Hóng Hái-ér

2022

Movies and TV

Red Boy, also known as Hong Hai Er, is a prominent character from classic Chinese literature, most notably the 16th-century novel *Journey to the West* by Wu Cheng'en. While the novel has seen numerous adaptations across film and television, Red Boy generally appears as a powerful demon child residing in the Fiery Mountains.

He is the son of Princess Iron Fan and the Bull Demon King, making him a nephew of sorts to Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), whom he vehemently opposes. Red Boy possesses potent magical abilities, including the ability to exhale Samadhi Fire, a type of inextinguishable flame that proves a significant challenge for Sun Wukong.

In most versions of the story, after several encounters and defeats, Red Boy is eventually subdued by Guanyin (Avalokiteśvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Guanyin tames Red Boy and makes him a disciple, renaming him Sudhana. He is often depicted accompanying Guanyin in subsequent narratives, serving as a protector and demonstrating his newfound devotion to Buddhism.