Story Summary
Discover the legend of Princess Iron Fan from Journey to the West. Sun Wukong must face the fierce rakshasa to cross the Flaming Mountains in this epic tale.
As the monk Tang Sanzang and his disciples approached the Flaming Mountains, the air grew thick with unbearable heat that blocked their path to the West. The only way to douse these eternal flames was with the magical Banana Leaf Fan owned by Princess Iron Fan, a powerful rakshasa. Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, volunteered to borrow it, but the Princess harbored a bitter grudge; Wukong had previously played a role in the capture of her son, Red Boy. When Wukong arrived at her cave, she refused his request and used the fan to blow him five thousand miles away with a single wave. Undeterred, Wukong obtained a wind-fixing pill and returned. Finding her still obstinate, he shrunk himself, hid in her tea, and entered her stomach, causing such discomfort that she pleaded for mercy and handed over the fan. However, the fan was a fake that only made the fires burn hotter. Finally, Wukong disguised himself as her husband, the Bull Demon King, to trick her into revealing the true fan and its secret activation. After a titanic struggle against the real Bull Demon King, Wukong secured the treasure, extinguished the fires, and the pilgrims continued their sacred journey.
The Moral
Persistence and resourcefulness are essential when facing insurmountable obstacles, but one must also be wary of the consequences of past actions.
“A single wave of my fan can extinguish a fire for eighty miles, but no wind can cool the heat of a mother's grudge.”
Fun Fact
The Flaming Mountains are a real geographical location in Xinjiang, China, famous for their red sandstone formations that look like dancing flames at sunset.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Princess Iron Fan?
The story teaches that obstacles are rarely overcome by force alone; persistence and cleverness are required. It also highlights how past conflicts can return to haunt us, requiring creative solutions to resolve.
Who is Princess Iron Fan's husband?
She is the wife of the powerful Bull Demon King, one of the primary antagonists in the Journey to the West. Their relationship is central to the conflict as Wukong eventually has to battle the Bull Demon King himself.
Why was Princess Iron Fan angry at Sun Wukong?
She sought revenge because Sun Wukong had defeated her son, Red Boy, and handed him over to Guanyin. She felt that Wukong had stolen her child from her, leading to her refusal to help the pilgrims.
How did Sun Wukong eventually get the real fan?
After being tricked with a fake, Wukong used his shapeshifting powers to transform into the Bull Demon King. He tricked the Princess into revealing the location of the true fan and the secret chant needed to expand it to full size.
What are the Flaming Mountains?
In the story, they are a range of mountains perpetually on fire that block the path to India. In reality, they are red sandstone hills in Xinjiang, China, which appear to glow like fire in the sun.
What kind of being is Princess Iron Fan?
She is a Rakshasa, a type of female demon or deity who has attained immortality through cultivation. Unlike many other demons in the story, she does not want to eat the monk Tang Sanzang but is driven by personal vendetta.
Discussion (0)
Share your thoughts on this story
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!
