The Princess Djouher-Manikam
by Chauncey C. Starkweather · from Legends and Tales
Adapted Version
Once, King Haroun had a daughter. Her name was Princess Djouher.
King Haroun went on a trip to pray. He asked the Judge to help. He also asked the Judge to protect Princess Djouher.
King Haroun wrote a letter to the Judge. He said, "Please keep my daughter safe. Keep my kingdom safe too."
But the Judge had a bad thought. He went to see the princess. She was praying quietly. He was mean to her. He said, "Stop praying. Listen to me."
Princess Djouher said, "No. I will pray. God protects me. I will not listen."
The Judge was angry. He told a lie to King Haroun. He wrote a letter. He said something bad about the princess. He said, "Your daughter is not good. She does not listen."
King Haroun was very sad. He believed the Judge. He told his son, Prince Minbah, "Send your sister away. Punish her."
Prince Minbah was very sad. He loved his sister. He went to the princess. She was sleeping. He had to do something bad. He did not want to.
Then a miracle happened. A kind gazelle came. It helped the princess. The gazelle was hurt instead. It took her place.
Prince Minbah saw the gazelle. He knew his sister was safe. He was happy and sad. He told King Haroun, "She is gone."
King Haroun believed him. He saw a cloth. He thought his daughter was gone. He cried.
Princess Djouher woke up. She saw the kind gazelle. She knew the Judge was mean. She was safe. She went to a safe place to pray. It was a quiet place in the park.
She prayed every day. She was brave. She was good. She said a prayer for protection. God protected her.
Being good and praying keeps you safe. God protects you. Princess Djouher prayed happily in her safe place. She was safe and happy.
Original Story
The Princess Djouher-Manikam
[ Translated by Aristide Marre and Chauncey C. Starkweather ]
This is the history of the Princess Djouher-Manikam, whose renown is celebrated in all lands, windward and leeward.
There was in the city of Bagdad a king named Haroun-er-Raschid, sovereign of a vast empire. He was a prince who feared God the almighty, and worthy of all praise, for he was a king descended from the prophet. After having lived for some time in his kingdom, he desired to start on a pilgrimage. So he addressed his ministers and his military chiefs and spoke to them as follows:
"O you all, my subjects, my officers, what is your opinion? I would fain make a pilgrimage to the house of God."
The cadi, prostrating himself, answered: "Sire, King of the world, the will of your sublime Majesty is very just, but in my opinion your departure would cause the ruin of the inhabitants of the fields, and those of your subjects who accompany you will have much to suffer."
The prince, having heard these words, said: "The opinion of the cadi is loyal, and you, my officers, tell what is your advice."
The officers arose, then they prostrated themselves and spoke as follows: "Sire, King of the world, we, your servants, beg you a thousand and a thousand times to cause your forgiveness to descend upon our heads, but how will your Majesty accomplish the pilgrimage? In whom can you trust to protect the country and watch over the palace?"
The prince having heard these words of his officers, none of whom approved of the pilgrimage, kept silence and restrained his anger, and then departed and returned to the palace. Some days after this, by the will of the most high God, the heart of the prince felt more keenly still the desire to make the pilgrimage. He gave orders to gather together the interpreters of the law, the wise men, and the muftis , as well as the officers. When they were all assembled, the prince went to the audience-chamber, and there before the officers of the court he questioned one of the doctors. It was the mufti of the city of Bagdad. He, prostrating himself, said: "The pilgrimage of his Majesty would be an excellent work, but is it of absolute necessity? For the voyage will be very long, and there is no one, my lord, who would be capable of ruling in the place of your sublime Majesty."
The prince answered: "He in whom we first of all place our trust is God. We shall hope then in the blessing of his envoy. We shall leave the cadi here, and if it pleases God the most high, we shall return promptly as soon as we have accomplished the pilgrimage."
The King therefore caused to be equipped and provided with all sorts of provisions, those of his subjects who were going to accompany him, and when, the favorable moment had arrived he started with the Queen, some of the maids-of-honor, and his son named Minbah Chahaz. He took his son, but he left behind, guarded in the palace, his daughter called the Princess Djouher-Manikam. In those times there was no one in the country of Bagdad who surpassed in beauty the Princess Djouher-Manikam. Furthermore, she had in her heart the fear of God the most high and worthy of all praise, and would not cease her prayers.
After travelling for some time, the prince her father arrived at Mecca, and fulfilled his duties as a pilgrim. He recited the appropriate prayers. But observing that there was still a great quantity of provisions, the prince said to his officers:
"It is good for us to wait a year or so, for our provisions are yet considerable."
The officers replied: "It is well, lord of the world! Whatever may be your Majesty's commands, we place them above our heads." "Since it is thus," answered the prince, "it is fitting that we should send a letter thus conceived: Peace and blessing upon the cadi: I place my trust in God first of all, and in the cadi, to guard my kingdom, palace, and my child the Princess Djouher-Manikam. Be a faithful guardian, neglect nothing in the cares to be given to my kingdom, for I am going to remain another year for the great pilgrimage.'"
The prince's letter reached the cadi. The latter gave all his efforts to the good administration of the country, and, according to the words of the prince, he avoided every negligence.
But one night while he was on watch near the fortifications of the King's palace, Satan came to him and slid into his heart a temptation. The cadi thought in his heart: "The King's daughter is of a marvellous beauty; her name, Djouher-Mani-kam, is charming; and her face is lovely. Since it is thus, I must marry this daughter of the King." The cadi called the man who was guarding the gate, exclaiming:
"Ho! Guardian of the gate! Open unto me."
The guardian of the gate demanded, "Who is there?"
The cadi replied, "It is I, the cadi."
So the guardian promptly opened the gate, and the cadi entered within the fortification, then went up into the palace and found the princess there saying her evening prayers. He hid behind the lamp in a corner which was dark. When her prayer was finished, the Princess Djouher- Manikam cast her eyes in that direction and saw there was someone standing there in the shadow, so three times again she said the "verse of the Throne"; but she saw that the vision had not yet vanished from her eyes.
Then the princess said in her heart: "What in the world is that? Is it a ghost? Is it a demon? Is it a djinn? If it were, it would have necessarily disappeared when I recited the 'verse of the Throne.'"
The cadi heard these words and said: "O Princess Djouher-Manikam, it is I, the cadi."
"What are you doing here?" asked the princess. He answered, "I wish to marry you."
The Princess Djouher-Manikam said: "O cadi! Why do you act so to me? Have you then no fear of God the most high and worthy of all praise? Do you not blush before the face of my ancestor the prophet Mahomet, the envoy of God? May the peace and blessings of God be upon him! As for me, I am the servant of the Lord and I belong to the religion of the envoy of God. I fear to marry now. And you, cadi, why do you act so? My father gave you a charge. He sent you a letter which commanded you to protect the country and all who dwelt in his palace. Why do you conduct yourself in this fashion toward me?"
The cadi, hearing these words of the Princess Djouher-Manikam, felt a great confusion in his heart. He went out of the palace and returned home full of trouble and emotion. When it was day, the cadi sent a letter to the King Haroun-er-Raschid at Mecca. It was thus conceived: "Your Majesty left me to be guardian of his kingdom, his palace, and his daughter. Now, the Princess Djouher-Manikam desires to marry me. This is the reason why I send this letter to your Majesty." Thus spake the cadi in his letter.
When it reached the prince and he had read it, he immediately summoned his son Minbah-Chahaz. He came in haste, and the King gave him a cutlass and said, "Return to Bagdad and slay your sister, because she will bring shame upon the family by marrying now."
Minbah-Chahaz bowed before his father. Then he set out to return to his own country.
Arriving at the end of his journey, he entered the city, and went up to the palace of the Princess Djouher-Manikam. She was filled with joy and said, "Welcome, O my brother!"
Minbah-Chahaz answered, "O my little sister, our parents will remain for the great pilgrimage."
The brother and sister thus chatting together, the Princess Djouher- Manikam said, "O my brother, I wish to sleep."
"It is well, my sister," answered Minbah-Chahaz; "sleep while your brother combs his little sister's hair." And the princess Djouher- Manikam slept.
Her brother then took a cushion, which he slipped under the head of the young virgin his sister; then he thought in his heart: "If I do not execute the commands of my father, I shall be a traitor to him. But, alas, if I kill my sister, I shall not have a sister any more. If I do not kill her, I shall certainly commit a crime against the most high, because I shall not have obeyed the order of my father. I will fulfil then my father's will. It is a duty obligatory on all children. What good are these subterfuges?" His resolution thus confirmed, he bound his handkerchief over his eyes and directed his cutlass against his sister's neck. But at that instant, by the will of God the most high, a little gazelle came up and, by the power of God the most high, placed its neck upon the neck of the princess Djouher-Manikam, saying, "I will take the place of the princess Djouher-Manikam." And the little gazelle was killed by Minbah-Chahaz. That done he unbound his eyes and saw a little gazelle lying dead with its throat cut, by the side of his young sister the princess Djouher-Manikam.
At this sight, Minbah-Chahaz was stricken with astonishment. He thought in his heart: "Since it is so with my sister, she must be entirely innocent, and cannot have commited the least fault. Nevertheless, although I am confident that she was calumniated by the cadi I must tell my father that I have killed her."
Minbah-Chahaz set out then for Mecca, to find the prince his father. When he had arrived at Mecca he presented to his father the cutlass still stained with blood. The King Haroun-er-Raschid cried, "Praise be to God, the Lord of the worlds. Our shame is now effaced, since you have poniarded your sister and she is dead." Such were the deeds of this first story.
The princess Djouher-Manikam, having awakened after the departure of Minbah-Chahaz, saw that her brother was no longer there, but that at her side there was a little gazelle with its throat cut. She thought in her heart: "The cadi has slandered me to my father, and that is why my brother came here with orders to kill me." The princess Djouher-Manikam felt a great shame and thought in her heart, "Since it is so, I must retire to a hidden place." Now in the King's park there was a solitary place in the midst of a vast deserted plain. There was a pond of very agreeable appearance there, many kinds of fruit-trees and flowers, and an oratory beautifully built. The princess Djouher-Manikam set out and retired to this place to pray to God the most high and worthy of all praise. She was established there for some time when, by the will of God the most high, a certain thing happened.
Story DNA
Moral
True piety and unwavering faith in God will protect the innocent from harm and injustice, even when facing betrayal and false accusations.
Plot Summary
King Haroun-er-Raschid goes on a pilgrimage, leaving his pious daughter, Princess Djouher-Manikam, under the cadi's protection. The cadi, tempted by Satan, tries to force the Princess into marriage, but she devoutly refuses. The cadi then falsely reports to the King that the Princess desires to marry him, leading the King to order his son, Minbah-Chahaz, to kill her to preserve family honor. As Minbah-Chahaz prepares to strike, a gazelle miraculously takes the Princess's place, saving her life. Believing his sister dead, Minbah-Chahaz reports back to his father, while the Princess, realizing the betrayal, retreats to a secluded place to devote herself to prayer, protected by divine will.
Themes
Emotional Arc
innocence threatened to divine protection
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story is set during the reign of Haroun-er-Raschid, a historical Abbasid caliph (786-809 AD) often featured in 'One Thousand and One Nights', lending it a sense of historical authenticity within a fantastical framework.
Plot Beats (12)
- King Haroun-er-Raschid, a devout ruler, decides to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca despite his advisors' concerns.
- The King leaves his beautiful and pious daughter, Princess Djouher-Manikam, in the care of the cadi, instructing him to guard the kingdom and his child.
- After extending his pilgrimage, the King sends a letter to the cadi, reiterating his trust in him.
- Satan tempts the cadi, who then attempts to proposition the Princess while she is praying.
- The Princess rebukes the cadi, reminding him of his duty and God's judgment.
- Ashamed, the cadi writes to the King, falsely claiming the Princess wishes to marry him.
- The King, believing the cadi, orders his son Minbah-Chahaz to return to Bagdad and kill his sister to prevent family shame.
- Minbah-Chahaz arrives, greets his sister, and prepares to kill her while she sleeps, conflicted by his duty and love.
- By divine intervention, a gazelle appears and takes the Princess's place, being killed by Minbah-Chahaz instead.
- Minbah-Chahaz, astonished by the gazelle's appearance, concludes his sister is innocent but reports her death to his father.
- The King accepts the blood-stained cutlass as proof of his daughter's death and the restoration of his honor.
- The Princess awakens to find the dead gazelle, understands the cadi's betrayal and her brother's mission, and retreats to a secluded, sacred spot in the royal park to pray.
Characters
Djouher-Manikam ★ protagonist
Marvellous beauty
Attire: Fine silk robes, jewelry appropriate for a princess of Bagdad
Pious, intelligent, resourceful
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman in her late teens with determined hazel eyes and chestnut hair braided with wildflowers. She wears an embroidered forest-green tunic over brown leggings, with sturdy leather boots and a leather satchel at her hip. She stands confidently with one hand resting on a carved wooden staff, a faint smile on her face suggesting quiet courage. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Haroun-er-Raschid ◆ supporting
Sovereign of a vast empire
Attire: Rich robes, turban with jewel, scimitar
Pious, easily swayed, concerned with honor
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a neatly trimmed black beard, wearing an elaborate golden turban adorned with a single large emerald. He is dressed in richly embroidered royal robes of deep blue and gold silk, with a wide sash at his waist. He holds a thoughtful pose, one hand gently stroking his beard, his expression wise and benevolent. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Minbah-Chahaz ◆ supporting
Strong, dutiful
Attire: Travel clothes, carries a cutlass
Torn between duty and compassion, conflicted
Image Prompt & Upload
A middle-aged man with a kind, weathered face and gentle eyes. He has short, salt-and-pepper hair and a neatly trimmed beard. He wears layered, practical robes in earthy browns and greens, with subtle celestial embroidery on the cuffs and collar. A worn leather satchel is slung over his shoulder. He stands in a relaxed, open posture, one hand resting on a tall wooden staff topped with a softly glowing crystal orb. His expression is warm, welcoming, and slightly weary. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Cadi ⚔ antagonist
Powerful, influential
Attire: Cadi robes and turban
Treacherous, lustful, manipulative
Image Prompt & Upload
A stern, middle-aged man with sharp cheekbones and a severe expression, his pale skin almost luminous against his dark attire. He wears a high-collared, black velvet cloak trimmed with silver thread over a tailored doublet of deep burgundy. His hair is slicked back, revealing pointed ears, and his eyes glow with a faint, cold amber light. He stands tall and rigid, one hand gripping a twisted, dark wood staff topped with a smoky quartz crystal, the other resting on his hip. He is in a shadowy, stone-walled throne room, lit by flickering torchlight. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Little Gazelle ◆ supporting
Small, graceful
Self-sacrificing, innocent
Image Prompt & Upload
A young woman with gentle, doe-like eyes and a delicate, heart-shaped face. Her hair is long, wavy, and the color of warm caramel, adorned with small wildflowers and green vines. She wears a flowing dress made of layered, soft linen in shades of cream and moss green, cinched at the waist with a braided leather cord. Her posture is graceful and poised, standing lightly on bare feet as if ready to spring away, her hands lightly clasped before her. Her expression is kind, alert, and slightly shy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
City of Bagdad
A vast empire with a king's palace and fortifications.
Mood: Bustling, politically charged
The story begins here; the King decides to go on a pilgrimage, setting the plot in motion.
Image Prompt & Upload
Sunset over the ancient City of Bagdad, bathed in golden and amber light. A vast, sprawling metropolis of domed palaces, soaring minarets, and fortified walls with crenellations. Ornate archways and intricate tilework adorn the buildings. The king's grand palace sits atop a central hill, its gilded domes and soaring towers glowing in the fading light. Below, a network of streets and bustling market squares with arched colonnades. A wide river snakes through the city, reflecting the fiery sky. Lush date palms and gardens dot the landscape amidst the desert terrain. The atmosphere is majestic, warm, and timeless, with a clear sky transitioning from deep blue to orange near the horizon. No border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
King's Palace in Bagdad
Contains the princess's chambers, where she prays; has lamps and dark corners.
Mood: Initially peaceful, then tense and violated
The Cadi attempts to seduce the princess, leading to the false accusation.
Image Prompt & Upload
A serene night scene inside the princess's chambers within the grand Palace of Bagdad. Moonlight filters through intricate latticed windows, casting geometric shadows on polished mosaic floors. Warm, golden light glows from ornate brass oil lamps, illuminating silk cushions, carved wooden screens, and delicate ceramic tiles in deep blues, turquoise, and gold. Dark, mysterious corners are softened by the play of light, revealing glimpses of lush potted palms and flowing sheer curtains. The architecture features pointed arches and domed ceilings. The atmosphere is tranquil, mystical, and intimate. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Road to Mecca
A long journey from Bagdad to Mecca.
Mood: Tiring, arduous
The King travels to Mecca for his pilgrimage and receives the Cadi's letter.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, endless desert road stretches toward a distant horizon under a golden-hour sky, the sun a blazing orb of amber and rose. The sandy path, worn smooth by countless journeys, is flanked by low, sun-bleached dunes and sparse, resilient desert shrubs. The air shimmers with a gentle heat haze, casting a dreamlike quality over the landscape. In the far distance, the faint, silhouetted outlines of a caravan and a solitary, ancient watchtower rise from the sands. The sky transitions from warm gold at the horizon to a deep, clear turquoise above, dotted with the first pale stars. The atmosphere is one of profound silence, vastness, and timeless pilgrimage. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Solitary place in the King's Park
A vast deserted plain with a pond, fruit trees, flowers, and a beautifully built oratory.
Mood: Secluded, peaceful, spiritual
The Princess Djouher-Manikam retreats here to pray after her brother's visit.
Image Prompt & Upload
Early morning, soft dawn light with a pale pink and blue sky. A vast, empty grassy plain with dew-kissed blades, leading to a still, glassy pond reflecting the sky. A few ancient, gnarled fruit trees in full white and pink blossom stand near the water's edge. Clusters of wildflowers dot the grass. In the center, a beautifully built, small stone oratory with a simple arched doorway and a gently sloping slate roof, its white walls glowing softly. Mist lightly clings to the ground. Serene, solitary, and peaceful atmosphere. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
