The Seven Sisters: Violet Spider
Tang Sanzang and the Spider Demons
On their journey to retrieve sacred scriptures, Tang Sanzang and his three disciples approached a secluded area known as Webbed Hollow. Spotting a house in the distance, Tang Sanzang decided to go alone to ask for alms, despite his disciples’ initial reluctance. “You usually handle the tough, far-off places,” he insisted. “This is close by; let me go on my own.” So, reluctantly, they let him go.
Meeting the Mysterious Sisters
When he reached the house, Tang Sanzang was greeted by seven beautiful women, each referring to the others as her sister. Though their home was minimally furnished and carried an unsettling vibe, Tang Sanzang didn’t want to leave empty-handed and asked for a meal. The eldest sister, seemingly the leader, directed some of her sisters to prepare food while the others kept Tang Sanzang company, chatting with him.
What Tang Sanzang didn’t realize was that these “sisters” were spider demons, and the “meal” they were preparing was… human flesh. When the food arrived, Tang Sanzang sensed something was off. Realizing it wasn’t vegetarian, he declined politely. Annoyed, the sisters scolded him for wasting their efforts, then sprang into action—ensnaring him with silken webs spun from their navels, trapping him in a cocoon suspended from the ceiling.
Sun Wukong’s Discovery
As time passed, the disciples grew worried. Sun Wukong, the Monkey King, decided to investigate. Sneaking into the eerie house, he found it empty except for his master cocooned in webbing. Wukong considered smashing the silk with his staff but hesitated, worried about harming Tang Sanzang or alerting the spider demons.
Seeking more information, Sun Wukong consulted a local deity who explained, “These spider demons reside here in Webbed Hollow. They bathe daily in a hot spring about three miles away, and they’re likely there now.” With this tip, Sun Wukong transformed into a fly and flew to the hot spring. There, he overheard the demons planning to eat Tang Sanzang. Thinking quickly, Sun Wukong transformed into an eagle and snatched their clothes from the shore to distract them.
Zhu Bajie’s Encounter
Back with his disciples, Wukong briefed them on the situation. Zhu Bajie, the mischievous pig, showed more interest in the stolen clothing than the rescue plan. Finally, Zhu Bajie took on the task of confronting the spider demons himself. He hurried to the hot spring, finding the sisters in dismay over their missing clothes. Playfully, he offered to join them in the bath, causing the sisters to retaliate in disgust.
When they tried to capture him with their webs, Zhu Bajie transformed into a slippery catfish, evading them with ease. After teasing them, he revealed his identity and challenged them to fight. Furious, the sisters ensnared him in their silk but ultimately fled, fearing reinforcements would arrive.
The Escape and Aftermath
The sisters returned to their lair, where they hastily dressed and planned their next move. They decided to abandon Tang Sanzang and seek protection from their senior brother at the Temple of Yellow Flowers, leaving minor demons to stall the disciples.
Freed from his bonds, Zhu Bajie regrouped with Sun Wukong and Sha Wujing. Together, they fought off the minor demons and rescued Tang Sanzang. Deciding not to pursue the spider demons further, they shared a simple meal and continued on their journey.
Reflecting on the encounter, Tang Sanzang sighed, “Each of you has your own strengths. From now on, I’ll leave the alms gathering to you.”