Why the Fish Laughed
by Unknown · from Tales of Laughter: A third fairy book
Adapted Version
A Queen and King lived in a palace. A woman came to the palace. She had a big fish to sell. The Queen saw the fish. "Boy or girl fish?" she asked. The big fish made a loud sound. It was a funny laugh.
The Queen was very upset. She went to The King. "The fish laughed at me!" she told him. The King did not believe her words. He asked The King's Helper. "Find out why the fish laughed," he said. "If not, you will lose your job."
The King's Helper was very sad. He looked for the answer all around. He could not find it. He told his son. "Go on a long trip," he said. "Go to a new place far away."
The Helper's Son went on his trip. He walked for many days. He met The Farmer. The son said funny words. "I carry you, or you me?" he asked. "Is the corn food all gone?" he asked. "This big town is very quiet," he said. The Farmer was very puzzled by his words.
The Farmer thought the son's words were silly. But he liked the young man. "Come to my house," The Farmer said kindly. The Helper's Son asked, "Is your roof strong?" The Farmer was very confused.
The Farmer told his daughter about the son. His daughter was The Clever Girl. She heard all her dad's words. She knew what the son's puzzle words meant. The son was very smart. She was very clever too.
The Clever Girl sent food to the son. She sent a secret message with it. The Helper's Son read the message. He knew her wise words. He sent a secret message back to her. It showed a helper took some food. The helper did not ask for it.
The Helper's Son came inside the house. He sat with The Farmer. He sat with The Clever Girl. He told them his whole story. His dad was in a sad problem. The fish had laughed loudly.
The Clever Girl knew the answer. "The fish laughed," she said. "Someone in the palace was tricky. He pretended to be a girl. But he was really a boy. He was doing a trick on The King."
The Helper's Son went back to the palace. The Clever Girl went with him. They went to see The King. They told The King their plan. "Ask your helpers," they said. "Ask them to step over a small line."
All the helpers stepped over the line. One helper stepped very well. This helper was very strong. It was a boy! He was not a girl at all. The Tricky Helper was found out. The Clever Girl was right.
The King's Helper was safe now. He was very happy and thankful. The Queen was happy too. The Helper's Son married The Clever Girl. They lived a very happy life. All were happy in the end.
The Clever Girl showed all. It is good to think hard. Things are not always what they seem. And so, all were happy. The clever girl helped all see the truth!
Original Story
Why the Fish Laughed
As a certain fisherwoman passed by a palace crying her fish, the queen appeared at one of the windows and beckoned her to come near and show what she had. At that moment a very big fish jumped about in the bottom of the basket.
“Is it a he or a she?” inquired the queen. “I wish to purchase a she-fish.”
On hearing this the fish laughed aloud.
“It’s a he,” replied the fisherwoman, and proceeded on her rounds.
The queen returned to her room in a great rage; and on coming to see her in the evening, the king noticed that something had disturbed her.
“Are you indisposed?” he said.
“No; but I am very much annoyed at the strange behavior of a fish. A woman brought me one to-day, and on my inquiring whether it was a male or female, the fish laughed most rudely.”
“A fish laugh! Impossible! You must be dreaming.”
“I am not a fool. I speak of what I have seen with my own eyes and have heard with my own ears.”
“Passing strange! Be it so. I will inquire concerning it.”
On the morrow the king repeated to his vizier what his wife had told him, and bade him investigate the matter, and be ready with a satisfactory answer within six months, on pain of death. The vizier promised to do his best, though he felt almost certain of failure. For five months he labored indefatigably to find a reason for the laughter of the fish. He sought everywhere and from every one. The wise and learned, and they who were skilled in magic and in all manner of 264trickery, were consulted. Nobody, however, could explain the matter; and so he returned broken-hearted to his house, and began to arrange his affairs in prospect of certain death, for he had had sufficient experience of the king to know that his majesty would not go back from his threat. Among other things, he advised his son to travel for a time, until the king’s anger should have somewhat cooled.
The young fellow, who was both clever and handsome, started off whithersoever Kismet might lead him. He had been gone some days, when he fell in with an old farmer, who also was on a journey to a certain village. Finding the old man very pleasant, he asked him if he might accompany him, professing to be on a visit to the same place. The old farmer agreed, and they walked along together. The day was hot, and the way was long and weary.
“Don’t you think it would be pleasanter if you and I sometimes gave each other a lift?” said the youth.
“What a fool the man is!” thought the old farmer.
Presently they passed through a field of corn ready for the sickle, and looking like a sea of gold as it waved to and fro in the breeze.
“Is this eaten or not?” said the young man.
Not understanding his meaning, the old man replied: “I don’t know.”
After a little while the two travelers arrived at a big village, where the young man gave his companion a clasp-knife, and said: “Take this, friend, and get two horses with it; but mind and bring it back, for it is very precious.”
The old man, looking half amused and half angry, pushed back the knife, muttering something to the effect that his friend was either a fool himself, or else trying to play the fool with him. The young man pretended not to notice his reply, and remained almost silent till they reached the city, a short distance outside which was the old farmer’s house. They walked about the bazaar and went to the mosque, but nobody saluted them or invited them to come in and rest.
“What a large cemetery!” exclaimed the young man.
265“What does the man mean,” thought the old farmer, “calling this largely populated city a cemetery?”
On leaving the city their way led through a graveyard where a few people were praying beside a tomb and distributing chapatis and kulchas to passers-by, in the name of their beloved dead. They beckoned to the two travelers and gave them as much as they would.
“What a splendid city this is!” said the young man.
“Now, the man must surely be demented!” thought the old farmer. “I wonder what he will do next? He will be calling the land water, and the water land; and be speaking of light where there is darkness, and of darkness when it is light.” However, he kept his thoughts to himself.
Presently they had to wade through a stream that ran along the edge of the cemetery. The water was rather deep, so the old farmer took off his shoes and pajamas and crossed over; but the young man waded through it with his shoes and pajamas on.
“Well! I never did see such a perfect fool, both in word and in deed,” said the old man to himself.
However, he liked the fellow; and thinking that he would amuse his wife and daughter, he invited him to come and stay at his house as long as he had occasion to remain in the village.
“Thank you very much,” the young man replied; “but let me first inquire, if you please, whether the beam of your house is strong.”
The old farmer left him in despair, and entered his house laughing.
“There is a man in yonder field,” he said, after returning their greetings. “He has come the greater part of the way with me, and I wanted him to put up here as long as he had to stay in this village. But the fellow is such a fool that I cannot make anything out of him. He wants to know if the beam of this house is all right. The man must be mad!” and saying this, he burst into a fit of laughter.
“Father,” said the farmer’s daughter, who was a very sharp 266and wise girl, “this man, whosoever he is, is no fool, as you deem him. He only wishes to know if you can afford to entertain him.”
“Oh, of course,” replied the farmer. “I see. Well, perhaps you can help me to solve some of his other mysteries. While we were walking together he asked whether he should carry me or I should carry him, as he thought that would be a pleasanter mode of proceeding.”
“Most assuredly,” said the girl; “he meant that one of you should tell a story to beguile the time.”
“Oh, yes. Well, we were passing through a corn-field, when he asked me whether it was eaten or not.”
“And didn’t you know the meaning of this, father? He simply wished to know if the man was in debt or not; because, if the owner of the field was in debt, then the produce of the field was as good as eaten to him; that is, it would have to go to his creditors.”
“Yes, yes, yes, of course! Then, on entering a certain village, he bade me take his clasp-knife and get two horses with it, and bring back the knife again to him.”
“Are not two stout sticks as good as two horses for helping one along on the road? He only asked you to cut a couple of sticks and be careful not to lose his knife.”
“I see,” said the farmer. “While we were walking over the city we did not see anybody that we knew, and not a soul gave us a scrap of anything to eat, till we were passing the cemetery; but there some people called to us and put into our hands some chapatis and kulchas; so my companion called the city a cemetery, and the cemetery a city.”
“This also is to be understood, father, if one thinks of the city as the place where everything is to be obtained, and of inhospitable people as worse than the dead. The city, though crowded with people, was as if dead, as far as you were concerned; while, in the cemetery, which is crowded with the dead, you were saluted by kind friends and provided with bread.”
“True, true!” said the astonished farmer. “Then, just 267now, when we were crossing the stream, he waded through it without taking off his shoes and pajamas.”
“I admire his wisdom,” replied the girl. “I have often thought how stupid people were to venture into that swiftly flowing stream and over those sharp stones with bare feet. The slightest stumble and they would fall, and be wetted from head to foot. This friend of yours is a most wise man. I should like to see him and speak to him.”
“Very well,” said the farmer; “I will go and find him, and bring him in.”
“Tell him, father, that our beams are strong enough, and then he will come in. I’ll send on ahead a present to the man, to show him that we can afford to have him for our guest.”
Accordingly she called a servant and sent him to the young man with a present of a basin of ghee, twelve chapatis, and a jar of milk, and the following message: “O friend, the moon is full; twelve months make a year, and the sea is overflowing with water.”
Half-way the bearer of this present and message met his little son, who, seeing what was in the basket, begged his father to give him some of the food. His father foolishly complied. Presently he saw the young man, and gave him the rest of the present and the message.
“Give your mistress my salaam,” he replied, “and tell her that the moon is new, and that I can find only eleven months in the year, and the sea is by no means full.”
Not understanding the meaning of these words, the servant repeated them word for word, as he had heard them, to his mistress; and thus his theft was discovered, and he was severely punished. After a little while the young man appeared with the old farmer. Great attention was shown to him, and he was treated in every way as if he were the son of a great man, although his humble host knew nothing of his origin. At length he told them everything—about the laughing of the fish, his father’s threatened execution, and his own banishment—and asked their advice as to what he should do.
“The laughing of the fish,” said the girl, “which seems 268to have been the cause of all this trouble, indicates that there is a man in the palace who is plotting against the king’s life.”
“Joy, joy!” exclaimed the vizier’s son. “There is yet time for me to return and save my father from an ignominious and unjust death, and the king from danger.”
The following day he hastened back to his own country, taking with him the farmer’s daughter. Immediately on arrival he ran to the palace and informed his father of what he had heard. The poor vizier, now almost dead from the expectation of death, was at once carried to the king, to whom he repeated the news that his son had just brought.
“Never!” said the king.
“But it must be so, your majesty,” replied the vizier; “and in order to prove the truth of what I have heard, I pray you to call together all the maids in your palace and order them to jump over a pit, which must be dug. We’ll soon find out whether there is any man there.”
The king had the pit dug, and commanded all the maids belonging to the palace to try to jump it. All of them tried, but only one succeeded. That one was found to be a man!
Thus was the queen satisfied, and the faithful old vizier saved.
Afterward, as soon as could be, the vizier’s son married the old farmer’s daughter; and a most happy marriage it was.
Story DNA
Moral
True wisdom often lies in understanding hidden meanings and observing the world keenly, which can lead to justice and avert disaster.
Plot Summary
A queen is enraged when a fish laughs at her question about its gender, leading the king to threaten his vizier with death if he cannot explain it. The vizier's son embarks on a journey, speaking in riddles to an old farmer, whose wise daughter deciphers them all, proving her extraordinary intelligence. She then reveals that the fish's laughter was a warning about a man disguised as a maid in the palace, plotting against the king. Returning to the palace, they expose the impostor through a clever test, saving the vizier and bringing justice, culminating in the marriage of the wise daughter and the vizier's son.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Reflects traditional court structures with kings and viziers, and common folk beliefs in omens and hidden meanings. The emphasis on hospitality and the role of wise women in solving dilemmas are common in South Asian folklore.
Plot Beats (12)
- A fisherwoman presents a fish to the queen, who asks if it's male or female; the fish laughs aloud.
- The queen is enraged and tells the king, who disbelieves her but tasks his vizier with finding an explanation within six months, on pain of death.
- The vizier fails to find an explanation and prepares for death, advising his son to travel.
- The vizier's son travels and meets an old farmer, speaking in riddles about giving lifts, eaten corn, getting horses with a knife, and calling a city a cemetery.
- The farmer, confused by the young man's 'foolishness,' invites him home, but the young man asks if the house's beam is strong.
- The farmer's wise daughter overhears his complaints and correctly interprets all of the young man's riddles, revealing his intelligence.
- The daughter sends a coded message with food to the young man, which he deciphers and returns a coded reply, exposing a servant's theft.
- The young man is brought in, and he explains his father's predicament and the mystery of the laughing fish.
- The daughter explains that the fish's laughter indicated a man disguised as a woman in the palace, plotting against the king.
- The vizier's son returns to the palace with the daughter, and they convince the king to have all palace maids jump over a pit.
- One 'maid' succeeds in jumping the pit, revealing himself to be a man, confirming the daughter's interpretation.
- The vizier is saved, the queen is satisfied, and the vizier's son marries the farmer's daughter.
Characters
The Queen
A woman of regal bearing, likely of average height with a dignified posture. Her complexion would be fair, indicative of a life spent indoors away from harsh sun, common for royalty in many cultures. Her build would be slender, as was often considered graceful.
Attire: Richly embroidered silk or brocade garments, possibly a flowing tunic (qamis) over loose trousers (sirwal) or a sari-like drape, in deep jewel tones like emerald green or sapphire blue. Adorned with gold jewelry, such as intricate necklaces and bracelets, and possibly a delicate head covering or tiara.
Wants: To maintain her dignity and have her experiences validated; to understand the inexplicable event of the laughing fish.
Flaw: Her quick temper and inability to accept things she doesn't understand, leading to disproportionate reactions.
She begins the story enraged and demanding, but her initial, seemingly absurd complaint ultimately leads to the uncovering of a serious plot, satisfying her and validating her experience.
Imperious, easily angered, stubborn, somewhat naive (believing a fish laughed), and demanding.
The King
A man of authority, likely of a sturdy build befitting a ruler, perhaps of average to slightly above-average height. His skin tone would be consistent with a Middle Eastern or South Asian monarch, possibly olive or light brown.
Attire: Richly woven robes, perhaps a long, flowing thobe or a patterned caftan, made of fine silk or brocade in royal colors like deep purple or crimson. Adorned with a jeweled turban and possibly a wide, embroidered sash. Minimal but significant gold jewelry.
Wants: To maintain peace and order in his kingdom, to satisfy his queen, and to uphold justice.
Flaw: His initial skepticism and dismissal of the queen's story, which could have led to a grave injustice.
He begins by dismissing his wife's story but, upon seeing her distress, takes it seriously, setting in motion the events that save his vizier and expose a threat to his own life.
Initially skeptical, pragmatic, responsible, and ultimately just. He is concerned for his wife's well-being and the stability of his kingdom.
The Vizier
An elderly man, likely of a slender to average build, showing the signs of age and a life of intellectual work. His height would be average. His skin would be somewhat wrinkled, consistent with his age and the climate.
Attire: Formal but less ornate than the King's, perhaps a long, tailored tunic (qamis) and trousers (sirwal) or a simple, dignified robe (jubbah) in muted tones like deep blue or grey, made of fine wool or linen. A simple, well-wrapped turban. Practical, comfortable leather slippers.
Wants: To serve his king and save his own life, and later, to save his son from the same fate.
Flaw: His inability to solve the riddle on his own, leading to despair and resignation.
He begins in a state of diligent but ultimately despairing effort, facing certain death. He is saved by his son's journey and the wisdom of the farmer's daughter, leading to immense relief and gratitude.
Loyal, diligent, intelligent, despairing under pressure, and ultimately relieved. He is dedicated to his king but overwhelmed by the impossible task.
The Vizier's Son
A handsome young man, likely of a lean and agile build, of average height. His skin tone would be consistent with a Middle Eastern or South Asian background, perhaps olive or light brown.
Attire: Practical but well-made traveling clothes, perhaps a simple linen tunic (qamis) and loose trousers (sirwal) in earthy tones like beige or light brown, suitable for a journey. A sturdy leather belt and comfortable walking sandals. He might carry a small satchel.
Wants: To save his father's life by solving the mystery of the laughing fish.
Flaw: His tendency to speak in riddles and obscure language, which can be misunderstood by others.
He begins as a banished son on a journey of escape, but through his encounters and his own cleverness, he becomes the hero who solves the central mystery, saves his father, and finds a wise partner.
Clever, observant, resourceful, quick-witted, and loyal to his father. He is also playful and enjoys riddles.
The Old Farmer
An old man, likely of a sturdy, weathered build from a lifetime of manual labor. His height would be average. His skin would be tanned and lined from exposure to the sun, consistent with a farmer in a rural Middle Eastern or South Asian setting.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing: a loose-fitting cotton tunic (kurta) in a light color like off-white or light blue, loose cotton trousers (pajamas), and a simple cloth turban or cap. He would wear sturdy, worn leather sandals or be barefoot.
Wants: To live a simple life, to travel to his destination, and to provide for his family.
Flaw: His literal interpretation of language, making him unable to understand riddles and metaphors.
He begins as a bewildered companion, unable to understand the young man's riddles. He ends the story enlightened by his daughter's wisdom, understanding the true meaning behind the young man's words, and becoming a gracious host.
Kind, hospitable, simple, easily confused by abstract language, and good-natured. He is initially bewildered by the young man but grows to like him.
The Farmer's Daughter
A young woman of sharp intellect, likely of a slender but strong build, accustomed to village life. Her height would be average. Her skin tone would be tanned from outdoor work, consistent with a rural Middle Eastern or South Asian setting.
Attire: Simple, practical village attire: a colorful cotton salwar kameez (tunic and trousers) or a long, flowing skirt (ghagra) with a choli (blouse) and a dupatta (scarf) draped over her head and shoulders, in vibrant but earthy colors. Minimal, simple silver or brass jewelry.
Wants: To understand and help others, particularly her father and the young man.
Flaw: None apparent in the story; she is presented as almost perfectly wise.
She begins as a wise but unseen figure, interpreting riddles from afar. She becomes the key to solving the main conflict, saving the Vizier's son, and ultimately marries him, demonstrating her pivotal role.
Wise, perceptive, intelligent, resourceful, and kind. She is quick to understand complex ideas and solve riddles.
The Fish
A very big fish, likely a freshwater species common in the region, such as a carp or a large catfish. Its scales would be iridescent, perhaps silver or greenish-brown, and its body robust and muscular from swimming. It would have prominent eyes.
Attire: None, as it is a fish.
Wants: To react to the absurdity of the queen's question, implicitly aware of the palace's secret.
Flaw: Being caught by a fisherwoman.
Its single act of laughter triggers the entire narrative, leading to the discovery of a palace plot. It does not change itself.
Mysterious, observant, and capable of an unexpected, human-like reaction (laughter).
The Palace Maid (who is a man)
A young man, likely of a slender build to convincingly pass as a woman. His height would be average or slightly below average for a man, to avoid suspicion. His skin tone would be fair, consistent with someone working indoors.
Attire: Palace maid's attire: a simple, modest tunic (qamis) and loose trousers (sirwal) or a sari-like drape in muted colors like cream, light blue, or grey, made of cotton or linen. A head covering (dupatta or scarf) to complete the disguise. No jewelry.
Wants: To participate in a plot against the King, likely for political or personal gain, or as a spy.
Flaw: His inability to perform a physical feat (jumping a pit) that would be easy for a man but difficult for a woman, leading to his exposure.
He is exposed as a man during the King's test, confirming the fish's implied warning and leading to the resolution of the plot.
Deceptive, secretive, and cunning. His actions reveal a willingness to engage in a dangerous plot.
Locations
The Royal Palace
A grand palace, likely of Indo-Persian architectural style, with large windows from which the queen can observe the outside. It contains the queen's private rooms and the king's chambers.
Mood: Regal, initially calm, then tense and furious for the queen; later, a place of intrigue and resolution.
The queen sees the fish, the fish laughs, the king learns of the incident, and later, the impostor is revealed here.
The Countryside Road
A long, weary road under a hot sun, passing through diverse rural landscapes including a field of ripe corn and a stream.
Mood: Tiring, observational, a setting for philosophical exchanges.
The vizier's son travels and encounters the old farmer, engaging in their series of riddles.
The Farmer's House
A humble, sturdy house belonging to an old farmer, likely a traditional rural dwelling with a strong main beam, suggesting a comfortable but not opulent lifestyle.
Mood: Humble, welcoming, intelligent, a place of revelation and understanding.
The vizier's son is invited here, and the farmer's daughter deciphers all the riddles, leading to the solution of the fish's laughter.
The City and Cemetery
A bustling, populated city with a bazaar and mosque, contrasted sharply with a nearby cemetery where people are generous. The city is inhospitable, while the cemetery offers kindness.
Mood: Contrasting; initially unwelcoming and desolate in the city, then surprisingly warm and generous in the cemetery.
The vizier's son observes the lack of hospitality in the city and the generosity in the cemetery, leading to another riddle for the farmer.