Mara

Mara was the only Demon that was not a creation of Lilith Barbelo, but a side-effect of Nature laws.

# Lianhua

Mara, was once a immortal human named Lianhua, underwent a profound and grotesque transformation in the kingdom of the immortal Queen Rong.

Where the boundaries of pleasure were pushed to extremes, Lianhua, succumbed to the unending delights of intimate encounters.

# Mara

Nature intervened, reshaping him into a colossal penis entity. Towering at three meters, adorned with eyes, fangs, and an insatiable hunger, Mara emerged from the remains of Lianhua. This monstrous transformation marked the beginning of terror.

Mara's insatiable appetite Consumed Queen Rong and King Erlang Shen. Mara unleashed its destructive force upon the opulent palace, reducing it to ruins. The once-harmonious kingdom now stood in shambles as terrified citizens fled, leaving behind the remnants of a once-majestic realm.

# The Fateful Battle

Queen Jia, upon hearing of her sibling's demise, joined forces with her brothers, the Sea Kings Ao Qin, Ao Shun, and Ao Run. Together, they formed an unprecedented coalition, uniting sorcerers, soldiers, and Demon Hunters. Despite their valiant efforts, Mara devoured the entire conglomerate, leaving a wake of despair and destruction.

Fueled by intense loathing, the Jade Emperor Ao Guang rallied his legions against the menace he named "Mara." Despite the formidable might of the Jade Emperor and his forces, Mara proved too powerful. Consuming Ao Guang , Queen Lian and their entire army, Mara emerged victorious, bringing a definitive end to the immortal monarch's reign.

# The Crusade

Word of Mara's havoc spread across Ancient China, prompting King Mu of Zhou to dispatch Teo and Yan Shi to amass an armada. Joined by a coterie of peerless adepts from the Bethel militia, including Gane, Skanda, Kanzeon Bosatsu, Guanshiyin Pusa, Kagutsuchi, Inami, and Inagi, they embarked on a perilous crusade against the malevolent entity.

A tumultuous duel unfolded between the Bethel Masters and Mara. Tempests raged, hurling elemental forces in a cataclysmic showdown. Ultimately, Gane emerged victorious, transforming Mara into living stone and sealing away the abomination forever. The petrified form of Mara was shattered by Gane's potent energy, reducing it to dust.

To commemorate the bravery and sacrifice of the Bethel Masters, King Mu of Zhou decreed the formation of a new dynasty ruled by Gane. The tale of Mara became a testament to the triumph of gallantry in the face of seemingly insurmountable peril, echoing through the annals of history.

# Legacy

Mara's tale transcends borders, weaving its influence through the rich tapestry of myths and legends across China, India, and Japan, each culture interpreting and adapting the narrative to fit their unique spiritual and philosophical landscapes.

### China: The Bewitching Tempter

In Chinese mythology, Mara's legacy manifests in the concept of desire and temptation. The belief echoes in the deceptive allure of the mundane and negative, personifying unwholesome impulses and hindrances to spiritual growth. Mara, often depicted as a tempter, finds resonance in the cosmology of desire realms, ensnaring souls in Samsara by promising happiness in worldly desires.

### India: The Defeated Adversary

In Indian mythology, Mara is known as "The Evil One," a formidable adversary who sought to obstruct Siddharta Gautama from attaining enlightenment. Mara's defeat by the Buddha, marked by the earth-touching gesture, symbolizes the triumph of enlightenment over worldly obstacles. The continuous presence of Mara in the world, attempting to seize the souls of the unenlightened, serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle between spiritual enlightenment and the enticements of the material world.

### Japan: Demonic Temptations

In Japanese lore, Mara's influence can be seen in tales where demonic entities attempt to thwart individuals on their paths to enlightenment. The imagery of Mara using beautiful daughters to tempt them and the ultimate failure of Mara in these stories highlights the resilience required to overcome such obstacles and achieve enlightenment.

### The Ultimate Obstacle

In Buddhism, Mara embodies the ultimate obstacle on the path to enlightenment. Sitting atop the Sixth Heaven of the Desire Realm, Mara deceives individuals with promises of happiness in the material world, hindering their progress toward Nirvana. The defeat of Mara signifies the triumph of spiritual realization over the illusions of desire, a theme reiterated in various Buddhist traditions.

### The Metaphorical Disillusion

In Sri Lankan Buddhism, Mara takes on a metaphorical dimension as Devaputra-mara. Here, the disillusionment lies in regarding Mara not as an objective being but as a representation of internal struggles and hindrances to enlightenment. This nuanced interpretation encourages introspection and self-awareness in the quest for spiritual growth.

### Shin Megami Tensei

In Shin Megami Tensei video game, Mara assumes a prominent role, presiding over the Tower of Chokmah in the Expanse and standing guard at Lucifer's Castle Kether. In Shin Megami Tensei: 20XX, Mara takes on the mantle of "His Excellence" within the Ring of Gaea, acknowledged with reverence by demons and Gaeans alike.

Throughout the entire Megami Tensei game series, Mara's presence is not merely a cameo but an integral aspect, weaving his influence into the intricate narrative. His recurring role underscores the enduring impact of Mara, transcending realms and genres within the gaming world.

As players navigate the diverse landscapes and challenges presented in the Megami Tensei universe, Mara's character adds a unique and memorable dimension, contributing to the series' rich lore and captivating storytelling.