TWENTY-SECOND GOBLIN
by Unknown · from Twenty-Two Goblins. Translated from the Sanskrit
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, a brave King Raja walked a dark path. On his shoulder sat a little goblin. King Raja carried a body. He walked for Monk Tricky.
The Little Goblin was tired. "King, I am tired," he said. "You are not. I will tell a story. It is a puzzle for you."
Long ago, King Goodheart lived. He had a wife, Queen Luna. They had a daughter, Princess Lily. Bad people wanted their kingdom. The family left their home.
They walked in a big forest. Robbers came. King Goodheart fought them. He was brave. But he was lost. Queen Luna and Princess Lily ran. They ran into thick trees.
They hid in the woods. The sun was hot. They sat by a pond. They were sad. They were very tired.
Hunter Dad rode his horse. Hunter Son was with him. They hunted in the wood. They saw small footprints. "Let us follow them," Hunter Dad said.
Hunter Son looked at the feet. "Small feet for me," he said. "Big feet for you, Dad." He wanted them to marry.
Hunter Dad was not sure. "My wife is gone," he said. Hunter Son said, "You need a wife, Dad." Hunter Dad agreed.
They found Queen Luna and Princess Lily. Queen Luna was scared. Princess Lily said, "They are good men." Hunter Dad spoke kind words.
Hunter Dad was kind. He helped Queen Luna. He took them to his city. They went to his big home. Queen Luna felt safe there.
Hunter Son married Queen Luna. She had small feet. Hunter Dad married Princess Lily. She had big feet. They kept their promise.
Time passed. Hunter Son and Queen Luna had children. Hunter Dad and Princess Lily had children. The family was very mixed up.
The Little Goblin asked King Raja. "How are these children related? Tell me the answer. Or a curse will come."
King Raja did not speak. He stayed quiet. He knew the rules.
The Little Goblin was happy. King Raja was smart. "Monk Tricky has a bad plan," he said. "He wants to hurt you. He will tell you to lie down. Do not do it. Tell him to show you. Then cut off his head. You will get magic power."
The Little Goblin left the body. It flew away. King Raja felt brave. He knew what to do. He walked to the sissoo tree. He would get magic power.
King Raja was smart and brave. He did not let Monk Tricky win. It is good to be clever and strong when bad people try to trick you.
Original Story
TWENTY-SECOND GOBLIN
The Father and Son who married Daughter and Mother. What relation were their children?
The king paid no attention to the terrible witch of night, clad in black darkness, with the funeral piles as flaming eyes. He bravely went through the dreadful cemetery to the sissoo tree, put the goblin on his shoulder, and started as before. And as he walked along, the goblin said to him: "O King, I am very tired with these comings and goings, but you do not seem to be. So I will tell you my Great Puzzle. Listen."
Long ago there was a king named Virtue in the southern country. He was the best of righteous men, and was born in a great family. His wife came from the Malwa country, and her name was Moonlight. And they had one daughter, whom they named Beauty.
When this daughter was grown up, the relatives conspired to wreck the kingdom and drive King Virtue out. But he escaped by night, took a great many jewels, and fled from his kingdom with his beautiful wife and his daughter. He started for his father-in-law's house in Malwa, and came with his wife and daughter to the Vindhya forest. There they spent a weary night.
In the morning the blessèd sun arose in the east, stretching out his rays like hands to warn the king not to go into the forest where robbers lived. The king went on foot with his trembling daughter and his wife, and their feet were wounded by the thorny grass. So they came to a fortified village. It was like the city of Death; for there were no righteous people there, and it was filled with robber-men who killed and robbed other people.
As the king drew near with his fine garments and his gems, many robbers saw him from a distance, and ran out armed to rob him. When the king saw them coming, he said to his wife and daughter: "These are wild men. They must not touch you. Go into the thick woods." So the queen with her daughter Beauty fled in fear into the middle of the forest.
But the brave king took his sword and shield and killed many of the wild men as they charged down, raining arrows on him. Then their leader gave an order, and all the robbers fell on the king at once, wounded every limb in his body, and killed him; for he was all alone. So the robbers took the jewels and went away.
Now the queen had hidden in a thicket, and had seen her husband killed. Then she fled a long distance in fear and came with her daughter into another thick wood. The rays of the midday sun were so fierce that travellers had to sit in the shade. So Queen Moonlight and Princess Beauty sat down under an ashoka tree near a lotus-pond in terrible weariness and fear and grief.
Now a gentleman named Fierce-lion who lived near came on horseback with his son into that wood to hunt. The son's name was Strong-lion. And the father saw the footprints of the queen and the princess, and he said to his son: "My son, these footprints are clean-cut and ladylike. Let us follow them. And if we find two women, you shall marry one of them, whichever you choose."
And the son Strong-lion said: "Father, the one who has the little feet in this line of footprints, seems to be the wife for me. The one with the bigger feet must be older. She is the wife for you."
But Fierce-lion said: "My son, what do you mean? Your mother went to heaven before your eyes. When so good a wife is gone, how could I think of another?"
But his son said: "Not so, Father. A householder's house is an empty place without a wife. Besides, you have surely heard what the poet says:
'What fool would go into a house?
'Tis a prisoner's abode,
Unless a buxom wife is there,
Looking down the road.'
So, Father, I beg you on my life to marry the second one, whom I have chosen for you."
Then Fierce-lion said "Very well," and went on slowly with his son, following the footprints. And when he came to the pond, he saw Queen Moonlight, radiant with beauty and charm. And with his son he eagerly approached her. But when she saw him, she rose in terror, fearing that he was a robber.
But her sensible daughter said: "There is no reason to fear. These two men are not robbers. They are two well-dressed gentlemen, who probably came here to hunt." Still the queen swung in doubt.
Then Fierce-lion dismounted and stood before her. And he said: "Beautiful lady, do not be frightened. We came here to hunt. Pluck up heart and tell me without fear who you are. Why have you come into this lonely wood? For your appearance is that of ladies who wear gems and sit on pleasant balconies. And why should feet fit to saunter in a court, press this thorny ground? It is a strange sight. For the wind-blown dust settles on your faces and robs them of beauty. It hurts us to see the fierce rays of the sun fall upon such figures. Tell us your story. For our hearts are sadly grieved to see you in such a plight. And we cannot see how you could live in a forest filled with wild beasts."
Then the queen sighed, and between shame and grief she stammered out her story. And Fierce-lion saw that she had no husband to care for her. So he comforted her and soothed her with tender words, and took care of her and her daughter. His son helped the two ladies on horseback and led them to his own city, rich as the city of the god of wealth. And the queen seemed to be in another life. She was helpless and widowed and miserable. So she consented. What could she do, poor woman?
Then, because the queen had smaller feet, the son Strong-lion married Queen Moonlight. And Fierce-lion, the father, married her daughter, the princess Beauty, because of the bigness of her feet. Who would break a promise that had been made solemnly?
Thus, because of their inconsistent feet, the daughter became the wife of the father and the mother-in-law of her own mother. And the mother became the wife of the son and the daughter-in-law of her own daughter. And as time passed, sons and daughters were born to each pair.
When the goblin had told this story, he asked the king: "O King, when children were born to the father and daughter, and other children to the son and mother, what relation were those children to one another? If you know and do not tell, then remember the curse I spoke of before."
He comforted her and soothed her with tender words.
When the king heard the goblin's question, he turned the thing this way and that, but could not say a word. So he went on in silence. And when the goblin saw that he could not answer the question, he laughed in his heart and thought: "This king cannot give an answer to my Great Puzzle. So he just walks on in silence. And he cannot deceive me because of the power of the curse. Well, I am pleased with his wonderful character. So I will cheat that rogue of a monk, and give the magic power he is striving after to this king."
So the goblin said aloud: "O King, you are weary with your comings and goings in this dreadful cemetery in the black night, yet you seem happy, and never hesitate at all. I am astonished and pleased at your perseverance. So now you may take the dead body and go ahead. I will leave the body. And I will tell you something that will do you good, and you must do it. The monk for whom you are carrying this body, is a rogue. He will call upon me and worship me, and he will try to kill you as a sacrifice. He will say: 'Lie flat on the ground in an attitude of reverence.' O King, you must say to that rascal: 'I do not know this attitude of reverence. Show me first, and then I will do likewise.' Then when he lies on the ground to show you the attitude of reverence, cut off his head with your sword. Then you will get the kingship over the fairies which he is trying to get. Otherwise, the monk will kill you and get the magic power. That is why I have delayed you so long. Now go ahead, and win magic power."
So the goblin left the body on the king's shoulder and went away. And the king reflected how the monk Patience was planning to hurt him. He took the body and joyfully went to the fig-tree.
Story DNA
Moral
Perseverance and quick thinking can overcome treachery, and one should always be wary of those who seek power through deceit.
Plot Summary
A king, tasked by a monk to retrieve a goblin-possessed corpse, is challenged by the goblin with a complex riddle. The goblin tells a story of King Virtue, whose family is devastated by robbers, leading his widowed queen and princess daughter to be found by a father and son. Due to a misunderstanding of footprints, the son marries the mother, and the father marries the daughter, resulting in a convoluted family tree. When the king cannot answer the goblin's riddle about the children's relations, the goblin, impressed by the king's perseverance, reveals the monk's treacherous plan to sacrifice the king and advises him on how to defeat the monk and gain magical power.
Themes
Emotional Arc
peril to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This story is part of the 'Vetala Panchavimshati' or 'Baital Pachisi', a collection of Sanskrit tales where a king is challenged by a Vetala (goblin) with riddles. The king's silence is often a key element, as answering would free the Vetala, but not answering would incur a curse.
Plot Beats (16)
- The king carries a goblin-possessed corpse through a cemetery for a monk.
- The goblin, weary, tells the king a long story as a riddle.
- King Virtue, his wife Moonlight, and daughter Beauty flee their kingdom after a conspiracy.
- They encounter robbers in the Vindhya forest; King Virtue is killed defending his family.
- Queen Moonlight and Princess Beauty hide and later rest by a pond.
- A gentleman, Fierce-lion, and his son, Strong-lion, find their footprints while hunting.
- Strong-lion suggests they marry the women, choosing based on foot size: smaller feet for him, larger for his father.
- Fierce-lion initially resists remarrying but is persuaded by his son.
- They find the queen and princess; the queen is initially fearful but is reassured by her daughter and Fierce-lion.
- Fierce-lion comforts the widowed queen and takes them to his city.
- Strong-lion marries Queen Moonlight (smaller feet), and Fierce-lion marries Princess Beauty (larger feet).
- Both couples have children, creating a complex family relationship.
- The goblin asks the king to identify the relation between the children of these two couples.
- The king remains silent, unable to answer the riddle.
- The goblin, pleased with the king's character, reveals the monk's plan to sacrifice the king and instructs him on how to defeat the monk and gain magic power.
- The goblin leaves the corpse, and the king proceeds, planning to follow the goblin's advice.
Characters
The King
Strong and resilient, capable of carrying a heavy goblin for long distances without apparent fatigue. His body is likely well-muscled from his kingly duties and journey.
Attire: Though not explicitly described in the framing story, as a king, he would wear practical yet regal attire suitable for travel and combat in ancient India. Perhaps a sturdy, dark-colored tunic (kurta) made of cotton or linen, with simple embroidery, and practical trousers (dhoti or pajama) tucked into boots or sandals. He would carry a sword and shield.
Wants: To fulfill his promise to the monk, to gain magic power, and ultimately to survive and protect himself from the monk's treachery.
Flaw: His initial trust or obligation to the monk, which puts him in danger.
He begins as a dutiful, brave king on a quest, and through the goblin's intervention, he becomes aware of treachery and gains the opportunity to seize magic power and kingship over fairies.
Brave, persevering, stoic, wise (as he doesn't answer the goblin's puzzle, implying he knows the curse), and ultimately decisive.
The Goblin
A small, mischievous, and possibly grotesque creature, described as being carried on the king's shoulder. Its form is not explicitly detailed, but goblins in Indian folklore are often depicted as small, impish, and sometimes green-skinned or dark-skinned beings with sharp features.
Attire: No specific wardrobe, as it is a magical creature. Perhaps a simple loincloth or nothing at all, or adorned with natural elements like leaves or bones if any clothing is implied.
Wants: To test the king's wisdom, to escape the monk's control, and to find a worthy recipient for the magic power.
Flaw: Bound by curses and rules regarding silence and answers.
Starts as a trickster, but ultimately reveals its true nature as a guide, helping the king avoid treachery and gain power.
Mischievous, cunning, intelligent, a teller of tales, and surprisingly helpful to the king despite its initial trickery.
King Virtue
A man of noble bearing, likely of average height and build, reflecting his righteous character. His journey through the forest would have left him weary and his fine garments somewhat disheveled.
Attire: Initially, fine garments befitting a king, likely made of silk or fine cotton, possibly in rich colors like deep blue or maroon, with subtle gold embroidery. During his flight, these would become worn and travel-stained.
Wants: To protect his family and escape the conspirators, then to reach his father-in-law's house.
Flaw: Overwhelmed by superior numbers of robbers, leading to his death.
His arc is tragic; he attempts to save his family but is ultimately killed by robbers.
Righteous, brave, protective of his family, and ultimately self-sacrificing.
Queen Moonlight
Radiant with beauty and charm, even in distress. She has smaller feet, which becomes a key plot point. Her body would show the signs of weariness and grief from her ordeal.
Attire: Initially, fine garments befitting a queen, likely a silk sari or lehenga in light, elegant colors, possibly with silver or gold threadwork. During her flight, these would be torn and dusty, but still hint at her former status.
Wants: To survive and protect her daughter, to find security after her husband's death.
Flaw: Her helplessness and vulnerability after becoming a widow, which leads her to accept an unconventional marriage.
Transforms from a queen to a helpless widow, then marries her daughter's stepson, Strong-lion, out of necessity.
Fearful, grieving, helpless, and ultimately submissive due to her desperate circumstances.
Princess Beauty
Beautiful and charming, like her mother. She has bigger feet, which becomes a key plot point. She would be trembling and weary from the flight.
Attire: Initially, fine garments befitting a princess, likely a silk lehenga or half-sari in vibrant colors, with intricate embroidery. During her flight, these would be torn and dusty, but still hint at her royal status.
Wants: To survive with her mother, to find security after her father's death.
Flaw: Her vulnerability as a young woman without male protection, leading to her unconventional marriage.
Transforms from a princess to a refugee, then marries Fierce-lion, her mother's stepson, out of necessity, becoming her own mother's mother-in-law.
Sensible, observant, and composed under pressure, despite her fear and grief.
Fierce-lion
A gentleman, likely of a mature age, well-built and capable, as he is a hunter and rides a horse. His appearance would be respectable and reassuring.
Attire: Well-dressed, indicating his status as a gentleman. Likely a sturdy but fine cotton or silk tunic (kurta) in earthy tones, practical trousers (dhoti or pajama), and leather boots suitable for hunting. He would carry a hunting bow or a short sword.
Wants: To find women for himself and his son, to offer comfort and security to the distressed queen and princess.
Flaw: Easily persuaded by his son's arguments, leading to an unconventional marriage.
He finds the queen and princess, offers them sanctuary, and marries Princess Beauty due to a promise and the 'puzzle' of their feet.
Observant, sympathetic, persuasive, and honorable (keeping his son's promise).
Strong-lion
A young man, likely strong and agile, as he is a hunter and rides a horse. His appearance would be youthful and eager.
Attire: Well-dressed, indicating his status as a gentleman's son. Likely a sturdy but fine cotton tunic (kurta) in lighter colors, practical trousers (dhoti or pajama), and leather boots suitable for hunting. He would carry a hunting bow or a short sword.
Wants: To find a wife, to follow his father's suggestion, and to secure his future.
Flaw: His eagerness to marry and his somewhat unconventional reasoning regarding the women's feet.
He finds the queen and princess with his father, persuades his father to marry, and marries Queen Moonlight based on the size of her feet.
Observant, decisive, persuasive, and practical.
The Monk Patience
A monk, likely with a lean build from ascetic practices. His appearance would be deceptive, hiding his treacherous nature.
Attire: Simple saffron or ochre robes, typical of a Hindu monk, made of plain cotton. These would appear humble, but conceal his true intentions.
Wants: To gain magic power and kingship over the fairies by sacrificing the king.
Flaw: His overconfidence and underestimation of the king's intelligence (aided by the goblin).
His plan to betray the king is revealed and thwarted by the goblin's intervention.
Treacherous, cunning, power-hungry, and deceitful.
Locations
Dreadful Cemetery
A dark, ominous cemetery with funeral piles serving as flaming eyes, under a black night sky. The ground is likely uneven and possibly overgrown.
Mood: Eerie, dreadful, ominous, mysterious.
The king carries the goblin through this cemetery, where the goblin tells his Great Puzzle.
Vindhya Forest
A thick, wild forest in the Vindhya mountain range, characterized by dense woods, thorny grass, and the presence of robbers. Later, it features an ashoka tree and a lotus-pond.
Mood: Dangerous, weary, fearful, later a place of temporary respite.
King Virtue and his family flee here, encounter robbers, and later Queen Moonlight and Princess Beauty find refuge by a pond where they are discovered by Fierce-lion and Strong-lion.
Fierce-lion's City
A rich and prosperous city, described as being 'like the city of the god of wealth'. It is the home of Fierce-lion and Strong-lion.
Mood: Prosperous, safe, welcoming, luxurious.
Queen Moonlight and Princess Beauty are brought here after being rescued, and the two marriages take place.