The Prince and the Fakir
by Unknown · from Indian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, a King was sad. He was very, very sad. He wanted a son so much!
One day, a Magic Man came. "Why are you sad?" he asked. "I have no son," said the King. The Magic Man smiled. "I can help you," he said. "You will have two sons. But one son is mine."
The King said yes. The Magic Man gave him two sweets. "Give these to your wives," he said. Soon, two baby boys were born!
The King hid his sons. He was scared. The Magic Man came back. "Give me my son," he said. The King brought two other boys. But the Magic Man was clever. He knew they were not real. "Those are not your sons," he said. The King brought his real sons.
The Magic Man took the older boy. He was the Clever Prince. The Magic Man made him work hard. The Prince carried heavy things all day.
Then the Magic Man made a trap. It was a deep, dark hole. "Come here," he told the Prince. But the Clever Prince was smart. "You first, Master!" he said. Magic Man said, "No, you first!" Prince said, "You first, Master!" The Magic Man stepped close. He fell into his own trap! He was gone.
The Prince found a small key. He opened the door. Many people were inside! He let them all go free. He also found many special animals. He took the animals with him.
The Prince walked to a new land. A strong man stopped him. "Let us have a race!" he said. They ran and ran. The Prince won! The Strong Helper smiled. "I will help you," he said.
The Prince left his animals with him. Then he went to a big city. He went to wash at a pool.
A Smart Princess saw him. She saw something special about him. "He is a true prince!" she said.
Her father, the King, had a party. "Choose a husband," he said. Many rich men came. The Princess looked at them all. She chose the Prince in simple clothes!
Her father was not happy. "Why him?" he asked. But the Princess knew best.
One day, the Prince went on a trip. His magic animals helped him. They found food for a big feast. No one else found so much.
Then the Clever Prince smiled. "I am a real prince," he said. The King was so happy! He hugged the Prince. "You are my family now!" he said. He gave his kingdom to the Prince.
Prince and Princess lived happily ever after. He became a kind, clever King.
Original Story
The Prince and the Fakir
here was once upon a time a King who had no children. Now this King went and laid him down to rest at a place where four roads met, so that every one who passed had to step over him.
At last a Fakir came along, and he said to the King, "Man, why are you lying here?"
He replied, "Fakir, a thousand men have come and passed by; you pass on too."
But the Fakir said, "Who are you, man?"
The King replied, "I am a King, Fakir. Of goods and gold I have no lack, but I have lived long and have no children. So I have come here, and have laid me down at the cross-roads. My sins and offences have been very many, so I have come and am lying here that men may pass over me, and perchance my sins may be forgiven me, and God may be merciful, and I may have a son."
The Fakir answered him, "Oh King! If you have children, what will you give me?"
"Whatever you ask, Fakir," answered the King.
The Fakir said, "Of goods and gold I have no lack, but I will say a prayer for you, and you will have two sons; one of those sons will be mine."
Then he took out two sweetmeats and handed them to the King, and said, "King! take these two sweetmeats and give them to your wives; give them to the wives you love best."
The King took the sweetmeats and put them in his bosom.
Then the Fakir said, "King! in a year I will return, and of the two sons who will be born to you one is mine and one yours."
The King said, "Well, I agree."
Then the Fakir went on his way, and the King came home and gave one sweetmeat to each of his two wives. After some time two sons were born to the King. Then what did the King do but place those two sons in an underground room, which he had built in the earth.
Some time passed, and one day the Fakir appeared, and said, "King! bring me that son of yours!"
What did the King do but bring two slave-girls' sons and present them to the Fakir. While the Fakir was sitting there the King's sons were sitting down below in their cellar eating their food. Just then a hungry ant had carried away a grain of rice from their food, and was going along with it to her children. Another stronger ant came up and attacked her in order to get this grain of rice. The first ant said, "O ant, why do you drag this away from me? I have long been lame in my feet, and I have got just one grain, and am carrying it to my children. The King's sons are sitting in the cellar eating their food; you go and fetch a grain from there; why should you take mine from me?" On this the second ant let go and did not rob the first, but went off to where the King's sons were eating their food.
On hearing this the Fakir said, "King! these are not your sons; go and bring those children who are eating their food in the cellar."
Then the King went and brought his own sons. The Fakir chose the eldest son and took him away, and set off with him on his journey. When he got home he told the King's son to go out to gather fuel.
So the King's son went out to gather cow-dung, and when he had collected some he brought it in.
Then the Fakir looked at the King's son and put on a great pot, and said, "Come round here, my pupil."
But the King's son said, "Master first, and pupil after."
The Fakir told him to come once, he told him twice, he told him three times, and each time the King's son answered, "Master first, and pupil after."
Then the Fakir made a dash at the King's son, thinking to catch him and throw him into the caldron. There were about a hundred gallons of oil in this caldron, and the fire was burning beneath it. Then the King's son, lifting the Fakir, gave him a jerk and threw him into the caldron, and he was burnt, and became roast meat. He then saw a key of the Fakir's lying there; he took this key and opened the door of the Fakir's house. Now many men were locked up in this house; two horses were standing there in a hut of the Fakir's; two greyhounds were tied up there; two simurgs were imprisoned, and two tigers also stood there. So the King's son let all the creatures go, and took them out of the house, and they all returned thanks to God. Next he let out all the men who were in prison. He took away with him the two horses, and he took away the two tigers, and he took away the two hounds, and he took away the two simurgs, and with them he set out for another country.
As he went along the road he saw above him a bald man, grazing a herd of calves, and this bald man called out to him, "Fellow! can you fight at all?"
The King's son replied, "When I was little I could fight a bit, and now, if any one wants to fight, I am not so unmanly as to turn my back. Come, I will fight you."
The bald man said, "If I throw you, you shall be my slave; and if you throw me, I will be your slave." So they got ready and began to fight, and the King's son threw him.
On this the King's son said, "I will leave my beasts here, my simurgs, tigers, and dogs, and horses; they will all stay here while I go to the city to see the sights. I appoint the tiger as guard over my property. And you are my slave, you, too, must stay here with my belongings." So the King's son started off to the city to see the sights, and arrived at a pool.
He saw that it was a pleasant pool, and thought he would stop and bathe there, and therewith he began to strip off his clothes.
Now the King's daughter, who was sitting on the roof of the palace, saw his royal marks, and she said, "This man is a king; when I marry, I will marry him and no other." So she said to her father, "My father; I wish to marry."
"Good," said her father.
Then the King made a proclamation: "Let all men, great and small, attend to-day in the hall of audience, for the King's daughter will to-day take a husband."
All the men of the land assembled, and the traveller Prince also came, dressed in the Fakir's clothes, saying to himself, "I must see this ceremony to-day." He went in and sat down.
The King's daughter came out and sat in the balcony, and cast her glance round all the assembly. She noticed that the traveller Prince was sitting in the assembly in Fakir's attire.
The Princess said to her handmaiden, "Take this dish of henna, go to that traveller dressed like a Fakir, and sprinkle scent on him from the dish."
The handmaiden obeyed the Princess's order, went to him, and sprinkled the scent over him.
Then the people said, "The slave-girl has made a mistake."
But she replied, "The slave-girl has made no mistake, 'tis her mistress has made the mistake."
On this the King married his daughter to the Fakir, who was really no Fakir, but a Prince.
What fate had decreed came to pass in that country, and they were married. But the King of that city became very sad in his heart, because when so many chiefs and nobles were sitting there his daughter had chosen none of them, but had chosen that Fakir; but he kept these thoughts concealed in his heart.
One day the traveller Prince said, "Let all the King's sons-in-law come out with me to-day to hunt."
People said, "What is this Fakir that he should go a-hunting?"
However, they all set out for the hunt, and fixed their meeting-place at a certain pool.
The newly married Prince went to his tigers, and told his tigers and hounds to kill and bring in a great number of gazelles and hog-deer and markhor. Instantly they killed and brought in a great number. Then taking with him these spoils of the chase, the Prince came to the pool settled on as a meeting-place. The other Princes, sons-in-law of the King of that city, also assembled there; but they had brought in no game, and the new Prince had brought a great deal. Thence they returned home to the town, and went to the King their father-in-law, to present their game.
Now that King had no son. Then the new Prince told him that in fact he, too, was a Prince. At this the King, his father-in-law, was greatly delighted and took him by the hand and embraced him. He seated him by himself, saying, "O Prince, I return thanks that you have come here and become my son-in-law; I am very happy at this, and I make over my kingdom to you."
Story DNA
Plot Summary
A childless King promises one of his future sons to a Fakir in exchange for two. The Fakir returns to claim the eldest Prince, who, after being taken, outwits and kills the evil Fakir, freeing prisoners and acquiring magical beasts. Traveling to another kingdom, the Prince, disguised as a Fakir, is chosen by a discerning Princess as her husband. He later reveals his true royal identity and prowess to his father-in-law, who, having no male heir, joyfully makes the Prince his successor.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects common motifs in Indian folklore, such as the power of ascetics, the importance of male heirs, and the use of animal wisdom.
Plot Beats (14)
- A childless King, desperate for a son, lies at a crossroads for men to step over him, hoping for forgiveness of sins.
- A Fakir encounters the King, and after learning his plight, promises him two sons in exchange for one.
- The King agrees, receives two sweetmeats for his wives, and eventually has two sons.
- When the Fakir returns, the King tries to trick him by presenting slave-girls' sons, but the Fakir, through the wisdom of ants, discerns the true princes.
- The Fakir takes the eldest Prince and forces him to gather fuel.
- The Fakir attempts to trick the Prince into a boiling cauldron, but the Prince, repeating 'Master first, and pupil after,' outwits him and throws the Fakir into the cauldron instead.
- The Prince discovers a key, frees many imprisoned men, and takes two horses, two greyhounds, two simurgs, and two tigers from the Fakir's house.
- Traveling to another country, the Prince encounters a bald man grazing calves, defeats him in a fight, and makes him his slave.
- The Prince leaves his animals and slave with the bald man and goes to a city, where he bathes in a pool.
- The King's daughter sees the Prince's royal marks from her palace roof and declares she will marry him.
- The King holds a ceremony for his daughter to choose a husband; she selects the Prince, who is disguised in Fakir's clothes, by sprinkling scent on him.
- The King is displeased but marries his daughter to the 'Fakir.'
- The Prince invites the other sons-in-law on a hunt, where his magical beasts help him gather an impressive amount of game.
- The Prince reveals his true identity to his father-in-law, who, having no son, is overjoyed and makes him his heir, giving him the kingdom.
Characters
The King (Childless)
A man of mature age, likely of average height and build, showing signs of weariness or humility from his long-standing desire for children. His posture might be somewhat stooped or resigned when first encountered.
Attire: Initially, when lying at the crossroads, his attire is not described, suggesting a humble or unadorned state. Later, as a king, he would wear rich, but not overly ostentatious, robes of silk or fine cotton, perhaps in deep jewel tones, with minimal gold embroidery, reflecting his focus on his lack of an heir rather than outward display.
Wants: To have children, specifically sons, to continue his lineage and alleviate his perceived sins.
Flaw: His desperation for an heir makes him vulnerable to the Fakir's demands and leads him to deceit.
Starts in despair, gains sons through a magical intervention, attempts to deceive the Fakir, but ultimately accepts his fate and finds joy in his true son-in-law.
Humble, desperate, devout, honest, grateful.
The Fakir
A lean and ascetic figure, suggesting a life of spiritual discipline and perhaps some magical power. His movements would be deliberate and perhaps unnervingly swift.
Attire: Simple, worn saffron or ochre robes made of coarse cotton, possibly a dhoti and a shawl draped over his shoulders, indicating his renunciation of worldly possessions. He might carry a begging bowl or a staff.
Wants: To acquire one of the King's sons, possibly for a ritualistic purpose or to test the King's honesty.
Flaw: Overconfidence in his own power and underestimation of the Prince's strength and cunning.
Introduced as a powerful benefactor, he reveals a darker, more demanding side, and is ultimately defeated by the Prince he sought to control.
Mysterious, powerful, demanding, cunning, vengeful (implied by the trap).
The Prince (Fakir's Son)
A young man of royal bearing, despite his humble circumstances. He would be strong and agile, with 'royal marks' that distinguish him as noble, possibly birthmarks or a certain regal posture.
Attire: Initially, as a prince, he would wear simple, unadorned clothing in the underground room. After defeating the Fakir, he adopts the Fakir's simple, coarse cotton robes (saffron or ochre dhoti and shawl) as a disguise, but his innate nobility shines through. Later, he would wear more suitable royal attire.
Wants: To survive the Fakir's challenge, to explore the world, to find his place, and eventually to marry the Princess and claim his rightful status.
Flaw: Initially, his youth and inexperience, but he quickly overcomes this.
Starts as a hidden prince, becomes a reluctant pupil, then a hero who defeats his captor, frees others, gathers loyal companions, travels, and eventually marries a princess and inherits a kingdom, revealing his true identity.
Brave, cunning, resourceful, strong, compassionate (frees the animals and men), honorable (insists on 'Master first, pupil after'), humble (accepts Fakir's clothes).
The King's Daughter (Princess)
A beautiful princess, with a keen eye and a discerning nature. Her 'royal marks' would be evident to her, possibly a certain grace or elegance.
Attire: Rich and elegant attire, such as a flowing silk anarkali or a lehenga choli in vibrant colors like emerald green or sapphire blue, adorned with delicate gold embroidery and perhaps some precious stones. She would wear fine jewelry, including bangles and a necklace.
Wants: To marry a true king, not just a man of status, and to follow her intuition.
Flaw: Her unconventional choice initially causes distress to her father, but it proves to be her strength.
Starts as a princess seeking a husband, makes an unconventional choice based on her perception, and is ultimately vindicated when her chosen husband reveals his true royal identity.
Perceptive, determined, intelligent, unconventional, loyal.
The Bald Man
A strong, robust man, likely of a sturdy build, with a completely bald head, indicating his distinguishing feature. He would appear capable of physical labor and combat.
Attire: Simple, practical clothing suitable for a herdsman, such as a coarse cotton tunic and trousers, possibly in earthy tones, reflecting his outdoor life. He might wear a simple leather belt.
Wants: To test the strength of strangers, possibly to find a master or prove his own prowess.
Flaw: Overconfidence in his own strength.
Introduced as an opponent, he is defeated and becomes a loyal servant to the Prince.
Challenging, strong, honorable (accepts defeat), loyal (becomes a slave).
The King of the City (Princess's Father)
A king of a prosperous city, likely of a dignified and somewhat portly build, reflecting his comfortable life. He would carry himself with authority.
Attire: Rich, flowing robes of fine silk or brocade, in deep, regal colors like maroon or gold, with subtle but intricate embroidery. He would wear a jeweled turban or crown, and perhaps some ornate jewelry.
Wants: To see his daughter happily married to a worthy husband, and to secure the succession of his kingdom.
Flaw: His initial judgment based on appearances and social status.
Starts as a king seeking a son-in-law, is initially saddened by his daughter's unconventional choice, but is ultimately overjoyed and relieved when the chosen husband reveals his true royal identity, leading him to pass on his kingdom.
Dignified, traditional, initially disappointed, ultimately delighted, generous.
Locations
Cross-roads
A desolate meeting point where four roads converge, implying a place of transition and fate. The ground is likely dusty or unpaved, with sparse vegetation.
Mood: Desolate, fateful, a place of humble supplication and encounter.
The King, childless and desperate, lies here to seek divine intervention, and encounters the Fakir who promises him sons.
Underground Room (Cellar)
A concealed, subterranean chamber, likely with rough-hewn stone or packed earth walls, designed to hide the King's true sons. It is a simple, functional space for eating and living in secret.
Mood: Secretive, hidden, secure, with a subtle sense of confinement.
The King hides his sons here. The Fakir discovers their location through the actions of ants, revealing his magical insight.
Fakir's House
A mysterious and potentially dangerous dwelling, likely a simple, rustic structure, perhaps a mud-brick or rough-timber hut, containing hidden rooms and imprisoned creatures. It has a large caldron for rituals or cooking.
Mood: Eerie, magical, dangerous, secretive, with a sense of hidden power.
The King's son defeats the Fakir here, discovers the key, and frees all the imprisoned creatures and men, gaining powerful allies.
Royal Palace (of the second King)
A grand, opulent palace, likely in an Indian or Persian style, with a rooftop for viewing, a balcony for public appearances, and a formal hall of audience. It would feature intricate carvings, rich textiles, and possibly courtyards.
Mood: Regal, formal, expectant, with underlying tension due to the Princess's choice.
The Princess spots the disguised Prince from the rooftop, chooses him in the hall of audience, and they are married. Later, the Prince reveals his true identity here.