The Pea Emperor
by Unknown · from Roumanian Fairy Tales
Adapted Version
Once there was a man named Leo. He was very poor. He had no money, no food, no home. Leo walked a long way. He felt very hungry. He had no food. He had no money. He found three small peas. "I will plant these," he thought. "Then I will be very rich."
Leo went to The King. He told big stories. He said, "I am rich." The King heard. The King believed Leo. He was very happy.
The King was happy. He said, "Marry Princess Lily." Leo felt scared. He told big lies. But Leo said, "Yes." He worried.
Leo married Princess Lily. He lived in the palace. Soon, people saw he had no gold. He had no rich things. Leo felt much shame. People were not kind to him.
Leo felt very sad. He ran from the palace. He met The Tricky Man. The man said, "I will help you." "Promise me."
The Tricky Man made big houses. They were not real houses. The King came to visit. He saw the big houses. He saw many live things. The King thought Leo was rich.
Leo went to the palace. He saw an old man. The man looked very tired. Leo felt kind. He said, "Work for me." Old man said, "Yes."
The Wise Old Man helped Leo. He showed The King the houses. The King saw many things. The King was very happy. He thought Leo was very rich. He smiled.
That night came. The Wise Old Man spoke. He told Leo, "Sleep here. Be quiet." Leo listened to him. He was quiet.
It was dark. Big voices called Leo's name. "Leo! Leo!" they said. They were The Nine Dragons. Each dragon asked a question. The questions were very hard. They were loud.
The Wise Old Man answered. He answered each question. "Burst, dragon!" he said. One dragon went away. Then one more went away. All dragons went away. They were gone.
Morning came. The Wise Old Man was gone. Leo looked outside. He saw no dragons. The nine dragons were gone. They were gone for good. Leo was safe now.
A kind voice spoke to Leo. "Your kind heart saved you. Be kind." "Always help people." Leo was very happy. He felt good.
Leo lived a happy life. He was always kind. He always helped people. Being good is the best treasure. He thought of this always.
Original Story
The Pea Emperor.
nce upon a time something wonderful happened. If it hadn't happened, it wouldn't be told.
There was once a good for nothing fellow, who was so poor and needy that he had not even enough to eat to be able to drink water after it. When he had wandered through all the countries in the world, he returned home somewhat more sensible. He had passed through many perils abroad, knocked his head against the top of the door, been sifted through the coarse and the fine sieve. He would now gladly have pursued some trade, but he had no money. One day he found three peas. After picking them up from the ground he took them on the palm of his hand, looked at them, pondered a long time, and then said laughing: "If I plant these seeds in the ground, I shall have a hundred in a year; if I afterward plant the hundred, I shall have thousands, and if I put these thousands in the earth I shall reap who knows how many! Then, if I go on in this way, I shall finally become a rich man. But if I could help wealth to come quicker—let me see!"
He went to the emperor and begged him to order through the whole empire barrels in which to keep his peas.
When the emperor heard that he needed such a quantity of barrels, he thought he must be stifling in money, and was more and more convinced of it when he entered into conversation with him. What is true must remain true; he didn't keep his mouth shut, but opened it and bragged till it would have been supposed that real pearls fell from his lips.
He told the emperor what he had seen in foreign lands, related how things were here and there, spoke of this and that, till the emperor stood before him with his mouth wide open. When he saw that the emperor marveled at his statements, he bragged more and more, saying that he had palaces, herds, and other riches.
The sovereign believed the boaster's stories, and said to him:
"I see that you have traveled, know a great deal, and are cunning and experienced; if you wish, I will gladly give you my daughter in marriage."
The braggart now regretted having told so many lies, for he did not know how to escape the monarch's proposal. After reflecting a short time, he plucked up courage and said "I will gladly accept the position of son-in-law you offer, and will try to show you that I am worthy of it."
The necessary preparations were made, and after some time an imperial wedding was celebrated in the palace. Then the man remained there.
One, two, several weeks elapsed, and no trace of peas and wealth appeared. Finally the emperor began to repent what he had done, but there was no help for it and the emperor's son-in-law perceived, from the manner of the courtiers and nobles, that they had very little respect for him.
His cheeks burned with shame. He made useless plans, tortured himself to find some means of getting out of the scrape, and could not even sleep at night. One morning without any one's knowledge he left the palace at dawn, walked on till he came to a meadow, and wandered along absorbed in thought, without knowing where he was going. Suddenly a rosy-cheeked man stood before him, and asked: "Where are you going, gossip, you look as sad and thoughtful as if all your ships had sunk in the sea."
The emperor's son-in-law related his dilemma and what he was seeking, and the man replied:
"If I deliver you from your difficulty, what will you give me?"
"Whatever you ask," he answered.
"There are nine of us brothers," said the man, "and each knows a riddle. If you guess them our whole property shall be yours, but if not, your first child must be ours."
The emperor's son-in-law, utterly crushed with shame, agreed, hard as it was for him, hoping that before the child was born he might find somebody who could tell him what to do.
So they set out together, that the stranger might show him the herds of cattle he owned and his palaces, which were not far off. They also instructed the herdsmen, swineherds, shepherds, and laborers what they were to say, if any body asked to whom the flocks and herds belonged.
The emperor's son-in-law returned to the palace and said that he would take his wife home the next day. On his way back he met an old man in the fields, and, seeing how aged and feeble he was, he pitied him and offered him alms. The old man would accept nothing, but asked permission to enter his service, telling him that he would be none the worse for it, and the other received him. When the emperor heard that his son-in-law wanted to go to his own palace, he was so delighted that he commanded every thing to be arranged on a grand scale in order to accompany him with imperial honors.
Therefore, on the following day, the whole court was filled with nobles, soldiers, and attendants of all kinds. All the directions for the journey had been given by the old man who had taken service with the emperor's son-in-law; he said that he was the Pea Emperor's steward, and all praised his energy, dignity, and industry.
The emperor was in high spirits and set out with the empress, the Pea Emperor, and his bride, for his son-in-law's possessions. The old servant went before and had every thing in good order. But the poor Pea Emperor was as pale and dejected as if somebody had showered him with boiling water. He was thinking of the riddles and how he could guess them.
They drove and drove till they reached the fields. Here was a beautiful meadow, beyond it a grove like the Garden of Paradise. When the overseer of the fields saw them, he came up cap in hand.
"To whom do these estates belong, my friend?" asked the emperor.
"To the Pea Emperor," replied the man.
The emperor grew fat with joy, for he now believed that his son-in-law really was no beggar. They drove on some distance further and met numerous flocks and herds of all sorts of animals; the emperor asked one keeper after another to whom they belonged, and all replied: "To the Pea Emperor."
But when they reached the palace of the nine dragons the emperor marveled at its magnificence. Every thing was in order. They were received at the gate by a band of musicians, who played the most beautiful tunes ever heard. The interior of the palace was adorned with real gems. A magnificent banquet was hastily prepared, and they drank the finest wine.
After the emperor had wished his son-in-law every happiness, he returned to his own home greatly delighted with the riches he had seen. But the Pea Emperor was almost dead with anxiety.
Evening came. The old servant said to his master:
"Master, what you have seen of me since I entered your service must have convinced you of my fidelity. Now I assure you that I can help you still more."
"Are you telling the truth?" asked the Pea Emperor.
"Do not doubt me for an instant, master! And I ask one thing besides: let me spend the night in some corner of the chamber where you are sleeping, even if it is behind the door. Moreover, I advise you not to answer a single word, no matter who calls you by name or how great a noise is made."
"Be it so!" said the Pea Emperor. And so it was.
After they had lain down and put out the light, they heard a dull, rumbling noise like an approaching thunder storm. Then a hoarse, rough voice said:
"Pea Emperor, Pea Emperor!"
"What do you want?" replied the old man.
"I'm not calling you," it replied, "I'm calling the Pea Emperor."
"That's just the same thing," replied the old man, "my master is asleep, he's tired."
Then the noise of many voices was heard, as if people were quarreling! Again the first one repeated: "Pea Emperor, Pea Emperor!"
"What is it?" the old man answered.
"What is one?"
"The moon is one."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
Then a terrible wailing arose, as if all the spirits of evil were abroad, and another voice said:
"What is two?"
"Two eyes in the head see well."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
"What is three?"
"Where there are three grown daughters in a house, beware of putting your head in."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
"What is four?"
"The cart with four wheels runs well."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
"What is five?"
"Five fingers on the hand hold well."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
Again there was a noise like a thunder storm, and the palace shook as if the earth was quaking. And again there was a shout for the Pea Emperor. But the latter became more and more quiet, and scarcely ventured to breathe, but remained perfectly still. This time, too, the old servant answered. Another voice asked:
"What is six?"
"The flute with six holes blows well."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
"What is seven?"
"Where there are seven brothers, don't meddle with their affairs."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
"What is eight?"
"The plow with eight oxen furrows the earth well."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
"What is nine?"
"Where there are nine grown daughters in a house, it is not swept."
"Is it you, master?"
"Burst, dragon!"
The Pea Emperor, who heard all this, could not sleep all night long, even when it grew so still that one might have heard a fly buzz; he waited for daylight with the utmost impatience.
When he rose the next morning the old servant had vanished. He went out of the palace, and what did he behold? The scattered corpses of nine dragons, which he gave to the ravens. While thanking God for having preserved his life and delivered him from disgrace, he heard a sweet voice say:
"Your compassion for the poor man saved you. Always be charitable."
Story DNA
Moral
Compassion and charity can save you from the consequences of your own deceit.
Plot Summary
A poor man, after finding three peas, fabricates a story of immense wealth to the emperor, who then offers him his daughter in marriage. Overwhelmed by shame when his lies are exposed, he flees and makes a desperate pact with nine mysterious men, promising his first child if he fails to guess their riddles. An old man, whom the Pea Emperor shows compassion to, later serves him and secretly answers the riddles, defeating the mysterious men who are revealed to be dragons. The Pea Emperor is saved from his predicament, learning that his act of charity was his salvation.
Themes
Emotional Arc
pride to humility to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
The story reflects common folk tale motifs of a commoner rising through deceit, facing consequences, and being saved by a magical helper, often linked to a moral lesson.
Plot Beats (13)
- A poor, good-for-nothing fellow, after traveling, finds three peas and fantasizes about becoming rich.
- He approaches the emperor, bragging about his non-existent wealth and travels, convincing the emperor he is rich.
- The emperor, impressed, offers his daughter's hand in marriage, which the man reluctantly accepts despite his lies.
- After the wedding, the man's lack of wealth becomes evident, causing him shame and the disrespect of the court.
- He flees the palace in despair and encounters a rosy-cheeked man who offers to help him, but demands his first child if he fails to guess nine riddles.
- The mysterious man and his eight brothers create an illusion of vast estates and palaces, which the emperor visits and is convinced of.
- On his way back to the palace, the Pea Emperor meets an old, feeble man, takes pity on him, and hires him as a servant.
- The old servant, claiming to be the Pea Emperor's steward, orchestrates the emperor's visit to the illusory wealth.
- That night, the old servant advises the Pea Emperor to remain silent while he sleeps in the room, no matter what happens.
- Nine voices, revealed to be dragons, call out for the Pea Emperor, each posing a riddle.
- The old servant answers each riddle correctly, causing a dragon to 'burst' after each answer.
- In the morning, the old servant has vanished, and the Pea Emperor finds the corpses of nine dragons outside the palace.
- A sweet voice tells him that his compassion for the old man saved him, urging him to always be charitable.
Characters
The Pea Emperor
Initially gaunt and poor, later appears more refined due to borrowed wealth, though often pale and dejected from anxiety. He is of average height and build, with a generally unremarkable appearance that allows him to blend in.
Attire: Initially wears simple, worn peasant clothes. After marrying the princess, he would wear fine court attire, likely velvet or silk tunics, breeches, and hose in rich colors, possibly with embroidered details, though these are borrowed and do not truly reflect his status.
Wants: To escape poverty and gain wealth/status, then later to escape the consequences of his lies and protect his family.
Flaw: His tendency to lie and boast, leading him into difficult situations he cannot resolve on his own.
Transforms from a boastful liar driven by greed into a more humble, compassionate, and grateful man who learns the value of honesty and charity, saved by his good deed.
Boastful, cunning (initially), regretful, anxious, compassionate, resourceful (when desperate).
The Emperor
A man of authority and wealth, likely of a robust build, well-fed, and dressed in the finest imperial attire. His appearance would convey power and dignity.
Attire: Magnificent imperial robes, possibly made of silk or brocade in deep reds or purples, adorned with gold embroidery and precious jewels. He would wear a crown or an elaborate headpiece befitting his status.
Wants: To secure a suitable, wealthy son-in-law for his daughter and maintain the prestige of his empire.
Flaw: Easily swayed by boasts and appearances of wealth, leading him to make hasty decisions.
Initially deceived, he eventually believes his son-in-law is truly wealthy, becoming delighted and satisfied with the match.
Gullible (initially), impressed by wealth and travel, delighted, commanding, somewhat naive.
The Emperor's Daughter
A beautiful princess, as befits an emperor's daughter, likely graceful and elegantly dressed. Her appearance would reflect her noble birth.
Attire: Luxurious gowns made of fine silks or brocades, in soft, rich colors, possibly with intricate embroidery. She would wear jewelry appropriate for a princess.
Wants: To fulfill her duty as a princess and marry the man her father chooses.
Flaw: Her lack of agency in choosing her own husband.
Marries the Pea Emperor, becoming his wife and moving to his (borrowed) palace. Her fate is tied to his, but she does not undergo a significant personal transformation within the story.
Obedient (to her father's wishes), likely gentle, perhaps initially reserved or curious about her unusual husband.
The Old Servant
An aged and feeble man when first encountered, but later described as energetic, dignified, and industrious. He likely has a lean build from age and a weathered face.
Attire: Initially, simple, worn peasant clothes. After entering service, he would wear the respectable but not opulent livery of a steward, perhaps a dark tunic and breeches of sturdy wool or linen, with a simple cap.
Wants: To help the Pea Emperor due to his compassion, and possibly to teach him a lesson or test his character.
Flaw: None explicitly stated, appears to be a benevolent, almost magical figure.
Appears to help the Pea Emperor, orchestrates the illusion of wealth, solves the riddles, defeats the dragons, and then vanishes, having fulfilled his purpose.
Wise, compassionate, loyal, resourceful, mysterious, powerful (implied).
The Rosy-Cheeked Man (Brother)
A man with rosy cheeks, suggesting health and vitality, but he is one of the nine brothers who are dragons. He would appear human, but with an underlying hint of something powerful or unsettling.
Attire: Likely appears in ordinary, perhaps slightly rustic or well-to-do peasant clothing to blend in, or perhaps slightly more refined attire to appear trustworthy.
Wants: To trick the Pea Emperor into a bargain that would give them his first child, and to reclaim their property.
Flaw: Their riddles can be solved, and they can be defeated by a superior magical force (the Old Servant).
Appears to the Pea Emperor, makes a bargain, and is later defeated and killed by the Old Servant, along with his brothers.
Deceptive, cunning, demanding, powerful, malevolent.
The Nine Brothers (Dragons)
When appearing human, they are indistinguishable from ordinary men, though their true form is that of dragons. Their human forms are likely varied but all possess a deceptive charm or imposing presence.
Attire: As humans, they would wear clothing appropriate to the illusion of wealth they project – perhaps fine merchant or landowner attire. As dragons, they have no wardrobe.
Wants: To claim the Pea Emperor's first child through a rigged bargain and to maintain their illusory wealth.
Flaw: They are bound by the riddle game and can be defeated by someone who knows the answers and possesses greater power.
They attempt to claim the Pea Emperor's child but are outsmarted and destroyed by the Old Servant.
Cunning, malevolent, persistent, bound by their own rules (riddles).
Locations
The Emperor's Palace
A magnificent imperial residence where the wedding was celebrated and the Pea Emperor resided. Later, the interior was described as adorned with real gems, and a grand banquet was held.
Mood: Initially grand and celebratory, then tense and shameful for the Pea Emperor, finally relieved.
The Pea Emperor's wedding, his period of anxiety, and the emperor's delight at his supposed wealth.
Meadow and Grove
A beautiful meadow leading to a grove described as being 'like the Garden of Paradise'.
Mood: Initially desolate and thoughtful for the Pea Emperor, then serene and beautiful as part of his 'estates'.
The Pea Emperor's desperate walk and his encounter with the rosy-cheeked man who offers a solution.
Palace of the Nine Dragons
A magnificent palace, supposedly belonging to the Pea Emperor, where they were received by musicians and the interior was adorned with real gems. It is where the riddles were posed.
Mood: Initially grand and impressive, then terrifying and suspenseful as the dragons' voices fill the night.
The emperor's visit to his son-in-law's 'palace' and the climactic riddle-solving confrontation with the nine dragons.