in the tale, tells the story and identifies the lion as Devadatta. Later, in The Talkative Tortoise: The future Buddha, born as a minister's son, who uses…

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Character Web

15 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Miscellaneous Characters and References
Kings and Royal Figures
Folktale Animals and Humans
Clever Animals and Tricksters

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional and psychological peak occurs when the sons, believing their father now possesses hidden wealth,…

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In the story

Buddha appears across 12 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

The Lion and the Crane
The Buddha, identified as the crane in the tale, tells the story and identifies the lion as Devadatta.
The Talkative Tortoise
The future Buddha, born as a minister's son, who uses the tortoise's fate to admonish the king.
A Lesson for Kings
The future Buddha reborn as Prince Brahma-datta, who rules with righteousness and seeks self-improvement.
The Ass in the Lion’s Skin
The future Buddha, born a peasant, observes and pronounces verses on the ass's downfall.
The Demon with the Matted Hair
The Teacher who tells the story and identifies himself as the Bodhisatta.
Notes and References
Central figure of the Jataka tales; his life and doctrines led to the moral revolution in India and the framing of folktales around his previous incarnations.
VII: The Cruel Crane Outwitted
Identified as the Genius of the Tree in this Jataka.
X: The Soothsayer’s Son
Referenced as the ultimate source of the tale through the 'Karma Jātaka' and 'Saccankira Jātaka', indicating the story's ancient Buddhist origins.
Lac of Rupees
Referenced as the source of the original Buddhist version of the story, 'Buddaghoshas Parables'.
A Lesson for Kings
The Buddha is the source of the Jataka teaching, embodying wisdom and moral authority.
XXV: The Demon with the Matted Hair
Identified with Brer Rabbit and Prince Five Weapons; the hare in the moon from the Sasa Jataka.
XXIX: The Pigeon and the Crow
Referenced as the future Buddha or Bodhisat, the moral exemplar in Jataka tales.

Chapter companion notes

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See Buddha in The Lion and the Crane