III NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
It was night. Scheherazade was ready to tell a story. Her sister Dinarzade asked for a story. The Sultan smiled. "Yes," he said. "Tell us more about the genie!"
The Merchant waited in the desert. The First Old Man was with him. A new old man came near. He walked to them slowly. He said hello to them.
The First Old Man told a story. He told about The Merchant's big trouble. The Merchant was very sad. He waited for the big genie. He made a promise to the genie. Today was the day for his promise.
The Second Old Man wanted to know. He wanted to see what happened. He decided to stay right there. He sat down with them.
Then a Third Old Man came walking. He saw The Merchant. "Why is he sad?" he asked. The others told him the story.
The story was very good. He wanted to see it too. He sat with the men. He waited with them.
They looked across the wide land. A big cloud appeared far away. It looked like dust in the air. The cloud moved closer and closer. It came to them very fast.
The big cloud came right to them. It went away very fast. Then they saw The Genie standing there. The Genie was very big and tall.
The Genie did not say hello to anyone. He walked to The Merchant. He held a big, shiny sword. The Genie looked very stern and strong.
The Genie took The Merchant's arm firmly. "Get up!" said The Genie. "I must take you away now. I must punish you today." The Genie was angry.
The Merchant was very scared. The three old men were scared too. They made small, worried sounds of fear. They were all very worried.
The sun came up. Scheherazade stopped her story.
"Oh no!" said the Sultan. "What happens next in the story?" He wanted to know much more. He said, "You must tell me next day!"
All were happy for Scheherazade. They knew she would tell more stories.
Original Story
III NUIT.
La nuit suivante, Dinarzade fit à sa soeur la même prière que les deux précédentes: «Ma chère soeur, lui dit-elle, si vous ne dormez pas, je vous supplie de me raconter un de ces contes agréables que vous savez.» Mais le sultan dit qu'il voulait entendre la suite de celui du marchand et du génie: c'est pourquoi Scheherazade le reprit ainsi:
Sire, dans le temps que le marchand et le vieillard qui conduisait la biche s'entretenaient, il arriva un autre vieillard, suivi de deux chiens noirs. Il s'avança jusqu'à eux, et les salua, en leur demandant ce qu'ils faisaient en cet endroit. Le vieillard qui conduisait la biche lui apprit l'aventure du marchand et du génie, ce qui s'était passé entre eux, et le serment du marchand. Il ajouta que ce jour était celui de la parole donnée, et qu'il était résolu de demeurer là pour voir ce qui en arriverait.
Le second vieillard, trouvant aussi la chose digne de sa curiosité, prit la même résolution. Il s'assit auprès des autres; et à peine se fut-il mêlé à leur conversation, qu'il survint un troisième vieillard, qui, s'adressant aux deux premiers, leur demanda pourquoi le marchand qui était avec eux paraissait si triste. On lui en dit le sujet, qui lui parut si extraordinaire, qu'il souhaita aussi d'être témoin de ce qui se passerait entre le génie et le marchand: pour cet effet, il se plaça parmi les autres.
Ils aperçurent bientôt dans la campagne une vapeur épaisse, comme un tourbillon de poussière élevé par le vent; cette vapeur s'avança jusqu'à eux, et, se dissipant tout à coup, leur laissa voir le génie, qui, sans les saluer, s'approcha du marchand le sabre à la main, et le prenant par le bras: «Lève-toi, lui dit-il, que je te tue, comme tu as tué mon fils.» Le marchand et les trois vieillards, effrayés, se mirent à pleurer et à remplir l'air de cris……
Scheherazade, en cet endroit apercevant le jour, cessa de poursuivre son conte, qui avait si bien piqué la curiosité du sultan, que ce prince, voulant absolument en savoir la fin, remit encore au lendemain la mort de la sultane.
On ne peut exprimer quelle fut la joie du grand vizir, lorsqu'il vit que le sultan ne lui ordonnait pas de faire mourir Scheherazade. Sa famille, la cour, tout le monde en fut généralement étonné.
Story DNA
Plot Summary
As Scheherazade continues her tale, a merchant awaiting execution by a vengeful genie is joined by two more old men, drawn by curiosity to witness the impending confrontation. A thick vapor appears, dissipates, and reveals the genie, who immediately confronts the merchant with a sabre, ready to kill him. Scheherazade stops her story as dawn breaks, leaving the Sultan in suspense and postponing her execution, much to the relief of the Grand Vizier and the court.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suspense to fear
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is an excerpt from One Thousand and One Nights (Arabian Nights), a collection of Middle Eastern folk tales compiled during the Islamic Golden Age. The frame story of Scheherazade telling tales to save her life is central to the collection.
Plot Beats (14)
- Dinarzade asks Scheherazade for a story, and the Sultan requests the continuation of the merchant and the genie's tale.
- The merchant and the first old man (with the doe) are joined by a second old man, accompanied by two black dogs.
- The first old man explains the merchant's situation and his oath to the genie to the newcomer.
- The second old man, intrigued, decides to stay and witness the outcome.
- A third old man arrives and asks why the merchant is sad, learning the story from the others.
- The third old man also finds the situation extraordinary and decides to join the others to see what happens.
- A thick, dust-like vapor is spotted approaching them across the plain.
- The vapor reaches them and suddenly dissipates, revealing the genie.
- The genie, without greeting anyone, approaches the merchant with a sabre.
- The genie seizes the merchant by the arm, declaring his intent to kill him for his son's death.
- The merchant and the three old men are terrified and cry out.
- Scheherazade stops her story as day breaks.
- The Sultan, eager to hear the end, postpones Scheherazade's execution until the next day.
- The Grand Vizier and the court are astonished and joyful that Scheherazade is spared.
Characters
Scheherazade
Of average height and slender build, with an elegant posture befitting a woman of the court. Her movements are graceful and deliberate, reflecting her intelligence and composure.
Attire: Wears a luxurious, flowing silk kaftan or a richly embroidered Persian dress (like a 'shalwar kameez' or 'sari-like' drape) in deep jewel tones such as sapphire blue or emerald green, possibly with gold thread embroidery. The fabric would be soft and shimmering, reflecting her status as the Sultan's wife. She might wear delicate gold bangles or a simple necklace.
Wants: To survive by captivating the Sultan with her stories, thereby saving her own life and potentially the lives of other women in the kingdom.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent entirely on her ability to maintain the Sultan's interest.
In this specific excerpt, her arc is ongoing; she continues to successfully postpone her death by captivating the Sultan, demonstrating her continued mastery of her craft.
Intelligent, resourceful, captivating, courageous, and strategic. She uses her storytelling prowess to delay her own execution and entertain the Sultan.
Sultan Shahryar
A man of imposing stature and regal bearing, reflecting his power and authority. His movements are deliberate and commanding, though perhaps softened by Scheherazade's influence.
Attire: Dressed in opulent, flowing robes made of rich silk or brocade, possibly in deep reds, purples, or golds, with intricate patterns or gold embroidery. He would wear a jeweled turban and possibly a wide, embroidered sash. His attire would be typical of a powerful Persian or Arabian monarch.
Wants: Initially, to punish women for perceived infidelity by executing a new wife each day. Later, his motivation shifts to satisfying his curiosity and being entertained by Scheherazade's stories.
Flaw: His intense curiosity and susceptibility to captivating stories, which Scheherazade exploits.
In this excerpt, he continues to delay Scheherazade's execution, showing a continued softening of his cruel resolve due to his engagement with her stories.
Initially cruel, vengeful, and distrustful of women due to past betrayal. However, he is also curious, easily captivated, and capable of being swayed by compelling narratives.
Dinarzade
A young girl, likely slender and delicate, with a gentle demeanor. Her movements are quiet and respectful, as she is in the presence of the Sultan.
Attire: Wears a simple but elegant dress, perhaps a light silk or fine cotton tunic and trousers (shalwar), in a soft color like pale blue or cream, less ornate than her sister's but still of good quality. She might have minimal, delicate jewelry.
Wants: To assist her sister in her plan to survive and to hear the captivating stories herself.
Flaw: Her youth and lack of power; she is entirely dependent on Scheherazade's success.
Her role remains consistent as the story's prompt, showing her continued support for her sister.
Obedient, supportive, curious, and loving towards her sister. She plays a crucial role in prompting Scheherazade to continue her tales.
The Merchant
A man of average build, likely showing signs of weariness and distress from his predicament. His movements are hesitant and burdened.
Attire: Wears practical, durable clothing suitable for travel in the desert, such as a simple linen tunic, loose trousers, and a cloak, in earthy tones. He would likely wear a turban or keffiyeh to protect from the sun.
Wants: To fulfill his oath to the genie, despite the fatal consequences, driven by a sense of honor and responsibility.
Flaw: His deep sorrow and resignation make him passive in the face of danger.
He arrives at the appointed place, fulfilling his oath, and faces the genie, demonstrating his honor and resignation.
Honorable (he returns to face the genie), remorseful, and deeply sorrowful over his accidental killing of the genie's son. He is also fearful and resigned to his fate.
The Genie
A towering, formidable figure, appearing suddenly from a thick vapor. His form is powerful and intimidating, radiating immense strength and fury.
Attire: His form is described as appearing from vapor, suggesting he might not wear traditional clothing but rather be composed of elemental forces or dark, swirling energy. If he has clothing, it would be dark, flowing, and ethereal, perhaps like smoke solidified, with no specific human garments.
Wants: To avenge the death of his son by executing the merchant.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated in this excerpt, but genies in folklore can sometimes be outsmarted or bound by oaths.
He appears as promised, ready to carry out his vengeance, showing no change in his resolve in this excerpt.
Vengeful, wrathful, powerful, and unyielding in his demand for retribution. He is driven by the loss of his son.
First Old Man
An elderly man, likely with a lean frame, showing the wisdom and resilience of age. He moves with a steady, deliberate pace.
Attire: Wears simple, well-worn but clean robes of natural fibers, such as linen or wool, in muted earthy tones. He might have a staff for support.
Wants: To witness the outcome of the merchant's extraordinary predicament, driven by curiosity and perhaps a sense of moral support.
Flaw: His age might limit his physical capabilities, but his wisdom is a strength.
He remains a steadfast witness, providing context and support to the merchant.
Curious, compassionate, and observant. He is willing to stay and witness the merchant's fate, showing a sense of shared humanity.
Second Old Man
An elderly man, similar in age to the first, but perhaps with a slightly more robust build. He carries himself with a quiet dignity.
Attire: Wears clean, modest robes in a dark, rich color like deep blue or forest green, made of good quality wool or linen. He is accompanied by two black dogs.
Wants: His curiosity about the extraordinary situation and a desire to witness the outcome.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated.
He joins the group of witnesses, becoming part of the collective support for the merchant.
Curious, composed, and empathetic. He is drawn to the merchant's story and decides to stay, indicating a compassionate nature.
Third Old Man
An elderly man, similar in age to the others, perhaps with a slightly more inquisitive or animated demeanor.
Attire: Wears practical, slightly worn robes in a muted color like grey or olive green, made of sturdy fabric. He might carry a simple satchel.
Wants: His strong curiosity about the merchant's unusual story and a desire to witness the unfolding events.
Flaw: Not explicitly stated.
He joins the other witnesses, becoming part of the collective audience for the dramatic confrontation.
Inquisitive, empathetic, and easily intrigued. He is quick to join the group and express interest in the merchant's plight.
Locations
A desolate spot in the countryside
An open, unadorned expanse of land, likely arid or semi-arid, where three old men and a merchant gather, awaiting a supernatural event. The ground is probably sandy or dusty, given the description of a 'whirlwind of dust'.
Mood: Tense, apprehensive, and solemn, as they await the genie's arrival and the merchant's fate.
The merchant and three old men convene to witness the genie's judgment, and the genie appears in a dramatic fashion.