Jatayu is a valiant bird in the legends that depicted it. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, Jatayu is an old friend of Rama. It attempted to rescue Rama's wife Sita after she was kidnapped by Ravana, the devil-king. A fierce battle ensued, but Ravana managed to defeat Jatayu by slashing its wings. In a Malay literature, Hikayat Merong Mahawangsa, Jatayu is the nephew of the giant bird Garuda. It was summoned by King Merong Mahawangsa, a friend of the prince of Rome, to rescue the prince's betrothed, a Chinese princess who was kidnapped by Garuda. Despite its determination, Garuda managed to overpower Jatayu.
"Origin: India. The son of the sacred bird Garuda. He finds Ravana kidnapping Sita, Rama's wife, and challenges Ravana to a fight. Though he has the upper hand at one point, he loses in the end."
—Shin Megami Tensei A-Mode DDS dictionary
Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE[]
"A king of the birds, appearing in the Indian epic "Ramayana". He takes the form of a vulture and was said to have lived for over 6,000 years. Although he is the son of Arna, brother of Garuda, another king of the birds, he is also sometimes considered the son of Garuda himself. In the "Ramayana", he forms a friendship with King Rama, an incarnation of the supreme Hindu deity Vishnu, and promised to protect Rama's queen, Sita. However, Sita was kidnapped by Ravana, king of the Rakshasas and an enemy of Rama. Jatayu set out alone to save Sita, but had his wings cut off by a sword and was mortally wounded. He died in Rama's arms."
—Shin Megami Tensei IMAGINE compendium
Jatayu appears as a rare field boss in Shinagawa during the 1/8-2/8 moon phases.
Shin Megami Tensei V[]
"The Hindu king of birds. In the Ramayana, he fought bravely against Ravana in an attempt to save Sita, the wife of Rama, the seventh avatar of Vishnu. However, he was unfortunately defeated."
—Shin Megami Tensei V lore
Jatayu appears as a punishing foe that circles above a section of West Shinbashi. An Aitvaras on an overpass in the area will ask the protagonist to retrieve one of its eggs, stating "The Ultimate Omelette" subquest. Jatayu will fly in a circle from its perch on the cliffs, chasing the protagonist should he be found within its loop or up in its nest.
Last Bible II[]
Jatayu is hatched from an Egg, found in the Velg's Cave, the first dungeon of the game.
Persona 3[]
"The king of birds in Hindu myth. In the Ramayana, he fought bravely, but lost to Ravana in an attempt to save Sita, Rama's wife, the 7th avatar of Vishnu."
—Persona 3 compendium
Persona 5[]
"The Hindu king of birds. In the Ramayana, he fought bravely against Ravana in an attempt to save Site, Rama's wife and the 7th avatar of Vishnu, but lost."
—Persona 5 background
Jatayu is the first persona of the Tower Arcana and can only be obtained through fusion in the Velvet Room. He is the first Persona to learn the Flash Bomb skill and one of three sources for the Dodge Psy and Climate Decorum skills. He is also the first Persona to learn the Snipe passive skill, but as he does not learn a Gun skill naturally, he will need to be supplied with one through fusion in order to utilize it. He is the second of four Personas to learn the Speed Master skill. When itemized through Electric Chair execution, Jatayu yields a Flash Bomb Skill Card.
Persona 5 Royal[]
Jatayu is the seventh Persona of the Hanged Man Arcana and can be found as a Shadow in Niijima's Palace and the Sheriruth area of Mementos with the title "Arrogant Vulture." Itemizing him via the Electric Chair yields a Speed Master skill card and an Auto-Masuku skill card during a Fusion alarm.
He appears alongside two Oses during the opening escape sequence of the game. This battle is automatically won, as Kasumi's Vorpal Blade will knock all the foes down for an All-Out Attack, while a lone Jatayu appears as a mini boss before the Slot Room.
In the Path of Da'at, the shadow has an unrecruitable super variation called the "Ecstatic Vulture" who is accompanied by Satiated Bird God.
Digital Devil Saga: Avatar Tuner[]
Jatayu is first encountered as a boss and accompanied by Garuda. Once the party has reached an elevation of 4,264 ft. they will come to an external area where the two can be seeing circling in the skies. Once the party has raised the third platform and reaches the end of the final bridge they will attempt to block their path.
Jatayu is fought first and will frequently use Mudoon and Mamudoon to attack. It will also typically respond to -kaja buffs and -nda debuffs as soon as possible with Dekaja and Dekunda.
After it is defeated Garuda enters the battle as a reinforcement.
Shin Megami Tensei: Liberation Dx2[]
"The King of Vultures and son of the sacred bird Garuda in Indian lore. In the epic Ramayana, Jatayu aids his friend King Rama who is Vishnu incarnate. When Rama's wife Sita is kidnapped by the demon-king Ravana, Jatayu fought with all his might to save her."
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