Mahishasura and Durga

Mahishasura is a buffalo demon whose goal is world domination and death of the gods. What will happen in this story?

Mahishasura and Durga

Mahishasura, the fierce buffalo demon, was on a terrible mission: to conquer the world and rout the gods. He gored and slashed his way through battle after battle. The gods retired; the monster ruled — until a stupendous sound shook the earth.

Durga spoke!

The great goddess had sprung forth full-grown, created by the energy of the gods, who knew Mahishasura could only be killed by a woman. Durga roared her challenge to Mahishasura; the buffalo demon was enraged!

The red-robed goddess charged into battle on her magnificent lion. Her 18 arms whirled furiously overhead, each one brandishing some weapon of the gods: a thunderbolt, a trident, a bow and arrow, a rope of snakes. The buffalo demon quickly changed shapes. He became a lion, a warrior, an elephant; Durga slew each of his demon forms. Mahishasura was no match for the mighty goddess. She was beautiful, invincible, fearless. Mahishasura was forced to assume his monstrous buffalo shape again. He hurled mountains at the goddess. Durga dodged his attack — and then leaped up and cut off the buffalo demon's head!

• Taken from the Scholastic: Myths from around the world site.
• Note the original site refers to Mahisha, however the correct name is Mahishasur or Mahishasura.