This article is about the character. You may be looking for the set. |
- Note: Due to Monkie Kid not being a direct representation to Journey to the West,[1] this article will be primarily about the Nine-Headed Demon's appearance within Monkie Kid. For information about him in Journey to the West, click here.
“But I have had enough of control, enough of watching people put themselves in cages, of watching them push away the chaos when the chaos is what makes them who they are.” |
— The Nine-Headed Demon[src] |
The Nine-Headed Demon is a demon. He aimed to disrupt the Pillar of Heaven and the Great Cycle to escape the Mortal Realm and return to the Chaos Beyond, pushing the universe to the brink of destruction in the process.
Official description
Face the Nine-Headed Demon as his fearsome alter ego: the Nine-Headed Beast! Join Monkie Kid, the Monkey King, Mei and Mr. Tang as they try to recover the precious red and blue Color Stones, as seen in season 5 of the TV show. Head to the temple, where one of the stones is hidden, but get there before the Beast! Quick - grab the mini-mech's jetpack: the Beast is here, and he's already got a stone![3] |
History
Background

The Nine-Headed Demon came from the Chaos Beyond, yet he lived a secluded life in the known universe. As he observed the Primordial Chaos, he grasped the immense scale of the world around him, realizing it was larger than he thought. However, he also recognized the hesitation of Nüwa's people to abandon their comfortable and protected lives. Even with this deeper understanding, when the Nine-Headed Demon encouraged them to embrace the chaos and explore the unknown, they turned him away, branding him a monster. They chose to cling to their safe, sheltered existence rather than venture into the uncertainties that lay beyond.[4]

The Nine-Headed Demon felt like he had no control over his life because of the pressure from his peers. Eventually, he became the the Tenth King of the Underworld and punish those who did wrong while watching over the Great Cycle. Despite his reputation, the truth of his origins and his connection to the primordial chaos remained a secret within the court. He longed to break free from the expectations placed upon him and sought out chaos. This led him to discover MK, the Harbinger of Chaos, who was created by Nüwa to sacrifice himself in order to save the universe in the Great Cycle. Eager to expedite MK's emergence and fulfill his own yearnings for freedom, the Nine-Headed Demon shattered MK's magic stone, causing his premature birth and disrupting the natural flow of events. This reckless act not only hastened MK's arrival but also altered his genetic makeup.[4]
After Azure Lion was imprisoned in the Scroll of Memory by Monkey King, the Nine-Headed Demon orchestrated a plan to release him from his confinement. This involved stealing the Scroll of Memory and presenting it to Azure Lion, who harbored a burning desire to overthrow the Jade Emperor and improve the Mortal Realm. The Nine-Headed Demon knew that Azure Lion underestimated the Power of the Jade Emperor, which was actually the yellow Color Stone, rendering him incapable of harnessing it effectively. As a result, the Nine-Headed Demon predicted that Azure Lion's actions would unintentionally cause the destruction of the entire universe by damaging the Pillar of Heaven once the Jade Emperor was killed.[5][6]
Despite the Nine-Headed Demon's scheme, his plans were momentarily disrupted when Azure Lion made the ultimate sacrifice to restore the universe to its former state. Ne Zha stepped forward and sealed the Power of the Jade Emperor, further ensuring the stability of the universe. However, there remained uncertainty regarding the strength of the seal, which meant that the universe teetered on the brink of destruction at any given moment.[5]

The Scroll of Memory was returned to the Court of the Underworld, allowing the previously trapped victims at Azure's hands to regain their freedom. However, the identity of the one who stole the scroll remained a mystery to others. In light of this, the remaining kings convened for a crucial meeting to strategize their next moves. The urgency of the situation prompted an inquiry into the theft of the Scroll of Memory and the subsequent dethronement of the Jade Emperor. As the universe hung in the balance, the First King declared that there would be consequences to any of the kings that were involved, including the Nine-Headed Demon. But the punishment would paled in comparison to the catastrophic events that would unfold should he succeed in his plans.[5]
Collar the King

Disguised as the Tenth King, the Nine-Headed Demon participated in the trial against MK, Monkey King, and Macaque, who faced false accusations for actions that nearly brought the universe to ruin, including the fall of the Jade Emperor and the destruction of the Pillar of Heaven.
Following the trial, the Nine-Headed Demon made his way to Megapolis to observe the conflict between the Monkie Kids and Li Jing, particularly after MK, the Monkey King, and Macaque managed to escape from the Celestial Realm in their quest for the Color Stones, a turn of events that brought him delight.
The Cage

The Monkie Kids and Monkey King gathered the Color Stones, joining forces with Macaque, Ne Zha, and Li Jing to place the stones on the statue of Nüwa, summoning the Pillar of Heaven. The Court of the Underworld arrived, cautioning the heroes that only the Harbinger of Chaos could mend the Pillar of Heaven. The Nine-Headed Demon disclosed that MK was the Harbinger of Chaos, causing disbelief among the court members who believed the Harbinger was meant to emerge at the end of the Great Cycle. The Nine-Headed Demon then exposed himself as the traitor within the court, asserting that the Great Cycle was nearing its conclusion. Using his Chaos Energy, the Nine-Headed Demon eliminated the other court members, satisfied at ridding himself of their presence. Mocking the irony of the Court of the Underworld branding MK as chaos, the Nine-Headed Demon highlighted his own origins from the chaos beyond. While teasing the heroes about his true identity and revealing it, the Nine-Headed Demon disclosed his connection to Monkey King, claiming they were both old friends and foes, with Monkey King having forgotten their past encounters. Disregarding the significance of his name, the Nine-Headed Demon declared that everything would soon come to a head.

Despite the Monkie Kids, Monkey King, Macaque, Ne Zha, and Li Jing's efforts to confront the Nine-Headed Demon, they were overwhelmed and subdued by his chaotic powers, leaving only MK standing. Confessing to his malevolent deeds since the theft of the Scroll of Memory, the Nine-Headed Demon unveiled his plans that had been made over thousands of years. MK denounced the Nine-Headed Demon as a monster responsible for the suffering and deception of countless people. Enraged by the accusation, the Nine-Headed Demon attacked on MK, only to eventually regain his composure. The Nine-Headed Demon decided to share his backstory with MK, expressing his weariness of always trying to be a hero despite his efforts. He admitted to breaking MK's magic stone to hasten his birth.

Even though Macaque tried to use his powers to break free, the Nine-Headed Demon managed to block his escape, resulting in the Nine-Headed Demon experiencing pain as a consequence. The Nine-Headed Demon claimed he would achieve his goal, whether MK chose to sacrifice himself to restore the Pillar of Heaven or not, emphasizing that he wanted MK to have the freedom to choose his own destiny, free from external influences, particularly Nüwa's. The Nine-Headed Demon explained to the others that only MK could restore the pillar, as the stone MK was born from was created by Nüwa. He warned that if the pillar was not restored, the universe would face destruction.
Sacrifice

Macaque stopped MK from sacrificing himself once he used his powers to break free from the restraints imposed by the Nine-Headed Demon, causing the demon excruciating pain once again. This lead the Nine-Headed Demon to suspect that Macaque had made a deal with another person to obtain such powers. The mention of a deal left Macaque bewildered, prompting the Nine-Headed Demon to dismiss it, emphasizing that the impending conclusion would render such details irrelevant. The Nine-Headed Demon then shifted the focus to the necessity of MK's sacrifice, asserting that it was the only way to save those present, challenging them to consider rejecting MK's sacrifice for the greater good. The Nine-Headed Demon declared that he had grown weary of control and confinement, urging everyone to embrace the chaos that defined their existence. The Nine-Headed Demon assured MK that there was no deception involved, encouraging him to continue his ascent of the Pillar of Heaven as he had chosen to do.

Macaque unleashed his powers once again to liberate the others, while Monkey King hurried to intercept MK. Macaque's actions result in weakening the Nine-Headed Demon, cutting off his connection to his chaotic powers. This infuriates the Nine-Headed Demon, who proclaims that he would not allow anyone to take away MK's freedom of choice. The group united to defend against the Nine-Headed Demon. Slowly transforming into the Nine-Headed Beast, the Nine-Headed Demon started laughing uncontrollably as he mocked them as foolish beings, claiming that they are squandering their only chance of survival. The Nine-Headed Demon swore to personally eliminate them if they succeed in preventing MK's sacrifice to save the universe. After the Nine-Headed Demon finished transforming, he fought the heroes, unleashing chaotic energy beams. Suddenly, they all witnessed the Pillar of Heaven glowing brightly and its restoration, signifying MK's sacrifice. Feeling a sense of relief, the Nine-Headed Demon declared that the ordeal had come to an end.
Harbinger

After transforming back into his original form, the Nine-Headed Demon felt the surge of power returning to him. He was overjoyed at the thought of being able to once again venture into the chaotic realm.

However, MK emerged from the Pillar of Heaven, causing the universe to teeter on the edge of destruction once more. With the impending doom looming over them, the heroes reluctantly agreed to accept the end of the universe. The Nine-Headed Demon, in a withering state, took pleasure in the grim scenario, savoring the fact that he and everyone else were about to witness the end of the Great Cycle. The Nine-Headed Demon acknowledged how MK had defied his destiny by choosing to stand alongside his companions instead of succumbing to his fate. The Nine-Headed Demon mentioned the word "together," giving MK an idea. The Nine-Headed Demon claimed that MK had done everything he could, but MK proposed that they could restore the Pillar of Heaven together, offering a Color Stone to the Monkie Kids and Monkey King. The Nine-Headed Demon dismissed the idea as impossible, stating that he would have known and done it if it were true. Despite the protests of the Nine-Headed Demon, the Monkie Kids and Monkey King destroyed the Color Stones, resulting in the energy of the stones being distributed among almost everyone, leading to the restoration of the universe and the Pillar of Heaven. Witnessing his body being restored, the Nine-Headed Demon was overcome with fear, fearing that he would be trapped in the Mortal Realm. He pushed MK back into the Pillar of Heaven, taking himself along, and they ended up in the Chaos Beyond.

The Nine-Headed Demon commended MK for finding an alternative solution. As they looked out at the sea of primordial chaos, the Nine-Headed Demon confessed that he had been absent for quite some time, hinting that an unknown adversary was gaining the upper hand. When MK asked about the identity of the enemy, the Nine-Headed Demon simply wished him luck, especially since MK's actions had unleashed something unforeseen. Before returning MK to his realm, the Nine-Headed Demon thanked MK for everything.
Personality
- “It was all gonna happen anyway. You just wouldn't have had— I wanted more for you than just the path. The sacrifice, destiny.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon [src]

The Nine-Headed Demon is a chaotic individual who seeks freedom and to return to the chaos beyond. He complains about getting controlled over and over and has a desire for breaking it, be it over his own or other people’s, even if it means to destroy the cycles. He despises being called a monster since when he tried to convince his companions to follow him, they declined and labeled him as such. He speaks in an uneasy and nervous way when he first reveals himself to the Monkie Kids.
Appearance
Overview
The Nine-Headed Demon has spring green skin with scales on his cheeks. His eyes are red with orange pupils and he has upturned eyebrows. His hair is made of dark green snakes with red eyes and mouths.
Designs
Design | Description | Image | |
---|---|---|---|
Normal | TBA | ||
Tenth King | TBA | ||
Injuries/Transformations | |||
Nine-Headed Beast | TBA | ||
Withered | Cracks of purple void started to form on his body and his hair was briefly out of its styling. |
In LEGO form
LEGO model | Show | LEGO model's description |
---|---|---|
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His crown is the same color as his snakes. The orange sections on his robe has a green pattern, his belt is orange striped, and he has nostrils. |
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TBA |
Abilities
Powers
- Demon Physiology - The Nine-Headed Demon has the traits and abilities of a demon.
- Longevity - The Nine-Headed Demon possesses a prolonged lifespan.
- Chaos - Hailing from a realm of chaos, the Nine-Headed Demon can control primordial chaos energy. This allows him to perform various supernatural abilities, like immobilizing enemies or unleashing chaos energy beams.
- Nine-Headed Beast transformation - the Nine-Headed Demon can transform into a larger monstrous form with wings. By using this form, he can emit powerful beams of chaos from his breath.
- Teleportation - the Nine-Headed Demon has the ability to instantaneously transport himself and others towards a desired location.
Relationships
MK

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Monkey King

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Macaque
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Nüwa

The Nine-Headed Demon harbored resentment towards Nüwa due to her creation of the Pillar of Heaven, which apparently resulted in his exile within the universe upon leaving his home realm. Despite his efforts to persuade Nüwa's people to venture outside their comfort zone and explore the unknown, they labeled him as a monstrous being, claiming that anything beyond their existence could hold value. Consequently, the Nine-Headed Demon found himself trapped in a life of solitude for countless years after abandoning his futile attempts to be a savior to all. Upon discovering that Nüwa had brought MK into existence, the Nine-Headed Demon aspired to aid in altering the predetermined fate that had been imposed upon him by Nüwa.
Azure Lion
The Nine-Headed Demon freed the Azure Lion from his imprisonment in the Scroll of Memory, though Azure Lion did not remember this. The Nine-Headed Demon seemed somewhat melancholic at Azure's death.
Appearances
Season 4 | ||||||||||||
Opening sequence: | Absent | |||||||||||
Episodes | ||||||||||||
35. "Familiar Tales": | Debut | 36. "New Adventures": | Absent | |||||||||
37. "The Great Tang Man": | Absent | 38. "Pig-Napped!": | Absent | |||||||||
39. "Court of the Yellow Robed Demon": | Absent | 40. "Show Me the Monster": | Absent | |||||||||
41. "Pitiful Creatures": | Absent | 42. "The Brotherhood": | Absent | |||||||||
43. "Roast of the Monkie Kids": | Absent | 44. "The Jade Emperor": | Mentioned | |||||||||
The Emperor's Wrath | ||||||||||||
45. "A Lifetime of Mistakes": | Absent | 46. "The Plan Man": | Absent | |||||||||
47. "Rip and Tear": | Absent | 48. "Better Than We Found It": | Appears | |||||||||
Sets | ||||||||||||
80040 Monkie Kid's Combi Mech: |
Absent | |||||||||||
80041 Mei's Dragon Jet: |
Absent | 80043 Yellow Tusk Elephant: |
Absent | |||||||||
80044 Monkie Kid's Team Hideout: |
Absent | 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech: |
Absent | |||||||||
80046 Monkie Kid's Cloud Airship: |
Absent | 80047 Mei's Guardian Dragon: |
Absent | |||||||||
80048 The Mighty Azure Lion: |
Absent | 80049 Dragon of the East Palace: |
Absent |
Season 5 | ||||||||||||
Opening sequence: | Appears | |||||||||||
Episodes | ||||||||||||
49. "Strings That Bind": | Flashback | 50. "Collar the King": | Appears | |||||||||
51. "Temple of the Goddess": | Absent | 52. "The Storm Within": | Absent | |||||||||
53. "Claim to Flame": | Absent | 54. "Festival Fugitives": | Absent | |||||||||
55. "Into the Pagoda": | Vision | 56. "The Cage": | Appears | |||||||||
57."Sacrifice": | Appears | 58. "Harbinger": | Appears | |||||||||
Sets | ||||||||||||
80050 Creative Vehicles: |
Absent | 80051 Monkie Kid's Mini Mech: |
Absent | |||||||||
80053 Mei's Dragon Mech: |
Absent | 80054 Megapolis City: |
Absent | |||||||||
80055 Monkie Kid's Team Power Truck: |
Absent | 80056 Nine-Headed Beast: |
Appears | |||||||||
80057 Nezha's Ring of Fire Mech: |
Appears | 80058 Celestial Pagoda: |
Absent |
Names in other languages
Language | Name | Translation, etymology, and notes |
---|---|---|
Korean | 혼돈 요괴 | Translates to Chaos Demon. |
Mandarin (China) |
九头妖另 | Translates to Nine-Headed Demon. |
Quotes
Strings That Bind
- “ It's time to wake up.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
The Cage
- “But don't you see? That's exactly what this child is, the Harbinger of Chaos.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “Fool. The cycle's end is here.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “Don't struggle. You'll only make it worse. Finally. I couldn't stand to be among those fools a minute longer. ”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon after killing the Court of the Underworld
- “It's funny they kept saying you were chaos. They never knew a creature from the Chaos Beyond was standing next to them all this time. Oh, let me guess. "Ooh, wonder what's under the hood? Who could it be?" I can tell the suspense is killing it. Here comes the big reveal. Kinda creepy but anticlimactic huh? ”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “Wukong, come on. We are old enemies. we're old friends, too. You just don't remember.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “Ah, it doesn't matter. I am the Tenth King, the Prince Consort of Jisai, the Nine-Headed Demon, Xiangliu, the Emissary. The list goes on. The name's not really important. Not now. It's all about to be over. ”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “There's this old story: These people in a cave, never seeing the sun, feeling it's warmth. But they knew it was out there and they feared it. Anything outside the dark, it had to be evil. Well, one day, one of them got out. he saw the sun, felt it’s warmth, and he knew it was good. The world was so much bigger than the cave. But even through he was free, he came back. He couldn't abandon them, her little people. He said, “Let's go! Let's see the light.” They called him... “Monster”. They couldn't believe anything outside the cave could be good, be better. They... stayed... and he couldn't get out.. I saw the sun, the chaos, and the freedom! AND I STILL CAME BACK! …I'm done trying to be a hero…”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “It was all gonna happen anyway. You just wouldn't have had— I wanted more for you than just the path. The sacrifice, destiny.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
- “Either choice you make, I'm getting out. What remains… That's up to you. My last act in this world is letting you decide. Not them, not the Celestial Host, not her! I'm opening your cage.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
Sacrifice
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- “But I have had enough of control, enough of watching people put themselves in cages, of watching them push away the chaos when the chaos is what makes them who they are.”
- ―The Nine-Headed Demon
Harbinger
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Behind the Scenes
- In Journey to the West, he is also known as the Nine-Headed Prince Consort (九頭駙馬), and was married to the All Saints Dragon King's daughter. One of his heads was bitten off by Erlang Shen's Celestial dog.[7]
- Nine Heads is said to have once sent a rainstorm of blood upon the Golden Light Monastery in order to steal a Śarīra.[8]
- His wife once stole the nine-leaved agaric from the Queen Mother of the West.
- The All Saints Dragon King is also said to have invited the Demon Bull King to his banquet.[9]
- The Mandarin dub states that the Nine-Headed Demon is the descendant of Xiangliu, instead of Xiangliu being one of his aliases.
- One of the demon customers actually resembles the Xiangliu from Chinese mythology.
- In the text Huainanzi, Xiangliu is said to be the minister of Gonggong, a water god who once destroyed a pillar of heaven.
- The Tenth King of the Underworld's job was sending souls to be reincarnated.[10]
Trivia
- His animated design was primarily done by Lara Chang, with Eden Timm also working on his face and hair. [11]
- The Nine-Headed Demon is technically be the first twist villain in the series, as the true identity of the tenth king had been kept a secret for more than a year, leading to speculation about who it could be. Additionally, there were theories that the main antagonist of Season 5 would be Li Jing or the 100-Eyed Demon, as they were most prominently featured in the season's trailer.
- The Nine-Headed Demon's role as the main antagonist of Season 5 was subtly hinted in the opening sequence of the season, as each end of the intros depicted MK charging towards the main antagonist of the season or story arc.
- While Azure Lion was also portrayed as a twist villain in the show, his appearance on 80045 Monkey King Ultra Mech gave away his true nature.
- The Nine Headed Demon mentions Greek mythology several times in the Mandarin dub, referencing Plato's Cave and Pandora's Box.
Gallery
![]() Click here to view the gallery. |
Notes
- ↑ The Nine-Headed Demon is the prince consort of Jisai, indicating that he married into a royal family.
References
- ↑ Adams, Jeremy (May 16, 2021). It is not a direct 1:1 representation to JTW by design. It gives us more freedom with stories and characters and hopefully points people to search and experience JTW themselves (Reply). Archived from the original on August 28, 2022.
- ↑ Breen, David. "Harbinger". Monkie Kid. Season 5. Episode 58.
- ↑ LEGO® Builder
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Devlin, Deirdr. "The Cage". Monkie Kid. Season 5. Episode 56.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Fujita, Mark; Harper, Sarah. "Better Than We Found It". Monkie Kid. Season 4. Episode 48.
- ↑ Breen, David. "Collar the King". Monkie Kid. Season 5. Episode 50.
- ↑ Journey to the West, Volume 3, Chapter 63 (Anthony C. Yu translation, Revised Edition)
- ↑ "Year before last, he came here with the Dragon King and, exerting great divine strength, sent down a rainstorm of blood to have the treasure pagoda defiled" (Chapter 62)
- ↑ "We tell you instead about that Bull Demon King, who finally ended the banquet with those various spirits at the bottom of the Green Wave Lagoon." (Chapter 60) "We have been sent here to patrol the pagoda by the All Saints Dragon King of the Green Wave Lagoon in the Scattered-Rock Mountain." (Chapter 62)
- ↑ 十殿閻羅 (Baidu)
- ↑ Timm, Eden (July 18, 2024). big shout out to Lara Chang, our designer at Wildbrain, who handled the NHD. I did some minor work concepting the wrapped up snakes & his face, but Lara, by and large, handled the majority of his beautiful & complicated design!!.