# Buddha — Indian Fairy Tales character guide

> Buddha in Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs.

**Role:** minor

**Also known as:** Gautama the Buddha, Gautama Buddha, the Buddha

**First appearance:** 0003-the-lion-and-the-crane

## Who they are

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

## In the story

### [The Lion and the Crane](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/the-demon-with-the-matted-hair)

The Teacher who tells the story and identifies himself as the Bodhisatta.

### [Notes and References](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/vii-the-cruel-crane-outwitted)

Identified as the Genius of the Tree in this Jataka.

### [X: The Soothsayer’s Son](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xiv-lac-of-rupees)

Referenced as the source of the original Buddhist version of the story, 'Buddaghoshas Parables'.

### [A Lesson for Kings](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xvii-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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/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](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/chapters/xxix-the-pigeon-and-the-crow)

Referenced as the future Buddha or Bodhisat, the moral exemplar in Jataka tales.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/characters/buddha
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/indian_fairy_tales_se/characters