Pang Toutuo (simplified: 胖头陀, traditional: 胖頭陀, pinyin: Pàngtóutuó, jyutping: bun6 tau4 to4), meaning “Fat Monk,” is a member of the Mystic Dragon Order (神龙教 — Shénlóng Jiào) in The Deer and the Cauldron. Despite his name suggesting he should be fat, he is actually thin and tall due to the effects of the “Leopard Fetus Easy Tendon Pill” (豹胎昉筋丸 — Bàotāi Yìjīn Wán).
Biography
Transformation by poison
Pang Toutuo’s appearance contradicts his name: “Pang” means “fat” and “Toutuo” means “monk,” but he is actually thin and tall. This is because he was transformed by the Mystic Dragon Order’s “Leopard Fetus Easy Tendon Pill,” a poison that can dramatically alter a person’s physical appearance if not properly treated with the antidote.
This transformation serves as a demonstration of the Order’s control over its members and the terrible consequences of failing to follow orders or obtain the necessary antidotes.
Encounter with Wei Xiaobao
Pang Toutuo first encounters Wei Xiaobao on Mount Wutai (五台山), where he recognizes him as the palace eunuch Xiaoguizi. He captures Wei Xiaobao and Shuanger (双儿) and takes them to the Mystic Dragon Order.
During this encounter, Wei Xiaobao manages to deceive Pang Toutuo with a fake story about stone inscriptions on Mount Putuo (普陀山) that supposedly reveal the locations of the eight copies of The Sutra of Forty-two Chapters (四十二章经). This deception allows Wei Xiaobao to maintain some control over the situation.
Service to the Mystic Dragon Order
As a member of the Mystic Dragon Order, Pang Toutuo is forced to follow the orders of Hong Antong (洪安通) and must regularly obtain antidotes to prevent the painful death that would result from the poison in his system.
He accompanies Wei Xiaobao on various missions, including a trip to Beijing where he serves in a brothel as part of Wei Xiaobao’s schemes. His loyalty to the Order is maintained through fear of the poison rather than genuine devotion.
Relationship with the Thin Monk
Pang Toutuo has a counterpart known as the “Thin Monk” (瘦头陀 — Shòutóutuó), who is actually fat despite his name—the opposite transformation. Together, they represent the bizarre and controlling nature of the Mystic Dragon Order, where even physical appearance can be manipulated through poison.
Personality
Pang Toutuo is characterized by his loyalty to the Mystic Dragon Order, though this loyalty is maintained through fear rather than genuine devotion. He follows orders because he must, demonstrating how the Order controls its members through the threat of painful death.
Despite his intimidating appearance and association with a dangerous organization, Pang Toutuo is ultimately a victim of the Order’s control, trapped by the poison in his system and forced to serve against his will.
Significance
Pang Toutuo represents the theme of physical transformation and control that runs through the Mystic Dragon Order storyline. His ironic name and appearance demonstrate how the Order can manipulate even basic physical attributes, showing the extent of its power over its members.
His character also highlights the theme of appearance versus reality, as his name suggests one thing while his actual appearance is the opposite—a reflection of the deceptive nature of the Mystic Dragon Order itself.
Pang Toutuo’s story illustrates how fear and coercion can force people to serve organizations against their will, adding depth to the novel’s exploration of power, control, and individual agency.