NINTH GOBLIN
by Unknown · from Twenty-Two Goblins
Adapted Version
A King walked. A little goblin sat on his shoulder. The goblin liked stories. He liked to ask questions. The goblin began to speak. 'I will tell a story now,' he said. 'It has a puzzle for you.'
Long ago, a good King lived. He had a kind Queen. They wanted a baby. They prayed to a kind god. They asked for a child.
The kind god heard them. The Queen had a strong Prince. He was a good boy. She also had a pretty Princess.
The Princess grew up. She wanted a husband. She wanted a kind man. He must have one special skill. Not just any prince.
Four men came to the King. Each man had a special skill. The Weaver could make clothes very fast. The Farmer could talk to all animals. The Soldier was brave and strong. The Magician had a magic skill. He could make things better.
The King did not know. The Princess did not know. Who should she marry? It was a very hard choice.
The little goblin finished his story. He asked, "Who should Princess marry?" King must not speak. If he spoke, the goblin would fly away.
The King thought very hard. He thought for a long time. He said, "The Princess needs a husband. He needs a strong, helpful skill. Making clothes is good. Talking to animals is good. But these are not strong enough."
The King said, "Magic skill is not right." But the Soldier is brave. He is very strong. He can protect the Princess. He can protect everyone!"
So the King chose the Soldier. He said, "Princess will marry Soldier!"
The little goblin heard the King. Poof! The goblin flew away. He flew from the King's shoulder. He was gone!
The King smiled. He knew his choice was good. He kept walking. He looked for the goblin again.
Original Story
NINTH GOBLIN
The Four Scientific Suitors. To which should the girl be given?
Then the king went back to the sissoo tree, put the goblin on his shoulder, and started. And the goblin spoke to him again: "O King, why do you go to such pains in this cemetery at night? Do you not see the home of the ghosts, full of dreadful creatures, terrible in the night, wrapped in darkness as in smoke? Why do you work so hard and grow weary for the sake of that monk? Well, to amuse the journey, listen to a puzzle which I will tell you."
In the Avanti country is a city built by the gods at the beginning of time, adorned with wonderful wealth and opportunities for enjoyment. In the earliest age it was called Lotus City, then Pleasure City, then Golden City, and now it is called Ujjain. There lived a king named Heroic. And his queen was named Lotus.
One day the king went with her to the sacred Ganges river and prayed to Shiva that he might have children. And after long prayer he heard a voice from heaven, for Shiva was at last pleased with his devotion: "O King, there shall be born to you a brave son to continue your dynasty, and a daughter more beautiful than the nymphs of heaven."
When he heard the heavenly voice, the king was delighted at the fulfilment of his wishes, and went back to his city with the queen. And first Queen Lotus bore a son called Brave, and then a daughter named Grace who put the god of love to shame.
When the girl grew up, the king sought for a suitable husband for her, and invited all the neighbouring princes by letter, but not one of them seemed good enough for her. So the king tenderly said to his daughter: "My dear, I do not see a husband worthy of you, so I will summon all the kings hither, and you shall choose." But the princess said: "My dear father, such a choice would be very embarrassing. I would rather not. Just marry me to any good-looking young man, who understands a single science from beginning to end. I wish nothing more nor less than that."
Now while the king was looking for such a husband, four brave, good-looking, scientific men from the south heard of the matter and came to him. And when they had been hospitably received, each explained his own science to the king.
The first said: "I am a working-man, and my name is Five-cloth. I make five splendid suits of clothes a day. One I give to some god and one to a Brahman. One I wear myself, and one I shall give to my wife when I have one. The fifth I sell, to buy food and things. This is my science. Pray give me Grace."
The second said: "I am a farmer, and my name is Linguist. I understand the cries of all beasts and birds. Pray give me the princess."
The third said: "I am a strong-armed soldier, and my name is Swordsman. I have no rival on earth in the science of swordsmanship. O King, pray give me your daughter."
The fourth said: "O King, I am a Brahman, and my name is Life. I possess a wonderful science. For if dead creatures are brought to me, I can quickly restore them to life. Let your daughter find a husband in a man who has such heroic skill."
When they had spoken, and the king had seen that they all had wonderful garments and personal beauty, he and his daughter swung in doubt.
When the goblin had told this story, he said to the king: "Remember the curse I mentioned, and tell me to which of them the girl should be given."
And the king said to the goblin: "Sir, you are merely trying to gain time by making me break silence. There is no puzzle about that. How could a warrior's daughter be given to a working-man, a weaver? Or to a farmer, either? And as to his knowledge of the speech of beasts and birds, of what practical use is it? And what good is a Brahman who neglects his own affairs and turns magician, despising real courage? Of course she should be given to the warrior Swordsman who had some manhood with his science."
When the goblin heard this, he escaped by magic from the king's shoulder, and disappeared. And the king followed him as before. Discouragement never enters the brave heart of a resolute man.
Story DNA
Moral
Practical skills and adherence to one's social role are more valuable than esoteric knowledge or skills that deviate from one's station.
Plot Summary
A king, carrying a goblin, is told a story about King Heroic and Queen Lotus, who are blessed with a beautiful daughter, Grace. When Grace comes of age, she requests a husband skilled in a single 'science.' Four suitors present their unique skills: weaving, understanding animal speech, swordsmanship, and reviving the dead. The goblin then challenges the king to decide which suitor Grace should marry. The king, breaking his silence, chooses the swordsman, arguing that his skill is practical and appropriate for a warrior's daughter, leading to the goblin's magical escape.
Themes
Emotional Arc
doubt to resolution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of the Vetala Panchavimshati, a collection of Indian tales within a frame story, where King Vikramaditya is tasked by a monk to capture a Vetala (goblin/vampire) and carry it in silence. The Vetala tells a story and poses a riddle, escaping if the king answers, or if he remains silent when an answer is required.
Plot Beats (12)
- The king is carrying a goblin, who begins to tell a story to amuse him and pose a puzzle.
- The goblin introduces King Heroic and Queen Lotus of Ujjain, who pray to Shiva for children.
- Shiva grants them a brave son, Brave, and a beautiful daughter, Grace.
- When Grace grows up, she requests to marry a good-looking man skilled in a single science, rather than choosing from many princes.
- Four scientific suitors arrive from the south, each presenting their unique skill: Five-cloth the weaver, Linguist the farmer (animal speech), Swordsman the soldier, and Life the Brahman (reviving the dead).
- The king and Grace are left in a dilemma, unsure who to choose.
- The goblin concludes the story and asks the king to decide, reminding him of a curse if he breaks silence.
- The king, despite the curse, declares that the warrior's daughter should not marry a weaver or a farmer, whose skills are impractical.
- He dismisses the Brahman's skill as inappropriate for his caste and praises the swordsman's manhood and practical skill.
- The king chooses the Swordsman, stating that Grace should be given to him.
- Upon hearing the king's judgment, the goblin magically escapes from the king's shoulder and disappears.
- The king, undeterred, continues his pursuit of the goblin.
Characters
The Goblin
Small, grotesque, and lightweight enough to be carried on a human's shoulder. Its form is magical and allows for sudden disappearance.
Attire: Unspecified, but likely simple or tattered, befitting a creature found in a cemetery.
Wants: To escape the king by making him break his vow of silence, and to amuse itself.
Flaw: Bound by a curse that requires it to be carried silently, but it actively tries to break this condition.
Remains unchanged, consistently trying to escape the king.
Cunning, talkative, manipulative, persistent, enjoys riddles and testing others.
The King (of Ujjain)
A resolute and brave man, likely of a strong build to carry the goblin repeatedly. His appearance suggests a ruler of ancient India.
Attire: Royal attire of ancient India, possibly a silk dhoti, an angavastram (shawl) draped over the shoulders, and minimal gold jewelry. Colors would be rich, like deep reds or blues.
Wants: To fulfill his vow to the monk, to find a suitable husband for his daughter, and to maintain his dynasty.
Flaw: Bound by a curse that requires silence, which the goblin exploits.
Remains steadfast in his duties and resolve, demonstrating his wisdom and bravery throughout the goblin's tests.
Brave, resolute, persistent, wise (in his judgment of the suitors), devoted (to Shiva and his family).
Queen Lotus
A queen of ancient India, likely graceful and beautiful, as she bore a daughter more beautiful than nymphs.
Attire: Elegant silk sari in a vibrant color like emerald green or sapphire blue, possibly with gold zari work, and traditional Indian jewelry (necklace, earrings, bangles).
Wants: To have children and support her husband.
Flaw: Unspecified.
Remains a supportive figure, her primary role being the mother of the princess.
Devoted (to her husband and Shiva), loving (towards her children).
Princess Grace
Exquisitely beautiful, described as 'more beautiful than the nymphs of heaven' and putting 'the god of love to shame'. Her features would be delicate and perfect, consistent with ancient Indian ideals of beauty.
Attire: A flowing, light silk lehenga or an elegant sari in soft, pleasing colors like rose pink or sky blue, possibly with delicate embroidery. Adorned with fine, subtle gold jewelry.
Wants: To marry a good-looking young man who understands a single science, rather than a powerful prince.
Flaw: Her modesty makes her shy away from a grand public selection.
Her desire for a specific type of husband drives the central conflict of the goblin's story.
Modest, intelligent, discerning, avoids ostentation, practical in her desires.
Five-cloth
A good-looking working-man, likely of average build, with hands that show the skill of a weaver. His appearance would be clean and presentable, despite his profession.
Attire: Simple but well-made and clean cotton dhoti and a plain upper garment, possibly a short kurta, reflecting his profession as a weaver but also his ability to make splendid clothes.
Wants: To marry Princess Grace by showcasing his unique skill.
Flaw: His profession as a weaver is deemed unsuitable for a warrior's daughter by the King.
Remains unchanged, presenting his skill.
Diligent, practical, proud of his skill, generous (giving clothes to gods and Brahmans).
Linguist
A good-looking farmer, likely with a sturdy build from working the land. His appearance would be clean and respectful for a royal audience.
Attire: Practical but clean and well-maintained cotton dhoti and a simple, unadorned upper garment, perhaps a light brown or green. His attire reflects his connection to nature.
Wants: To marry Princess Grace by demonstrating his unusual knowledge.
Flaw: His skill is deemed impractical for a warrior's daughter by the King.
Remains unchanged, presenting his skill.
Observant, intelligent (in his understanding of animal communication), confident in his unique skill.
Swordsman
A strong-armed soldier, implying a muscular and athletic build. His appearance would be martial and disciplined, befitting a warrior.
Attire: Practical but well-maintained warrior's attire of ancient India, perhaps a leather or padded tunic over a dhoti, with arm guards and a simple belt. Colors would be earthy or dark, like brown or deep red.
Wants: To marry Princess Grace by proving his unmatched skill in swordsmanship.
Flaw: Unspecified, but his focus is solely on martial skill.
Remains unchanged, presenting his skill.
Brave, confident, disciplined, proud of his martial prowess, competitive.
Life
A good-looking Brahman, likely of a slender to average build, with an intellectual and serene appearance. His features would reflect his scholarly and spiritual nature.
Attire: Traditional white or cream cotton dhoti and a simple, unstitched upper cloth (uttariya) draped over his shoulders, indicating his Brahman status. Minimal or no jewelry.
Wants: To marry Princess Grace by demonstrating his extraordinary power to restore life.
Flaw: His magical skill is deemed inappropriate for a Brahman by the King, who prefers 'real courage'.
Remains unchanged, presenting his skill.
Intelligent, possesses a unique and powerful magical skill, confident in his abilities, perhaps a bit detached from conventional concerns.
Locations
Cemetery at Night
A desolate and eerie burial ground, full of dreadful creatures, wrapped in darkness as in smoke. The sissoo tree stands within it.
Mood: Eerie, mysterious, desolate, slightly menacing
The king carries the goblin, who tells the story of the four suitors.
Ujjain City (Golden City)
A city built by the gods at the beginning of time, adorned with wonderful wealth and opportunities for enjoyment. Formerly known as Lotus City, then Pleasure City.
Mood: Prosperous, divine, vibrant, ancient
King Heroic rules here; Princess Grace grows up here and suitors arrive.
Sacred Ganges River Bank
The bank of the holy Ganges river, where King Heroic and Queen Lotus prayed to Shiva for children.
Mood: Sacred, serene, hopeful, spiritual
King Heroic and Queen Lotus pray to Shiva and receive a divine prophecy.