The Beggar King[ToC](#toc)
by Gertrude Landa · from Jewish Fairy Tales and Legends
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Adapted Version
Once, there was a king named Hagag. He was very, very proud.
King Hagag was proud. He sat on his chair. A Wise Old Man read a special book. The book said kings do not last. King Hagag threw the page away. He did not like these words.
King Hagag went hunting. He rode his fast horse. He saw a quick deer. The deer ran away from his friends. King Hagag followed the deer.
The deer swam across a river. King Hagag swam too. He left his clothes behind. He looked for the deer. He found a young boy. It was a Magical Spirit.
The boy said, "I am a spirit. You are proud."
The Magical Spirit took King Hagag's clothes. He took the king's horse. He looked just like the king. He rode away with the hunters.
King Hagag was alone. He had no clothes. A Woodcutter found him. The Woodcutter said, "You are lazy!" He gave King Hagag old clothes. He sent King Hagag away.
King Hagag went to his palace. The guards did not know him. They sent him away. He had no home. He had to live like a beggar.
King Hagag was hungry. He was very sad. He had no food. He had no friends. He understood he was wrong. He was sorry for his pride.
He met some blind beggars. They needed a guide. King Hagag helped them. He walked with them every day. He was their friend. He felt happy with them.
One day, the new king made a plan. It was the Magical Spirit. He would give food to all beggars.
King Hagag went to the palace. His blind friends went too. They stood before the throne.
The Magical Spirit was on the throne. King Hagag said, "I was wrong." "I want to help my friends." "The blind beggars need me."
The Magical Spirit saw King Hagag. He saw King Hagag was truly sorry. The spirit put King Hagag on his throne.
King Hagag was king again. He was a wise king. He was a kind king. He helped all his people. He learned to be humble.
And King Hagag was a good king. He learned kindness was better than pride.
Original Story
The Beggar KingToC
Proud King Hagag sat on his throne in state, and the high priest, standing by his side, read from the Holy Book, as was his daily custom. He read these words: "For riches are not for ever: and doth the crown endure to every generation?"
"Cease!" cried the king. "Who wrote those words?"
"They are the words of the Holy Book," answered the high priest.
"Give me the book," commanded the king.
With trembling hands the high priest placed it before his majesty. King Hagag gazed earnestly at the words that had been read, and he frowned. Raising his hand, he tore the page from the book and threw it to the ground.
"I, Hagag, am king," he said, "and all such passages that offend me shall be torn out."
He flung the volume angrily from him while the high priest and all his courtiers looked on in astonishment.
"I have heard enough for today," he said. "Too long have I delayed my hunting expedition. Let the horses be got ready."
He descended from the throne, stalked haughtily past the trembling figure of the high priest, and went forth to the hunt. Soon he was riding furiously across an open plain toward a forest where a wild stag had been seen. A trumpet sounded the signal that the deer had been driven from its hiding place, and the king urged his horse forward to be the first in the chase. His majesty's steed was the swiftest in the land. Quickly it carried him out of sight of his nobles and attendants. But the deer was surprisingly fleet and the king could not catch up with it. Coming to a river, the animal plunged in and swam across. Scrambling up the opposite bank its antlers caught in the branch of a tree, and the king, arriving at the river, gave a cry of joy.
"Now I have thee," he said. Springing from his horse and divesting himself of his clothing he swam across with naught but a sword.
As he reached the opposite bank, however, the deer freed itself from the tree and plunged into a thicket. The king, with his sword in his hand, followed quickly, but no deer could he see. Instead, he found, lying on the ground beyond the thicket, a beautiful youth clad in a deer-skin. He was panting as if after a long run. The king stood still in surprise and the youth sprang to his feet.
"I am the deer," he said. "I am a genii and I have lured thee to this spot, proud king, to teach thee a lesson for thy words this morning."
Before King Hagag could recover from his surprise the youth ran back to the river and swam across. Quickly he dressed himself in the king's clothes and mounted the horse just as the other hunters came up. They thought the genii was King Hagag and they halted before him.
"Let us return," said the genii. "The deer has crossed the river and has escaped."
King Hagag from the thicket on the opposite side watched them ride away and then flung himself on the ground and wept bitterly. There he lay until a wood-cutter found him.
"What do you here?" asked the man.
"I am King Hagag," returned the monarch.
"Thou art a fool," said the wood-cutter. "Thou art a lazy good-for-naught to talk so. Come, carry my bundle of sticks and I will give thee food and an old garment."
In vain the king protested. The wood-cutter only laughed the more, and at last, losing patience, he beat him and drove him away. Tired and hungry, and clad only in the rags which the wood-cutter had given him, King Hagag reached the palace late at night.
"I am King Hagag," he said to the guards, but roughly they bade him begone, and after spending a wretched night in the streets of the city, his majesty, next morning, was glad to accept some bread and milk offered to him by a poor old woman who took pity on him. He stood at a street corner not knowing what to do. Little children teased him; others took him for a beggar and offered him money. Later in the day he saw the genii ride through the streets on his horse. All the people bowed down before him and cried, "Long live the king!"
"Woe is me," cried Hagag, in his wretchedness. "I am punished for my sin in scoffing at the words of the Holy Book."
He saw that it would be useless for him to go to the palace again, and he went into the fields and tried to earn his bread as a laborer. He was not used to work, however, and but for the kindness of the very poorest he would have died of starvation. He wandered miserably from place to place until he fell in with some blind beggars who had been deserted by their guide. Joyfully he accepted their offer to take the guide's place.
Months rolled by, and one morning the royal heralds went forth and announced that "Good King Hagag" would give a feast a week from that day to all the beggars in the land.
From far and near came beggars in hundreds, to partake of the king's bounty, and Hagag stood among them, with his blind companions, in the courtyard of the palace waiting for his majesty to appear. He knew the place well, and he hung his head and wept.
"His majesty will speak to each one of you who are his guests today," cried a herald, and one by one they passed into the palace and stood before the throne. When it came to Hagag's turn, he trembled so much that he had to be supported by the guards.
The genii on the throne and Hagag looked long at each other.
"Art thou, too, a beggar?" said the genii.
"Nay, gracious majesty," answered Hagag with bent head. "I have sinned grievously and have been punished. I am but the servant of a troop of blind beggars to whom I act as guide."
The genii king signed to his courtiers that he desired to be left alone with Hagag. Then he said:
"Hagag, I know thee. I see that thou hast repented. It is well. Now canst thou resume thy rightful place."
"Gracious majesty," said Hagag, "I have learned humility and wisdom. The throne is not for me. The blind beggars need me. Let me remain in their service."
"It cannot be," said the genii. "I see that thou art truly penitent. Thy lesson is learned and my task is done. I will see that the blind beggars lack not."
With his own hands he placed the royal robes on Hagag and himself donned those of the beggar. When the courtiers returned they saw no difference. King Hagag sat on the throne again, and nowhere in the whole world was there a monarch who ruled more wisely or showed more kindness and sympathy to all his subjects.
Story DNA
Moral
Pride goes before a fall, and true wisdom and kindness are more valuable than earthly power.
Plot Summary
Proud King Hagag tears a page from the Holy Book that warns against the impermanence of power. A genii, disguised as a deer, lures him away during a hunt, steals his identity, and leaves him stranded. Stripped of his royal status, Hagag endures extreme suffering as a beggar, learning humility and finding purpose as a guide for the blind. Months later, he attends a feast hosted by the genii (impersonating him) and, in a moment of true repentance, confesses his sins and expresses his desire to remain humble. Satisfied, the genii restores Hagag to his throne, where he rules as a wise and compassionate monarch.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to humility
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects a common theme in many cultures about the dangers of pride and the importance of humility, often with a supernatural element of justice.
Plot Beats (14)
- King Hagag, in his pride, tears a page from the Holy Book that speaks of the impermanence of riches and crowns.
- He goes hunting and is lured away from his retinue by a swift deer.
- Hagag crosses a river, sheds his clothes, and pursues the deer, only to find a genii disguised as a youth.
- The genii reveals its true nature, stating it lured Hagag to teach him a lesson for his pride.
- The genii steals Hagag's clothes and horse, impersonates him, and rides off with the hunting party.
- Hagag is left stranded, naked, and is later beaten and driven away by a wood-cutter who thinks he is a lazy fool.
- Hagag tries to return to his palace but is rejected by his own guards and forced to live as a beggar.
- He experiences extreme hardship, hunger, and humiliation, realizing his sin.
- Hagag finds work and companionship as a guide for a group of blind beggars.
- Months later, the genii (as 'Good King Hagag') announces a feast for all beggars.
- Hagag attends the feast with his blind companions and is brought before the throne.
- Hagag confesses his sin and expresses his desire to remain a humble servant to the blind beggars.
- The genii, seeing Hagag's true repentance, restores him to his rightful place.
- Hagag rules as a wise, kind, and sympathetic king, having learned humility.
Characters
King Hagag ★ protagonist
A man of regal bearing, likely of average to tall height and a strong build, accustomed to a life of luxury and authority. His features would reflect a Middle Eastern or North African heritage, given the name and context, with a commanding presence that diminishes into a humbled, weary appearance after his ordeal.
Attire: Initially, magnificent royal robes, likely made of rich silks and brocades in deep jewel tones, possibly embroidered with gold thread, and adorned with a heavy, ornate crown. After his transformation, he wears tattered, simple rags of coarse, undyed fabric, and later, the humble garments of a beggar, patched and worn.
Wants: Initially, to assert his absolute power and disregard anything that challenges his authority. Later, his motivation shifts to seeking redemption and serving others, driven by the harsh lessons learned.
Flaw: His excessive pride and arrogance, which lead him to disrespect sacred texts and believe himself above all others.
Transforms from an arrogant, impious monarch who scoffs at divine wisdom into a humble, wise, and compassionate ruler who understands the true meaning of leadership and service.
Initially proud, arrogant, impious, and quick-tempered. He is later humbled, repentant, wise, and compassionate.
Image Prompt & Upload
A proud adult man of Middle Eastern descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern, commanding face with a dark, well-trimmed beard and dark, slicked-back hair. His eyes are dark and piercing. He wears a magnificent royal robe of deep crimson silk, embroidered with intricate gold patterns, and a heavy, ornate golden crown adorned with large rubies. His posture is rigid and arrogant. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Genii ⚔ antagonist
A beautiful youth, slender and agile, with an ethereal quality. His form as a deer is swift and graceful. His human form is captivating and appears to be in peak physical condition, reflecting his magical nature.
Attire: Initially, a simple deer-skin garment that allows for swift movement. When impersonating the king, he wears King Hagag's magnificent royal robes and crown, which fit him perfectly due to his magical nature. Finally, he dons the humble rags of a beggar.
Wants: To teach King Hagag humility and wisdom, punishing his arrogance and impiety as a divine messenger.
Flaw: None apparent, as he is a powerful magical being.
Acts as an agent of change for King Hagag, fulfilling his task of teaching humility and then restoring the king to his rightful place once the lesson is learned. He remains consistent in his role.
Mysterious, powerful, just, and wise. He acts as a divine agent to teach a lesson, showing no malice but firm resolve.
Image Prompt & Upload
A beautiful young man of ambiguous ethnicity, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a striking, intelligent face with piercing dark eyes and long, flowing dark hair. He wears a simple, form-fitting garment made of soft, light brown deer-skin, with the fur texture visible. His posture is alert and graceful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The High Priest ◆ supporting
An elderly man, likely thin and frail from years of scholarly devotion and perhaps fasting. His presence is one of quiet dignity and reverence.
Attire: Traditional religious vestments, likely made of fine, simple linen or wool in white or muted colors, possibly with a tall, conical cap or turban, signifying his spiritual authority.
Wants: To fulfill his religious duties and uphold the sanctity of the Holy Book.
Flaw: His fear of the king's power, which prevents him from openly challenging Hagag's impiety.
Remains consistent, serving as a moral compass and witness to the king's initial impiety.
Pious, respectful, fearful of the king's wrath, but deeply devoted to the Holy Book.
Image Prompt & Upload
An elderly man of Middle Eastern descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a wise, aged face with deep lines, a long white beard, and kind, sorrowful dark eyes. He wears simple, flowing white linen robes with a tall, white conical cap. His hands are clasped over a large, leather-bound book. His posture is slightly stooped but dignified. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
The Wood-Cutter ○ minor
A robust, strong man, hardened by physical labor. He would have a weathered appearance from working outdoors.
Attire: Simple, sturdy peasant clothing, likely made of coarse wool or linen in earthy tones, perhaps a tunic and trousers, with practical boots. He carries a large bundle of sticks.
Wants: To earn his living through hard work and has no patience for those he perceives as lazy or foolish.
Flaw: His quick temper and lack of empathy for those he deems worthless.
A static character who serves as an instrument of Hagag's humiliation.
Practical, cynical, unsympathetic to idleness, and quick to anger when provoked.
Image Prompt & Upload
A robust adult man of Middle Eastern descent, standing upright, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a rough, sun-beaten face with a short, dark beard and unkempt dark hair. His eyes are shrewd and practical. He wears a coarse brown linen tunic, loose-fitting dark trousers, and sturdy leather boots. He carries a large, heavy bundle of firewood on his back. His posture is strong and sturdy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
King Hagag's Throne Room
A grand, opulent throne room within a palace, likely of Middle Eastern or North African design, with a prominent throne where King Hagag sits in state. The room would feature rich textiles, possibly geometric patterns, and columns, reflecting a powerful monarch's domain. The atmosphere is initially formal and tense.
Mood: formal, tense, arrogant
King Hagag defiantly tears a page from the Holy Book, setting in motion his downfall.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, high-ceilinged throne room within an Abbasid-era palace, featuring intricate muqarnas vaults and arches. Sunlight streams through tall, arched windows, illuminating geometric tile mosaics on the walls and a polished marble floor. A grand, carved wooden throne sits on a raised dais, flanked by tall, slender columns. The air is still and formal. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Riverbank and Thicket
A wild, natural setting where a river flows, bordered by a dense thicket of bushes and trees. The ground is likely uneven, possibly muddy near the river's edge, and covered with natural foliage. The atmosphere is initially exciting due to the hunt, then becomes mysterious and isolating.
Mood: exciting, mysterious, isolating
King Hagag is lured across the river by the genii disguised as a deer, where he is stripped of his identity and left alone.
Image Prompt & Upload
A wide, slow-moving river with clear water, reflecting the bright afternoon sky. On the near bank, a well-groomed Arabian horse stands beside a pile of rich royal garments. The opposite bank is steep and overgrown with a dense thicket of thorny bushes and gnarled, low-hanging trees, their branches reaching towards the water. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating dappled shadows on the muddy bank. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Palace Courtyard (Beggars' Feast)
A large, open courtyard within the palace complex, designed to accommodate a multitude of people. It would feature traditional Middle Eastern courtyard elements like a central fountain, possibly shaded arcades, and paved ground. The atmosphere is initially bustling and hopeful for the beggars, then becomes solemn for Hagag.
Mood: bustling, hopeful, solemn
Hagag, now a beggar, returns to his own palace for the feast, confronting his past and the genii.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, sun-drenched courtyard of an Arabian palace, paved with intricate geometric stone tiles. Tall, arched colonnades line the perimeter, providing shade, and a large, ornate riad fountain with flowing water stands in the center. Date palms sway gently in the background. Hundreds of people in simple, worn garments mill about, their shadows long on the sunlit paving stones. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
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