THE SIXTEENTH OFFICER'S STORY
by Unknown · from Tales from the Arabic — Volume 02
Adapted Version
Once, a man went on a trip. He walked down a long road. He felt happy to be on a trip. The sun was warm on his face. He liked walking and seeing new things. The road was quiet and sunny. He saw green trees and birds. It was a good day for a walk. He carried a small bag. He hummed a little song.
Then, he met a bad man. The bad man wanted to scare him. "Go away!" said the man. "No," said the bad man. "I want to hurt you." "Why?" asked the man. "I just want to," said the bad man. The bad man looked very mean. He stepped closer to the man. The man felt his heart beat fast.
The man was very scared. He ran to a big river. The water moved fast. The bad man ran after him. He caught the man. He pushed him down on the ground. The bad man sat on him. He looked very mean. The man could not get up. He felt trapped and afraid.
"Help!" shouted the man. "Someone, please help me!" He shouted again and again. His voice echoed over the water. He hoped someone would hear.
All at once, a big water animal came. It was a crocodile. It came out of the water. It was very big and fast. The crocodile took the bad man. It pulled him into the water. The bad man was gone. The water splashed and then was still. The crocodile swam away quietly.
The man stood up. He was safe. He felt so happy. "Thank you," he said in a soft voice. He looked at the river. Help comes when you need it most. He took a deep breath. His hands stopped shaking. He felt calm again.
The man kept walking. He went on his trip. He felt thankful and safe. He knew he was lucky. The road ahead looked bright. He smiled a little smile. He walked on with a lighter step. The sun felt warm again. He was glad to be alive. His journey continued, full of hope.
Original Story
THE SIXTEENTH OFFICER'S STORY.
I went forth one day, purposing to make a journey, and fell in with a man whose wont it was to stop the way. When he came up with me, he offered to slay me and I said to him, "I have nothing with me whereby thou mayst profit." Quoth he, "My profit shall be the taking of thy life." "What is the cause of this?" asked I. "Hath there been feud between us aforetime?" And he answered, "No; but needs must I slay thee." Therewithal I fled from him to the river-side; but he overtook me and casting me to the ground, sat down on my breast. So I sought help of the Sheikh El Hejjaj[FN#156] and said to him, "Protect me from this oppressor!" And indeed he had drawn a knife, wherewith to cut my throat, when, behold, there came a great crocodile forth of the river and snatching him up from off my breast, plunged with him into the water, with the knife still in his hand; whilst I abode extolling the perfection of God the Most High and rendering thanks for my preservation to Him who had delivered me from the hand of that oppressor.'
Story DNA
Moral
Divine intervention can save the innocent from inexplicable evil.
Plot Summary
A man on a journey is accosted by another man who intends to kill him for no stated reason. Despite the traveler's pleas, the assailant pursues him to a river, pins him down, and prepares to cut his throat. Just as the assailant is about to strike, a large crocodile emerges from the river, snatches the attacker, and drags him into the water, saving the traveler's life. The traveler, delivered from danger, gives thanks for his miraculous preservation.
Themes
Emotional Arc
fear to relief
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of 'The Arabian Nights' (One Thousand and One Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern and South Asian stories and folk tales compiled in Arabic during the Islamic Golden Age. The mention of 'Sheikh El Hejjaj' could be a specific cultural reference or a general plea to a spiritual protector.
Plot Beats (9)
- A man embarks on a journey.
- He meets another man who intends to kill him.
- The traveler asks why, but the assailant states his only profit is taking the traveler's life.
- The traveler flees to a river, but the assailant pursues and overtakes him.
- The assailant casts the traveler to the ground, sits on his chest, and draws a knife.
- The traveler calls out for help.
- A large crocodile suddenly emerges from the river.
- The crocodile snatches the assailant from the traveler's chest and drags him into the water, knife still in hand.
- The traveler is saved and praises God for his deliverance.
Characters
The Sixteenth Officer
Of average height and build, likely lean from travel, with the weathered look of someone accustomed to journeys in a desert climate. His skin would be tanned from exposure to the sun.
Attire: Practical, durable clothing suitable for travel in a hot, arid region, such as a simple, long-sleeved linen tunic (thobe) in a neutral color like cream or light brown, possibly with a simple sash. Sturdy leather sandals or boots. He would likely wear a simple head covering, such as a keffiyeh or turban, to protect from the sun.
Wants: To complete his journey safely and to preserve his own life.
Flaw: Vulnerable to physical attack, as he is unarmed and unprepared for such a direct assault.
He begins his journey with a purpose, faces an unexpected existential threat, and is profoundly changed by a miraculous deliverance, reinforcing his faith and gratitude.
Resourceful (attempts to reason with the assailant), pious (extols God's perfection), grateful (renders thanks for preservation), and resilient (survives a life-threatening encounter).
The Assailant
A strong, imposing figure, likely of average to tall height and a muscular build, suggesting physical prowess and a life of violence. His movements would be swift and aggressive.
Attire: Practical, dark, and perhaps worn clothing suitable for someone who ambushes travelers. This might include a dark, coarse wool tunic or a simple, dark thobe, possibly with a rough sash. Sturdy, worn leather boots or sandals. He would likely have a simple head covering.
Wants: To take the life of the officer, driven by an unexplained, inherent desire for violence or perhaps a twisted sense of purpose.
Flaw: His overconfidence and focus on his victim make him vulnerable to unexpected external threats.
He appears as a force of pure malice, is about to succeed in his violent act, but is abruptly and supernaturally removed from the narrative, experiencing a sudden, violent end.
Violent, remorseless, determined, and seemingly irrational in his desire to kill without apparent motive.
The Crocodile
A massive, powerful crocodile, much larger than typical, with dark, scaly skin, a long, muscular tail, and powerful jaws. Its eyes would be cold and ancient, reflecting its predatory nature.
Attire: None.
Wants: To hunt and consume, but in this context, it serves a higher purpose of delivering justice or rescue.
Flaw: None apparent in the story; it is depicted as an unstoppable force.
Appears suddenly to resolve the conflict, serving as a deus ex machina, and then disappears back into the river, leaving a lasting impression of divine intervention.
Predatory, swift, and acts as an instrument of divine intervention, appearing at the precise moment of need.
Locations
The Open Road
A dusty, open road, likely unpaved, stretching into the distance under a clear sky, where travelers would typically encounter others. The ground would be dry and possibly uneven.
Mood: Initially mundane, then suddenly tense and dangerous
The protagonist begins his journey and encounters the assailant.
River-side
The bank of a wide river, likely with some vegetation, where the protagonist flees and is cornered. The water would be murky, typical of a large river in a warm climate.
Mood: Desperate, terrifying, then miraculously relieved
The protagonist is attacked and nearly killed, then saved by a crocodile.