FIFTH GOBLIN
by Unknown · from Twenty-Two Goblins. Translated from the Sanskrit
Adapted Version
King Victor walks. A little goblin sits on his shoulder. The goblin likes to tell stories. 'Listen to this story!' says the goblin.
A girl lived in a city. Her name was Moonlight. She was very pretty. Moonlight wanted a brave man. Or a smart man. Or a clever man.
Father Haris met a clever man. The man showed a flying car. It flew high in the sky. Father Haris was happy. He said, "You can marry Moonlight."
Moonlight's brother met a brave man. The man was very strong. He was good with a sword. The brother was happy too. He said, "You can marry Moonlight."
Moonlight's mother met a wise man. The man knew many things. He was very smart. The mother was happy. She said, "You can marry Moonlight."
Father Haris came home. He told his family. They all told him. Three men wanted Moonlight. Oh no, a big problem!
The wedding day came. Moonlight was not there. A Big Giant took her away. He took her to a forest.
Wise Man said, "I know!" Moonlight is in forest. A Big Giant has her.
The Clever Man got his car ready. It was a flying car. They all got in. They flew to the forest.
The Big Giant came out. He was very angry. The Brave Man fought him. He was very strong. The Big Giant fell down. Moonlight was safe now.
They found Moonlight. Everyone was happy. They went home in the car.
The three men wanted Moonlight. The Wise Man said, "I found her." The Clever Man said, "I flew the car." The Brave Man said, "I fought him."
The Little Goblin asked King Victor. "Who should marry Moonlight?" "You must choose now, King."
King Victor thought. He said, "The Brave Man saved her." He fought the Big Giant. He was very brave. Moonlight should marry him. Being brave helps others. It is very important.
The Little Goblin smiled. "Good answer!" he said. He flew away from King Victor. He went to a big tree. The story was done.
Original Story
FIFTH GOBLIN
The Brave Man, the Wise Man, and the Clever Man. To which should the girl be given?
Then King Triple-victory went back to the sissoo tree and saw the body with the goblin in it hanging there just as before. He took it down without being frightened by all its twistings and writhings, and quickly set out again. And as he walked along in silence as before, the goblin said: "O King, you are obstinate, and you are pleasing to look at. So to amuse you, I will tell another story. Listen."
There is a city called Ujjain, famous throughout the world. There lived a king named Merit, who had as counsellor a Brahman named Hariswami, adorned with all noble virtues. The counsellor had a worthy wife, and a son named Devaswami was born to her, and was as good as she. And they had one daughter named Moonlight, who was worthy of her name, for she was famous for her matchless beauty and charm.
When the girl had grown out of childhood, she was proud of her wonderful beauty, and she told her mother, her father, and her brother: "I will marry a brave man or a wise man or a clever man. I should die if I were married to anyone else."
Now while her father was busy looking for such a husband for her, he was sent by King Merit to another king in the southern country to make a treaty for war and peace. When he had finished his business, a Brahman youth, who had heard of his daughter's beauty, came and asked him for her.
And he said: "My daughter will not marry anyone unless he is a clever man or a wise man or a brave man. Which of these are you? Tell me." And the Brahman said: "I am a clever man." "Show me," said the father, and the clever man made a flying chariot by his skill. Then he took Hariswami in this magic chariot, and carried him to the sky. And he took the delighted father to the camp of the king of the southern country where he had been on business. Then Hariswami appointed the marriage for the seventh day.
At this time another Brahman youth in Ujjain came to the girl's brother and asked him for her. And when he was told that she would marry only a wise man or a clever man or a brave man, he said he was a brave man. Then when he had shown his skill with weapons, the brother promised his sister to the brave man. And without telling his mother, he consulted the star-gazers and appointed the marriage for the seventh day.
At the same time a third Brahman youth came to the girl's mother and asked for the girl. And the mother said: "My son, a wise man or a clever man or a brave man shall marry my daughter, but no one else. Which of these are you? Tell me." And he said: "I am a wise man." So she asked him about the past and the future, and found that he was a wise man. Then she promised to give him her daughter on the seventh day.
The next day Hariswami came home and told his wife and his son all that he had done. And she and he each told him all that she or he had done. So Hariswami was greatly perplexed, because three bridegrooms had been invited. Then the seventh day came and the three bridegrooms came to Hariswami's house.
Strange to say, at that moment Moonlight disappeared. Then the wise man said: "A giant named Smoke-tail has carried her to his den in the Vindhya forest."
When Hariswami heard this from the wise man, he was frightened and asked the clever man to find a remedy for the trouble. And the clever man made a chariot as before, full of all kinds of weapons, and brought Hariswami with the wise man and the brave man in a moment to the Vindhya forest. And the wise man showed them the giant's den.
When the giant saw what had happened, he came out in anger, and the brave man fought with him. Then came a famous duel with strange weapons between a man and a giant for the sake of a woman, like the ancient fight between Rama and Ravana. Though the giant was a terrible fighter, the brave man presently cut off his head with an arrow shaped like a half-moon. When the giant was killed, they found Moonlight in the den and all went back to Ujjain in the clever man's chariot.
The giant came out in anger and the brave man fought with him.
Then when the proper time for the wedding came, there arose a great dispute among the three in Hariswami's house.
The wise man said: "If I had not discovered her by my wisdom, how could you have found her hiding-place? She should be given to me."
The clever man said: "If I had not made a flying chariot, how could you have gone there in a moment and come back like the gods, or how could you have had a chariot-fight with him? She should be given to me."
The brave man said: "If I had not killed the giant in the fight, who would have saved her in spite of all your pains? The girl should be given to me."
And as they quarrelled, Hariswami stood silent, confused, and perplexed.
When the goblin had told this story, he said to the king: "O King, do you say to which of them she should be given. If you know and will not tell, then your head will split into a hundred pieces."
Then the king broke silence and said: "She should be given to the brave man, who risked his life and killed the giant and saved the girl. The wise man and the clever man were only helpers whom Fate gave him. A star-gazer and a chariot-maker work for other people, do they not?"
When the goblin heard this answer, he suddenly escaped from the king's shoulder and went back. And the king determined to get him, and went again to the sissoo tree.
Story DNA
Moral
True heroism, which involves risk and direct action, deserves the greatest reward, while wisdom and cleverness often serve as valuable aids.
Plot Summary
A beautiful girl named Moonlight declares she will only marry a brave, wise, or clever man. Her father, brother, and mother each independently promise her to a suitor possessing one of these qualities. On the wedding day, Moonlight is kidnapped by a giant. The wise man locates her, the clever man provides magical transport, and the brave man fights and kills the giant to rescue her. A dispute arises over who should marry Moonlight, which the goblin in the frame story challenges King Triple-victory to resolve. The king rules that the brave man, who risked his life, is most deserving.
Themes
Emotional Arc
perplexity to clarity
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of the 'Vetala Panchavimshati' or 'Baital Pachisi' (Twenty-five Tales of the Vetala), a collection of ancient Indian Sanskrit frame stories. The Vetala (goblin/vampire) tells a story to King Vikramaditya (King Triple-victory) and poses a riddle at the end, threatening the king if he doesn't answer or answers incorrectly. The king's ability to answer correctly demonstrates his wisdom.
Plot Beats (15)
- King Triple-victory continues his task of carrying the goblin-possessed body, and the goblin tells him another story.
- In the city of Ujjain, a beautiful girl named Moonlight declares she will only marry a brave, wise, or clever man.
- Moonlight's father, Hariswami, meets a clever man who demonstrates his skill with a flying chariot and promises Moonlight to him.
- Moonlight's brother meets a brave man who demonstrates his weapon skills and promises Moonlight to him.
- Moonlight's mother meets a wise man who demonstrates his knowledge and promises Moonlight to him.
- Hariswami returns home, and the family realizes they have promised Moonlight to three different men for the same wedding day.
- On the wedding day, Moonlight disappears, kidnapped by a giant named Smoke-tail.
- The wise man reveals Moonlight's location in the Vindhya forest.
- The clever man creates a flying chariot to transport Hariswami, the wise man, and the brave man to the giant's den.
- The brave man engages in a fierce duel with the giant and ultimately kills him, rescuing Moonlight.
- They all return to Ujjain with Moonlight in the clever man's chariot.
- A dispute arises among the three suitors, each claiming Moonlight based on their contribution to her rescue.
- The goblin challenges King Triple-victory to decide who Moonlight should marry.
- King Triple-victory declares that Moonlight should be given to the brave man, as he risked his life and directly saved her.
- The goblin, satisfied with the answer, escapes from the king's shoulder and returns to the sissoo tree.
Characters
King Triple-victory
A man of regal bearing, likely of average height and a strong, enduring build, capable of carrying a heavy burden for long distances. His features are pleasing to look at, suggesting a well-maintained appearance despite his arduous task.
Attire: Practical but dignified attire for travel, such as a sturdy, dark-colored tunic and trousers made of durable cotton or linen, possibly with a simple leather belt. He would avoid overly ornate clothing that would hinder his journey, but the quality of the fabric would still indicate his royal status.
Wants: To fulfill his quest, which involves carrying the goblin-possessed body.
Flaw: His silence and determination can make him seem unapproachable, and he is bound by the goblin's riddles.
He remains steadfast in his quest, demonstrating his wisdom and resolve through his judgment.
Obstinate, determined, silent, resolute, just.
The Goblin
Invisible when possessing the body, but capable of causing the body to twist and writhe. When speaking, its presence is felt as a disembodied voice. Its true form is not described, but it is implied to be a mischievous and powerful spirit.
Attire: Not applicable.
Wants: To amuse itself, to test the King's wisdom, and to challenge him with riddles.
Flaw: Bound by certain rules, such as having to escape if the King answers correctly.
Remains consistent in its role as a storyteller and tester of wisdom.
Mischievous, cunning, talkative, testing, observant.
Moonlight
A young woman of matchless beauty and charm, likely slender and graceful, with features considered ideal in ancient Indian culture. Her skin would be smooth and radiant, her movements fluid.
Attire: Elegant and finely woven Indian attire, such as a silk saree or lehenga choli in vibrant colors like deep blue, emerald green, or ruby red, possibly with intricate gold embroidery. She would wear delicate gold jewelry, including earrings, bangles, and a necklace.
Wants: To marry a man who embodies bravery, wisdom, or cleverness.
Flaw: Her beauty makes her a target for supernatural beings like the giant.
She is initially proud and sets high standards for a husband. Her abduction and rescue highlight the qualities she seeks, but her ultimate fate (who she marries) is left to the King's judgment.
Proud of her beauty, determined, specific in her desires for a husband, appreciative of her rescuers.
Hariswami
A respected Brahman counsellor, likely of average height and a dignified build. His appearance would reflect his scholarly and virtuous nature.
Attire: Traditional Brahman attire, such as a white dhoti and an angavastram (upper cloth) draped over his shoulders, made of fine cotton or silk. His clothing would be clean and simple, reflecting his virtue and status.
Wants: To find a suitable husband for his daughter, Moonlight, according to her wishes.
Flaw: Easily perplexed and overwhelmed by conflicting promises.
He is initially confident in his arrangements but becomes greatly perplexed when multiple suitors appear, highlighting the complexities of his daughter's demands.
Virtuous, responsible, diligent, perplexed, frightened.
The Clever Man
A Brahman youth, likely of slender to average build, with an agile and quick appearance that reflects his ingenuity.
Attire: Simple but well-maintained Brahman attire, such as a light-colored dhoti and a plain upper cloth, made of fine cotton. His clothing would allow for ease of movement and demonstrate his focus on skill rather than ostentation.
Wants: To win Moonlight's hand through his cleverness and skill.
Flaw: Relies heavily on his inventions and intellect, perhaps lacking in physical prowess.
Demonstrates his cleverness by creating a flying chariot, which proves crucial in the rescue, solidifying his claim to Moonlight.
Ingenious, resourceful, confident, proud of his skill.
The Brave Man
A Brahman youth, likely of a strong and athletic build, with a formidable presence that suggests his skill with weapons.
Attire: Practical and sturdy attire suitable for combat training, such as a simple cotton dhoti and a bare chest or a tightly fitted upper garment, allowing for full range of motion. He might wear a functional belt for weapons.
Wants: To win Moonlight's hand by demonstrating his bravery and martial prowess.
Flaw: Perhaps less intellectual than the other suitors, relying more on physical strength.
Proves his bravery by single-handedly defeating the giant, thereby saving Moonlight and solidifying his claim.
Brave, skilled in combat, resolute, protective, proud of his strength.
The Wise Man
A Brahman youth, likely of a lean or scholarly build, with an aura of deep thought and contemplation.
Attire: Traditional Brahman attire, such as a simple white dhoti and an upper cloth, made of fine, unadorned cotton. His clothing would be modest and clean, reflecting his focus on knowledge.
Wants: To win Moonlight's hand through his wisdom and knowledge.
Flaw: Relies solely on his intellect, perhaps lacking in physical or inventive skills.
Demonstrates his wisdom by accurately locating Moonlight after her abduction, proving the value of his intellect in a crisis.
Perceptive, intelligent, calm, insightful, proud of his wisdom.
Smoke-tail
A fearsome giant, implied to be large and powerful, with a terrifying appearance. His name 'Smoke-tail' suggests a dark, perhaps fiery or shadowy aspect to his form.
Attire: Minimal or crude attire, perhaps just a loincloth or rough animal skins, emphasizing his wild and untamed nature.
Wants: To keep Moonlight in his den, to defend his territory.
Flaw: Vulnerable to the Brave Man's skill with weapons.
Appears as a formidable obstacle, is defeated by the Brave Man.
Angry, territorial, formidable fighter.
Locations
Ujjain City
A famous city in ancient India, likely bustling with activity, with traditional Indian architecture, possibly including temples, markets, and residential areas.
Mood: Lively, cultural, a center of learning and commerce.
The primary setting for the initial events, where Moonlight lives and the three suitors arrive.
Hariswami's House
The residence of a wealthy Brahman counsellor, likely a traditional Indian home with multiple rooms, possibly a courtyard, and spaces for receiving guests.
Mood: Domestic, initially calm, later tense and perplexed.
Where the three suitors individually propose, and later where the great dispute over Moonlight's hand takes place.
Vindhya Forest
A dense, ancient forest in central India, known for its rugged terrain and wild nature, likely with thick vegetation, rocky outcrops, and hidden clearings.
Mood: Wild, dangerous, mysterious, a place of peril.
The location where Moonlight is held captive by the giant Smoke-tail, and where the brave man fights and kills the giant.
Giant's Den in Vindhya Forest
A hidden lair within the dense Vindhya forest, likely a cave or a crude, formidable structure, dark and foreboding.
Mood: Eerie, dangerous, a place of captivity.
Moonlight's place of captivity, discovered by the wise man, and where she is found after the giant is defeated.