In Hindu mythology, the demon defeated by the god Vishnu in his avatar as Narasimha is Hiranyakashipu. This demon represents tyranny and arrogance, having gained power through severe penance. However, he believed himself invincible, as he could not be killed by man or beast. Vishnu's manifestation as Narasimha, a half-man, half-lion, allowed him to fulfill the promise of defeating Hiranyakashipu and restoring cosmic order, symbolizing the victory of good over evil.