In local folk traditions, Maha Sona was formerly a human known as Ritigala Jayasena (Jayasena of
Ritigala), a fierce warrior who lived during the reign of
King Dutugamunu. After offending the giant Gotaimbara (one of the
Ten Giant Warriors of
King Dutugamunu) in a drunken stupor, he agreed to a bare-handed duel. Depending on the version of the tale, Gotaimbara decapitates Jayasena either accidentally or with a single kick, after which the cadaver is tossed into an open graveyard. Upon seeing Jayasena’s predicament, a deity takes pity on him and attempts to revive him before the cadaver grows cold (or another time limit is reached). With time of the essence and unable to find his head, the deity attaches a bear’s head in its place before reviving him. Due to the urgency, the head is fitted backwards. After being revived, Mahasona’s grotesque appearance terrifies those who encounter him, leaving them so horrified that they fall ill shortly afterward. Believed to dwell in large graveyards, he is called ‘Maha Sohona’ or ‘Maha Sohon Yaka’ (Great Demon of the Graveyard) in popular versions of the legend. It is also worth noting that the term ‘sohon’ (සොහොන්) in Sinhala refers not only to ‘grave’ or ‘cemetery’ but can also mean ‘foul’ in a general sense. Therefore, ‘Maha Sohona’ can also mean ‘The Great Fell.’ However, folk songs across the country offer alternative origins for Maha Sona, sometimes not linking him to the figure of Jayasena. Depending on the song, he may be depicted as either a demon or a deity. Maha Sona is perhaps the most deeply ingrained supernatural being in the Sri Lankan psyche, unmatched in the fear his name evokes. ==Characteristics==