The Morning Star and The Evening Star
by Unknown · from Roumanian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Long ago, a King and Queen. They wished for a baby. They wished very, very much. The Queen had a special dream. She saw a golden fish. The dream said, "Eat this fish. You get a baby."
The King went to the brook. He caught a big golden fish. The King and Queen ate the fish. The Maid saw a fish bone. She sucked the fish bone.
The Queen had a baby boy, Busujok. The Maid had a baby boy, Siminok. The boys looked the same. They looked just alike.
Busujok and Siminok grew up. They played each day. They were best friends. No one knew who was who. They looked so much alike.
The Queen could not tell them apart. She wanted to know her son. She played with Busujok's hair. She tied two small hairs. Busujok did not know.
The boys went to hunt. Siminok saw Busujok's hair. Two hairs were tied. Busujok felt confused. He wanted to go far away. He wanted to see the world.
Busujok gave Siminok a white cloth. He said, 'Three red marks mean trouble.' Siminok took the cloth.
One day, Siminok saw the cloth. There were three red marks. Siminok knew Busujok needed help. Siminok went to find Busujok.
Siminok met a lady. She was Busujok's wife. She thought Siminok was Busujok. Siminok had a special sword. The sword glowed brightly. It showed the truth. Siminok was not Busujok.
Siminok went to a forest. He found Busujok there. A tricky forest lady was with Busujok. She had made Busujok sleep.
Siminok was clever. He tricked the tricky forest lady. She came down from a tree. Siminok's dogs barked loudly. The tricky forest lady ran away. Busujok woke up.
Busujok was confused. Siminok told him all. Busujok was not happy. He thought Siminok was trying to be him.
Busujok had a bad idea. He said, "We will ride our horses. We will wear blindfolds. We will go into the forest."
They rode their horses. Siminok's horse went to a big spring. Siminok's horse went into the spring. Siminok went into the spring too. He did not come back. Busujok took off his blindfold. Siminok was gone.
Busujok went home. His wife told him Siminok's story. The special sword glowed brightly. It showed Busujok's mistake.
Busujok was very, very sad. He rode his horse to the spring. He went into the spring too. Then, a magic thing happened. Busujok became the Morning Star. Siminok became the night star. They shine in the sky. They shine always. Be kind and trust friends.
Original Story
The Morning Star and The Evening Star.
nce upon a time something extraordinary happened. If it had not happened it would not be told.
There was once an emperor and empress who were childless. So they sought out all the wizards and witches, all the old women and astrologers; but their skill proved vain, no one knew how to help them. At last the royal pair devoted themselves to almsgiving, praying, and fasting, until one night the empress dreamed that the Lord had taken pity on her, and appearing to her, said: "I have heard your prayers, and will give you a child whose like can not be found on earth. Your husband, the emperor, must go to the brook to-morrow with a hook and line, then you are to prepare with your own hands the fish he catches, and eat it."
Before it was fairly daylight, the empress went to the emperor and woke him, saying: "Rise, my royal husband, it is morning."
"Why, what ails you to-day, wife, that you wake me so early?" the emperor replied. "Has any foe crossed the frontiers of my country?"
"Heaven forbid. I've heard nothing of that sort, but listen to my dream."
And she told him about it.
When the emperor heard her story he jumped out of bed, dressed, took the hook and line, and, gasping for breath, went to the brook. He threw in the hook and soon saw the cork on the line bob. He pulled it out, and what did he see? A big fish, made entirely of gold. It was a wonder that he did not die of joy. But what did the empress say when she saw it? She was still more out of her wits.
The empress cooked the fish with her own hands, the royal couple ate it, and the empress instantly felt that the promise would be fulfilled.
The maid-servant who cleared away the table saw a fish-bone on the empress' plate, and thought she would suck it, to know how food tastes when prepared by royal hands.
One day the empress received the gift of a beautiful boy, as handsome as a little angel. That same night the maid-servant, too, had a son who looked so exactly like the prince that they could not be distinguished from each other. The maid-servant's child precisely resembled the royal one. The prince was named Busujok,[2] the maid-servant's son was called Siminok.[3]
[2] Busujok: Basil.
[3] Siminok: Geaphalium, cat's foot.
They grew up together, were taught their lessons, and learned as much in one day as other children in a whole year. When they were playing in the garden, the empress watched them from her window with great delight.
They became tall youths and looked so much alike that people could never tell which was the prince and which the maid-servant's son. They were haughty in bearing, both were charming, winning in speech, and brave, brave to a fault.
One day they determined to go hunting. But the empress was constantly fretting herself to find some way of recognizing her own son, for as their faces were alike and their clothes precisely the same, she often could not distinguish one from the other. She therefore thought of putting some mark on the prince. So she called him, and while pretending to be playing with his hair, knotted two locks together without his knowledge. Then the youths went off to hunt.
They hurried joyously through the green fields, skipped about like lambkins, gathered flowers, sprinkled themselves with dew, watched the butterflies flit from blossom to blossom, saw the bees gather wax and honey, and enjoyed themselves to the utmost. Then they went to the springs, drank some water to refresh themselves, and gazed unweariedly at the sky, which met the earth on the horizon. They would fain have gone to the end of the world to see it close at hand, or at least far enough to reach the spot where the earth grows marshy before it comes to an end.
Next they went into the woods. When they saw the beauties of the forest, they stood still with mouths wide open in astonishment. Consider that they had not beheld any of these things in their whole lives. When the wind blew and stirred the leaves, they listened to their rustling, and it seemed as if the empress was passing by, drawing her silken train after her. Then they sat down on the soft grass, under the shade of a big tree. Here they began to reflect and consult each other about how they were to commence hunting. They wanted to kill nothing but wild beasts. They did not notice the birds which hopped around them and perched on the boughs of the trees; they would have been sorry to hurt them, for they liked to listen to their twitter. It seemed as if the birds knew this; they showed no fear, but sang as if they were going to split their throats; the nightingales, however, trilled only from their craws, that their songs might be the sweeter. While they stood there consulting, the prince suddenly felt so overwhelmed with fatigue that he could hold out no longer, but laying his head in Siminok's lap, asked him to stroke his hair.
While he was doing so, Siminok stopped and said:
"What is the matter with your head, Brother Busujok?"
"What should be the matter? How do I know, Brother Siminok?"
"Just see," replied Siminok, "two locks of your hair are tied together."
"How is that possible?" said Busujok. This discovery vexed the prince so much that he determined to go out into the wide world.
"Brother Siminok," he said, "I'm going out into the wide world, because I can't understand why my mother tied my hair while she was playing with it."
"Listen to reason, Brother Busujok, and do nothing of the sort," replied Siminok; "if the empress tied your hair, it certainly was not for any evil purpose."
But Busujok remained firm in his resolve, and when he took leave of Siminok, he said to him:
"Take this handkerchief, Brother Siminok, and if you ever see three drops of blood on it, you will know that I am dead."
"May the Lord help you, Brother Busujok, that you may prosper; but I beg you once more by my love, stay!"
"Impossible," replied Busujok.
Then the youths embraced each other, and Busujok departed; Siminok remained behind, gazing longingly after him till he was out of sight.
Siminok then returned to the palace and related all that had happened.
The empress was insane with grief. She wrung her hands and wept till it was pitiful to see her. But she did not know what to do, and at last comforted herself a little by gazing at Siminok. After some time the latter took out the prince's handkerchief, looked at it, and saw three drops of blood on it. Then he said:
"Oh! my royal brother is dead. I shall go and look for him."
Taking some provisions for the journey, he set out in search of Busujok. He passed through cities and villages, crossed fields and forests, wandering on and on till he reached a small hut. There he met an old woman, whom he asked about his brother. The crone told him that Busujok had become the son of the emperor who reigned in the neighborhood.
When Siminok reached this emperor's palace, the princess, as soon as she saw him, thought that he was her husband and came running to meet him. But he said: "I am your husband's brother; I have heard that he is dead, and came here to learn something about him."
"I can not believe it," replied the princess. "You are my husband, and I don't know why you deny it. Has my faith been put to any test, and have I ever deceived you?"
"Nothing of the sort. But I tell you truthfully that I am not your husband."
The princess would not believe this, so Siminok said:
"The Lord will show the truth. Let the sword hanging on yonder nail scratch whichever of us two is mistaken."
Instantly the sword sprang down and cut the princess' finger. Then she believed Siminok, and gave him the hospitality which was his due.
The next day he learned that Busujok had gone out hunting and had not yet returned. So he, too, mounted a horse, took some greyhounds, and rode after his brother, following the direction in which he had gone. He rode on and on till he reached a forest, where he met the Wood Witch. As soon as he saw her, he set off after her. She fled, he pursued, until perceiving no way of escape she swung herself up into a tall tree.
Siminok dismounted, tied his horse to a tree, made a fire, took out his provisions, and began to eat, occasionally tossing the greyhounds something.
"Oh, dear! Oh, dear! I'm so cold," said the Wood Witch, "my teeth are chattering."
"Get down and warm yourself by the fire," replied Siminok.
"I'm afraid of the dogs," she said.
"Don't be frightened, they'll do you no harm."
"If you want to do me a favor," the Wood Witch answered, "take a strand of my hair and tie your dogs with it."
Siminok put the hair in the fire.
"Oh! how horribly the hair I gave you smells—you have put it in the fire."
"Go away from here and don't talk any more nonsense," replied Siminok. "One of the hounds put its tail a little too near the fire and scorched it, that's what smells so badly. If you are cold, come down and warm yourself, if not, hold your tongue and let me alone."
The Wood Witch believed him, came down, approached the fire, and said:
"I am hungry."
"What shall I give you to eat? Take what you want of all I have."
"I should like to eat you," said the Wood Witch, "prepare for it."
"And I will devour you," replied Siminok.
He set the hounds upon her to tear her to pieces.
"Stop," cried the Wood Witch, "call off your dogs that they may not tear me, and I'll give you back your brother with his horse, hounds, and all."
Siminok called off the dogs.
The Wood Witch swallowed three times and up came Busujok, his horse, and his dogs. Siminok now set his hounds upon her, and they tore her into mince-meat. When Busujok recovered his senses, he wondered at seeing Siminok there and said:
"Welcome, I'm glad to meet you so well and gay, Brother Siminok, but I've been asleep a very long time."
"You might have slept soundly till the end of the world, if I had not come?" he replied.
Then Siminok told him every thing that had happened from their parting until that moment.
But Busujok suspected him; he thought that Siminok had won his wife's love, and would not believe him when he told him the simple truth—that such an idea had never entered his head.
Now that Busujok had once begun to be jealous of his bride, he acted like a lunatic! So, being overpowered by evil thoughts, he made an agreement with Siminok to bandage the eyes of their horses, mount them, and let them carry their riders wherever they would.
This was done. When Busujok heard a groan he stopped his horse, untied the bandage, and looked around him. Siminok was nowhere to be seen. Just think! He had fallen into a spring, been drowned, and never came out again!
Busujok returned home and questioned his wife; she told just the same story as Siminok. Then, to be still more certain of the truth, he, too, ordered the sword to jump down from the wall and scratch the one who was wrong. The sword leaped down and wounded his middle finger.
The prince pined away, lamenting and weeping bitterly for the loss of Siminok, and sorely repenting his undue haste, but all was vain, nothing could be changed. So, in his grief and anguish, he resolved not to live any longer without his brother, ordered his own eyes and those of his horse to be bandaged, mounted it, and bade it hasten to the forest where Siminok had perished. The horse went as fast as it could, and plump! it tumbled into the very same spring where Siminok had fallen, and there Busujok, too, ended his days. But at the same time the morning star, the emperor's son Busujok, and the evening star, the maid-servant's son Siminok, appeared in the sky.
Into the saddle then I sprung,
This tale to tell to old and young.
Story DNA
Moral
Unfounded jealousy and suspicion can lead to tragic consequences, even for those you love.
Plot Summary
A childless royal couple and their maid-servant miraculously give birth to two identical boys, Busujok and Siminok, who grow up inseparable. When Busujok misinterprets his mother's attempt to mark him, he leaves home, leading Siminok on a quest to rescue him from a Wood Witch. Despite Siminok's loyalty, Busujok's jealousy over his wife's mistaken identity drives him to propose a fatal blindfolded horse ride, resulting in Siminok's death. Overwhelmed by guilt, Busujok follows his brother into the same watery grave, and both are transformed into the Morning and Evening Stars.
Themes
Emotional Arc
joy to sorrow
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The names Busujok (Basil) and Siminok (Geaphalium/cat's foot) are noted as having botanical or common meanings, which might hint at folk traditions or symbolism, though not explicitly explored in the text.
Plot Beats (16)
- A childless emperor and empress pray and fast, and the empress dreams of a divine promise of a child if the emperor catches and they eat a golden fish.
- The emperor catches the golden fish, the royal couple eats it, and a maid-servant sucks a fishbone.
- The empress gives birth to Prince Busujok, and the maid-servant gives birth to Siminok, both boys identical in appearance.
- The boys grow up together, inseparable and indistinguishable, excelling in their studies and activities.
- The empress, unable to tell them apart, secretly ties two locks of Busujok's hair while playing.
- During a hunting trip, Siminok discovers the tied hair, and Busujok, feeling betrayed and confused, decides to leave home to explore the world.
- Busujok gives Siminok a handkerchief, promising that three drops of blood on it will signify his death.
- Siminok finds the blood on the handkerchief, believes Busujok is dead, and sets out to find him.
- Siminok encounters Busujok's wife, who mistakes him for her husband, but a magical sword confirms Siminok's identity.
- Siminok tracks Busujok to a forest where he finds the Wood Witch, who has enchanted Busujok.
- Siminok tricks the Wood Witch into coming down from a tree, then threatens her with his hounds until she releases Busujok.
- Busujok awakens, confused, and Siminok explains everything, but Busujok becomes jealous, suspecting Siminok of having an affair with his wife.
- Busujok proposes a test: they will ride their horses blindfolded into the forest, letting fate decide their path.
- Siminok's horse falls into a spring, and he drowns; Busujok, hearing a groan, removes his blindfold and finds Siminok gone.
- Busujok returns home, his wife confirms Siminok's story, and the magical sword wounds Busujok, confirming his error.
- Overwhelmed by grief and guilt, Busujok rides his blindfolded horse into the same spring, dying there, and both brothers transform into the Morning and Evening Stars.
Characters
The Emperor
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height and build, with features consistent with a Central European or Slavic ruler of a bygone era. His face would show the lines of responsibility and perhaps a touch of weariness from his childless state.
Attire: Richly embroidered court robes made of heavy silk or velvet, possibly in deep reds or blues, with gold thread detailing. A golden circlet or a simple crown might adorn his head for formal occasions. He would wear sturdy, polished leather boots.
Wants: To have an heir and ensure the continuation of his lineage.
Flaw: His initial despair over childlessness, and perhaps a slight naivety in accepting the dream without question.
He experiences a brief moment of joy and fulfillment with the birth of his son, but his story is largely static, serving as the catalyst for the main plot.
Pious, hopeful, decisive, somewhat traditional.
The Empress
A woman of noble stature, likely slender and graceful, with features reflecting a Central European or Slavic empress. Her face would show the strain of her childless state, but also a deep piety.
Attire: Elegant, flowing gowns made of fine silk or brocade, in soft, rich colors like emerald green or deep purple. She would wear delicate gold jewelry, such as a necklace and earrings. Her shoes would be soft, embroidered slippers.
Wants: To have a child, to protect her son, and to ensure his rightful place.
Flaw: Her overwhelming grief and anxiety, which leads her to try and mark her son, inadvertently causing his departure.
She experiences the joy of motherhood, then profound grief and regret over her son's departure, and later, his death. Her actions, though well-intentioned, set the tragic events in motion.
Pious, devoted, anxious, loving, somewhat manipulative (in her attempt to mark Busujok).
The Maid-servant
A young woman of humble origins, likely of average height and build, with features consistent with a Central European or Slavic peasant. Her appearance would be neat but unadorned.
Attire: A practical, plain linen dress in a muted color like grey or brown, with a simple white apron over it. Her hair would be covered with a plain headscarf. Sturdy, worn leather shoes.
Wants: To satisfy her curiosity about royal life and food.
Flaw: Her impulsive curiosity, which leads her to suck the fishbone.
She is a catalyst for the plot, giving birth to Siminok, but otherwise remains a static character.
Curious, opportunistic (in a minor way), observant.
Busujok (The Morning Star)
A strikingly handsome young man, identical in appearance to Siminok, with features consistent with a Central European or Slavic prince. He is tall and well-built, exuding an air of nobility.
Attire: Fine, identical hunting attire to Siminok, likely made of sturdy wool or linen in forest greens or browns, with leather accents. He would wear tall, polished leather boots and perhaps a simple cloak for warmth.
Wants: Initially, to understand why his mother marked him; later, to prove his wife's fidelity, and finally, to reunite with his brother in death.
Flaw: His pride and intense jealousy, which lead him to doubt Siminok and ultimately cause both their deaths.
Starts as a proud, curious prince, becomes consumed by jealousy and doubt, leading to his brother's death, and ultimately dies of grief and repentance, transforming into the Morning Star.
Charming, brave, intelligent, proud, impulsive, prone to jealousy, ultimately repentant.
Siminok (The Evening Star)
A strikingly handsome young man, identical in appearance to Busujok, with features consistent with a Central European or Slavic young man. He is tall and well-built, exuding a noble yet humble air.
Attire: Fine, identical hunting attire to Busujok, likely made of sturdy wool or linen in forest greens or browns, with leather accents. He would wear tall, polished leather boots and perhaps a simple cloak for warmth.
Wants: To find and save his brother, Busujok, and later, to prove his innocence.
Flaw: His unwavering loyalty and trust, which Busujok exploits.
Starts as a loyal companion, becomes a determined rescuer, faces betrayal, and dies unjustly, transforming into the Evening Star.
Charming, brave, intelligent, loyal, patient, resourceful, forgiving.
The Princess
A beautiful young woman, likely slender and graceful, with features consistent with a Central European or Slavic princess. Her face would show both beauty and a strong will.
Attire: Elegant court gowns made of fine silk or damask, in soft, regal colors like pale blue or rose. She would wear delicate gold jewelry, such as a pendant necklace. Soft, embroidered slippers.
Wants: To be reunited with her husband, and to understand the truth.
Flaw: Her initial inability to distinguish between Busujok and Siminok.
She initially mistakes Siminok for Busujok, then is convinced of the truth by the magical sword, and later confirms Siminok's story to Busujok, playing a role in his eventual repentance.
Loving, faithful, strong-willed, discerning (eventually).
The Wood Witch
A grotesque, ancient hag, likely hunched and gaunt, with features distorted by age and malice. Her skin would be wrinkled and sallow, perhaps with warts or moles.
Attire: Ragged, dark, earth-toned garments, possibly made of coarse wool or animal hides, adorned with strange charms or bones. Her clothing would be dirty and unkempt.
Wants: To capture and devour travelers, particularly handsome young men.
Flaw: Her fear of dogs and her susceptibility to Siminok's cunning.
She captures Busujok, attempts to capture Siminok, is outsmarted, and is ultimately destroyed.
Deceptive, cruel, gluttonous, cowardly, powerful.
The Golden Fish
A large fish, entirely composed of gleaming, solid gold. Its scales would shimmer with an otherworldly brilliance, and its eyes might be like polished gemstones.
Wants: N/A
Flaw: N/A
It serves its purpose as a magical catalyst and is consumed.
N/A (a magical object/catalyst)
The Magical Sword
A finely crafted sword, likely of polished steel with a simple, elegant hilt. It hangs on a nail on the wall.
Wants: To reveal the truth.
Flaw: N/A
It is used twice to confirm the truth, first for the Princess, then for Busujok.
N/A (a magical object/catalyst)
Locations
The Royal Palace
A grand, opulent palace, likely of Slavic or Eastern European design, with large windows overlooking a garden. Features include a royal bedchamber, a dining hall where the empress's plate would be cleared, and a window from which the empress watches the children play. The interior would be richly decorated, reflecting the emperor and empress's status.
Mood: Initially hopeful and expectant, later filled with joy, then deep grief and suspicion.
The empress's dream, the birth of the two boys, their upbringing, the empress's attempt to mark Busujok, Siminok's return with news of Busujok's departure, and Busujok's final confrontation with his wife.
The Brook
A tranquil, natural brook where the emperor goes fishing. The water is clear enough for a cork to bob visibly. Surrounded by natural vegetation, implying a peaceful, secluded spot.
Mood: Serene, hopeful, and miraculous.
The emperor catches the miraculous golden fish that leads to the empress's pregnancy.
The Royal Garden / Green Fields
A vast, beautiful garden adjacent to the palace, extending into green fields. It's a place of youthful play and exploration, filled with flowers, dew, butterflies, and bees. Later, it transitions into open, verdant fields where the youths hunt.
Mood: Joyful, innocent, and full of youthful energy, transitioning to a sense of freedom and adventure.
Busujok and Siminok's childhood play, and their initial joyous hunting expedition before entering the woods.
The Deep Forest / Wood Witch's Lair
A dense, ancient forest, initially perceived as beautiful and awe-inspiring by the youths. It later becomes a dark, perilous place, home to the Wood Witch. Features include tall trees, soft grass, and a hidden spring. The Wood Witch's presence makes it eerie and dangerous.
Mood: Initially wondrous and peaceful, then becomes eerie, dangerous, and ultimately tragic.
Busujok's fateful nap, his departure from Siminok, Siminok's confrontation with the Wood Witch, and the tragic deaths of both brothers in the spring.