Zabulun the Enchanter
by Padraic Colum · from The Boy Apprenticed to an Enchanter
Adapted Version
King Manus was having a big dinner. His good friends were all there. They were happy and talking. Anluan was Eean's father. He was a fish man long ago. Anluan began a story. He told about a magic man. The magic man lived on an island. All listened to Anluan. It was a strange story.
Big candles glowed on the table. Bright torches burned on the walls. A warm fire crackled in the hearth. King Manus and his friends ate. They waited for Eean. They waited for Gold Bird. Then a very strange thing happened. No wind blew into the hall. All the candles went out. All the torches went out. The big fire died down. It became very dark.
The big room was now very black. Servants ran to the hearth. They wanted to relight torches. But no fire was there. They tried to make sparks. They used stones and steel. No spark came out at all. The cooks were very sad. The women cried softly. There was no light no spot.
Then a tall man stood at the door. He was very tall and dark. A soft, faint light was around him. All could see his shape. King Manus was very brave. He spoke to the dark man. "Who are you?" he asked. "Why is it dark here?"
The man spoke in the deep dark. "A magic man did this," he said. "He is a strong magic man. He took all the light away. He took all the fire away. No one can bring it back now. Only he can make it bright. He must lift his magic spell."
"I ask for a thing now," the man said. "King Manus, you have a black horse. It is in your stable. This horse is very, very fast. It runs faster than the wind. I want that black horse."
Anluan heard the man speak. He knew this man was bad. Anluan was Eean's father. He was very worried now. "King Manus, watch out!" he cried. "This man knows strong magic. He wants to find Eean. He wants to hurt my son!"
King Manus thought of a promise. His own father made him promise. He must always grant a request. He felt very, very sad. "I cannot say no," King Manus said. "I must keep my word. You can have the black horse." Anluan cried. He felt much fear.
"Now, let there be light!" the man said. Flint struck steel hard. Sparks flew brightly. The tow caught fire quickly. Candles lit up all around. Torches blazed very bright. The hearth fire burned big. The castle was bright again. All looked at the man.
The man was tall and thin. His face was dark and bony. His eyes looked like a hawk's. He wore a plain dark cloak. It was Zabulun, the magic man. He taught Eean magic before. Anluan was right. He was very scared.
"Why do you chase Eean?" Anluan asked Zabulun. Zabulun was very angry. Eean left him. Eean stopped his big magic plan. It was about a special mirror. Zabulun wanted to do bad things. Eean made his name a joke. "Eean must come back," Zabulun said.
"I paid for Eean," Zabulun said. "I gave Anluan gold. It was for seven years of work. Eean still belongs to me. He must help me now." Zabulun looked. He waited for the King to speak.
King Manus felt very sad. But he must keep his word. He told his helpers. "Go to the stable," he said. "Bring the black horse. It is very fast. Zabulun will ride it." The helpers went outside fast.
The sun came up slowly. It was a new day now. The helpers brought the black horse. Zabulun got on its back. The black horse ran very fast. Its hooves hit the stones hard. Zabulun rode away quickly. He went to find Eean. He went to find Gold Bird.
Original Story
II. Zabulun the Enchanter
It was Anluan, the father of Eean, Anluan who had once been a fisherman by the shores of the Western Ocean, who told this story of the Enchanter of the Isle of Britain. The fishermen know the story, and they, more often than any others, have seen the Island of the White Tower as it shows itself on the rim of the Western Ocean.
The story was told after the white horse and the red horse had clattered across the stones of the courtyard, bringing Eean and Bird-of-Gold toward their meeting with Merlin. Candles thicker than a man’s wrist had been put upon the supper table; fresh torches had been set in the sconces along the walls; and logs of resinous wood had been piled upon the hearth. All this was done so that the King and his lords might drink their last cups of wine before they went into the sleeping chambers.
And now, in the light of shining candles and blazing torches and mounting hearth fires, the squires and the servers went amongst the company filling the wine cups up. Some had already the wine in their cups, and were waiting for King Manus to raise his in a health. Then the strangest of strange things happened. No wind came into the hall, but suddenly the candles upon the table and the torches along the walls went out. The servers went to relight the torches at the hearth, but the hearth blaze had died down, and all the logs were black.
And blackness was in the chamber where, a minute before, candles and torches and hearth fires were blazing. The King and his lords stood around the table, while the servers and squires ran through every chamber of the castle to find a spark of light.
But not even a spark could they find; not the light of a rush candle even was to be found in any hall or chamber in the castle. And on every stairway the same story was told, how suddenly light and fire had gone black out.
But now the grooms came in with flints and steel and tow. Every one tried to strike a spark, but no spark came for all their striking. And now, all over the castle, there were outbursts of woe: the cooks were lamenting that they would have no fires, and the women were weeping because lights could not be brought them. It was then that King Manus bade his lords stand around laying their hands upon the table.
The next thing was that a figure appeared at the doorway. All saw it, for there was a line of faint light around it. It was the figure of a tall man. “Speak,” said King Manus with his hand stretched to the figure.
“If you will have me speak,” said the man.
“The lights and the fires have been quenched in the castle. How has this come to be?”
“It is in the power of an Enchanter of the second degree to quench light and fire,” said the man in the darkness. “Further, King Manus: the fire and light that is extinguished cannot be brought back until the Enchanter lifts his ban.”
“Have you come to tell me this?” asked the King.
“I have come to make a request of you, King Manus,” said the man in the darkness.
Then Anluan, the father of Eean, he whose duty it was to let none that might have a request come face to face with the King, groped around the room that he might place himself before his master. But ere he came to where King Manus stood the man with the line of light around had come so close that he and the King looked into each other’s eyes.
“O King,” said the stranger, “I have answered what you asked of me. Now I make my request. It is that the black horse that is in your stable be given to me.”
There was a stir in the darkened hall, and then there was an outcry. It was from Anluan, the father of Eean. “O, King Manus, beware of the man who knows of the powers of Enchanters. He may be the one who would ride in chase of Eean, my son!”
“He has made a request of me,” said King Manus. “By the open hand of my father, it will have to be granted him.”
“It is for the one horse that can follow the others,” Anluan cried.
“I have never refused a request! Alas, alas, in one night the three horses that were my pride are taken from me!”
“Strike now, and light candle and torch and hearth fire,” said the one who had come amongst them.
Flint was struck upon steel; sparks came and made the tow blaze; candle and torch and hearth fire were lighted again. Then all looked at the one who had come amongst them.
Tall he was, with a dark and bony face, and eyes that were like a hawk’s eyes. His dress was a plain cloak that had a hood that went over his head. And yet, although he had not the staff nor the robe of an Enchanter, it did not need Anluan’s cry to tell the company that here was the one to whom his son had been apprenticed—Zabulun the Enchanter!
“Why do you go in chase of my son?” Anluan cried.
“Harut and Marut laid hands upon me. Am I to have no more mastery because of that?” said Zabulun. “For forty days I was laid in the cave that is under the sea, and do men think that all power is gone from me because of that? I thought all that time that what I worked for would come to pass, and that the Magic Mirror of Babylon would be lost in the ruin of the Tower of Babylon and that destruction would come upon the Babylonians. This would have been if the boy who was my apprentice had been faithful to me. But he spoke the words that restored the mirror to the Kings of Babylon. And I, whose name, as I thought, would stand forever as one who had worked a great destruction, am as naught—my name is a name to laugh at. And shall he pass from my mastership, the boy who let this befall me? Not so; he has still to be my aid. I have paid you, his father, gold for his seven years’ service, and his service still belongs to me.”
Then, turning to King Manus, Zabulun said, “You have granted my request. Command now that your grooms go to the stable and bring out the black horse that I am to ride.”
King Manus gave the commands. Then out of the door of the castle they all went and into the courtyard. The still light of the dawn, the dawn of Midsummer’s Day, was coming over the world. The grooms went to the stable, and in full sight of all unlocked the great stable door and brought out the black horse whose swiftness was such that he could overtake the wind of March that was before him, while the wind of March that was behind could not overtake him. They brought forth the black horse and they held him while the dark-faced man put himself astride. Then the hoofs of the last of the King’s horses struck fire out of the stones of the courtyard, while a cry went up from Anluan, the one-time fisherman.
And away went Zabulun the Enchanter, away, away in pursuit of Eean and Bird-of-Gold, and the light of the Midsummer Day came into the world.
Story DNA
Moral
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Plot Summary
King Manus and his court are plunged into darkness when all lights and fires are magically extinguished. A mysterious figure appears, revealing himself to be Zabulun the Enchanter, Eean's former master, who demands the King's fastest black horse as payment for restoring the light. Despite warnings from Eean's father, Anluan, King Manus grants the request due to an unbreakable oath. Zabulun explains his vengeful pursuit of Eean, who betrayed him and prevented his grand magical destruction, and then rides off on the black horse at dawn to continue his chase.
Themes
Emotional Arc
tension to resolution (of a specific conflict)
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Padraic Colum was a key figure in the Irish Literary Revival, often drawing on Irish folklore and mythology, though this specific tale seems to blend with broader European magical traditions.
Plot Beats (14)
- Anluan, Eean's father and a former fisherman, begins telling a story about the Enchanter of the Isle of Britain.
- King Manus and his lords are at supper, waiting for Eean and Bird-of-Gold, when all lights and fires in the castle suddenly go out.
- Attempts to relight fires or strike sparks fail, plunging the castle into complete darkness and distress.
- A tall, faintly luminous figure appears at the doorway, and King Manus demands to know the cause of the darkness.
- The figure explains that an Enchanter of the second degree has quenched the lights, which cannot be restored until the Enchanter lifts his ban.
- The figure makes a request: the King's black horse, the fastest in the stable.
- Anluan recognizes the danger, warning the King that this man might be the Enchanter pursuing his son, Eean.
- King Manus, bound by his father's oath to grant any request, reluctantly agrees to give the black horse.
- The mysterious figure commands the lights to return, and immediately, all candles, torches, and hearth fires blaze back to life.
- In the light, the figure is revealed to be Zabulun the Enchanter, Eean's former master, confirming Anluan's fears.
- Zabulun explains his motive: Eean's betrayal prevented him from destroying the Magic Mirror of Babylon, ruining his reputation and power.
- Zabulun asserts his claim over Eean's service, citing the gold paid to Anluan.
- King Manus commands his grooms to bring the black horse, which is known for its incredible speed.
- At dawn on Midsummer's Day, Zabulun mounts the black horse and rides off, resuming his pursuit of Eean and Bird-of-Gold.
Characters
Zabulun the Enchanter
Tall and gaunt, with a dark and bony face that suggests a life of intense focus or hardship. His build is lean, almost skeletal, emphasizing his height.
Attire: A plain, dark cloak with a hood that covers his head. The fabric is likely coarse wool, unadorned, reflecting his pragmatic and perhaps austere nature, rather than any royal or magical regalia.
Wants: To regain his mastery and reputation, which he believes were ruined by his former apprentice, Eean. He seeks to punish Eean for his perceived betrayal and force him to complete his service.
Flaw: His pride and obsession with his lost reputation. His desire for revenge and control over Eean blinds him to other paths and makes him relentless.
He begins the story as a vengeful enchanter seeking to reclaim his apprentice and restore his honor. His arc is one of relentless pursuit, driven by his past humiliation.
Determined, vengeful, powerful, unyielding, pragmatic. He is driven by a profound sense of injustice and a desire to reclaim his lost power and reputation.
King Manus
A king of some standing, likely of a robust build befitting a ruler, though specific details are not provided. His presence commands respect from his lords.
Attire: Implied to be wearing royal attire, though not explicitly detailed. He would be dressed in rich fabrics, possibly velvet or brocade, in deep colors, with some form of royal insignia or jewelry, suitable for a feast in a castle.
Wants: To maintain order and uphold his royal word. He is driven by a sense of duty and the honor of his father's legacy.
Flaw: His strict adherence to tradition and his word, which makes him vulnerable to manipulation by those who understand these customs, like Zabulun.
He begins as a host enjoying a feast, then faces a magical crisis, and ultimately is forced to make a difficult decision that results in the loss of his last prized horse. He learns the consequences of his unwavering adherence to his word when dealing with magical beings.
Honorable, bound by tradition, somewhat naive or easily manipulated by magical forces, concerned for his people. He values his word and the customs of his lineage.
Anluan
A man of the sea, likely with a weathered face and a sturdy build from his past as a fisherman. He is described as the father of Eean.
Attire: As a former fisherman now serving in a king's court, he might wear practical, durable clothing, perhaps a tunic and trousers of sturdy wool or linen, possibly with some leather elements, less ornate than the king's attire but still respectable for his position.
Wants: To protect his son, Eean, from Zabulun. He is driven by paternal love and a deep understanding of the dangers posed by enchanters.
Flaw: His emotional outbursts and inability to prevent the King from making a promise, which ultimately leads to his son's further pursuit.
He begins as a storyteller and loyal retainer, then becomes a desperate father trying to warn his King and protect his son, ultimately failing to prevent Zabulun's pursuit.
Loyal, protective (especially of his son), cautious, observant, and quick to recognize danger. He is deeply concerned for Eean's safety.
Eean
Not explicitly described, but as Zabulun's former apprentice and the focus of a chase, he is likely agile and capable of travel. He is referred to as 'the boy' by Zabulun, suggesting youth.
Attire: Not explicitly described, but as someone fleeing, he would wear practical, durable clothing suitable for travel, likely simple peasant attire of the era, such as a tunic, breeches, and sturdy boots, possibly with a cloak for disguise or warmth.
Wants: To escape Zabulun's mastery and live freely, having already defied his former master to prevent a great destruction.
Flaw: His past association with Zabulun and the debt of service still owed, which makes him a target.
He is already in the midst of his arc, having made a pivotal choice to defy his master and is now on the run, seeking safety and perhaps a new path with Merlin.
Faithful (initially to Zabulun, then to the Kings of Babylon), courageous (in defying Zabulun), resourceful (in restoring the mirror).
Bird-of-Gold
A horse, described as 'Bird-of-Gold,' implying a golden or palomino coat, possibly with a flowing mane and tail that glint like gold. It is one of the King's prized horses, suggesting a noble breed, well-muscled and graceful.
Attire: Equipped with a saddle and bridle, likely of fine leather, perhaps with some decorative elements befitting a king's horse.
Wants: To carry Eean safely.
Flaw: Vulnerable to capture or injury.
Serves as Eean's mount, aiding in his escape.
Loyal and swift, serving as Eean's mount.
The Black Horse
A magnificent black horse, described as having such swiftness that it could overtake the wind of March. This implies a powerful, sleek, and muscular build, with a glossy, dark coat.
Attire: Equipped with a saddle and bridle, likely of sturdy, dark leather, suitable for a powerful steed.
Wants: To carry its rider with unmatched speed.
Flaw: Vulnerable to being ridden by an antagonist.
Becomes Zabulun's mount, enabling his pursuit of Eean.
Powerful, swift, and spirited.
Locations
King Manus's Great Hall
A large, high-ceilinged hall within a castle, likely of early medieval Irish or British design, with thick candles on a supper table, fresh torches in sconces along the walls, and a large hearth piled with resinous wood logs. The hall is initially brightly lit, then plunged into absolute darkness, and finally re-illuminated.
Mood: Initially warm and convivial, then suddenly eerie and fearful due to the unexplained darkness, finally returning to a tense, expectant mood.
King Manus and his lords are gathered for supper; Zabulun the Enchanter appears, extinguishes all light, makes his request for the black horse, and reveals his identity and motive.
Castle Courtyard
A stone-paved courtyard outside the castle, where the white and red horses had clattered earlier. It is seen at dawn on Midsummer's Day.
Mood: Quiet and expectant, with the fresh light of dawn bringing a sense of new beginnings and impending pursuit.
Zabulun the Enchanter mounts the black horse and departs in pursuit of Eean and Bird-of-Gold.