DER KLUGE KADI
by Friedrich Giese · from Türkische Märchen
Adapted Version
Once upon a time, a King had sons. The King was very old. He told his sons, "I have shiny treasures. Find them after I go to sleep. Share them fairly."
The King went to sleep forever. Prince Three was one son. He took the shiny treasures. He took them for himself. He took them in secret.
Princes One and Two looked. They could not find them. They felt sad. Then they felt angry. They argued, "Who took our treasures?"
The three princes went to the Wise Judge. He was a smart man. They asked him for help. They told him their problem.
The Judge said, "I will tell a story." Then I will know the truth."
The Judge told a story. A Young Woman had a special friend. She made a big promise. She would see him on her wedding night.
It was her wedding night. Her Husband heard her promise. He was very kind. He said, "You must keep your promise. You can go now."
The Young Woman walked in the dark. A Thief saw her. He sometimes took things. She told him her story. The thief was kind. He walked her to her friend's house.
Her special friend was happy to see her. But he heard about her kind husband. He said, "They were so good. You must go back to your husband."
The thief was still waiting. He walked with her back to her husband's house. Her journey was done.
The Wise Judge asked the princes, "Who was the best man in the story? The husband, the special friend, or the thief?"
Prince One said, "The husband was the best!" Prince Two said, "The special friend was the best!" Prince Three said, "The thief was the best!"
The Wise Judge looked at Prince Three. He said, "You chose the thief as the best. Only someone who takes things would think the thief was the best. You took the shiny treasures!"
Prince Three felt very, very bad. He was ashamed. He said, "Yes, I took them." He gave the shiny treasures back to his brothers. Everyone was happy that the truth came out. And so, the Wise Judge helped everyone. The princes learned that it is always best to be honest. And the King's shiny treasures were shared fairly, just as he wanted.
Original Story
64. DER KLUGE KADI
Es gab einmal einen großen König. Dieser legte eines Tages sein Haupt auf das Sterbebett, ließ seine drei Söhne allein zu sich kommen und sprach zu ihnen: „In den und den Winkel meines Palastes habe ich eine Schachtel voll kostbarer Edelsteine hingesetzt; wenn ich gestorben sein werde, so nehmt sie hervor und teilt sie unter euch!“ Nachdem der König noch drei Tage gelegen hatte, empfahl er am vierten Tage seine Seele Gott. Während man nun für den König die Leichenfeierlichkeiten veranstaltete, ging einer von den Söhnen und nahm jene Schachtel mit den kostbaren Edelsteinen heimlich für sich weg. Als nach einiger Zeit alle drei die Schachtel von ihrem Orte hinwegnehmen wollten, fanden sie dieselbe nicht mehr vor. Deshalb entstand unter ihnen Streit, welcher solange währte, bis sie endlich vor den Kadi traten und diesem das Sachverhältnis auseinandersetzten. Der Kadi, von dem Hergange der Sache belehrt, sprach zu ihnen die Worte: „Zuvörderst will ich euch eine Geschichte erzählen — hört darauf — und dann eure Streitsache entscheiden.“ Sie erwiderten: „Geruhe nur anzufangen.“ Der Kadi sprach: „Es liebten sich einmal in früherer Zeit ein Jüngling und ein Mädchen. Das Mädchen hatte aber einen anderen jungen Mann zum Bräutigam. Der in dieses Mädchen verliebte erstere junge Mann hörte nicht auf in einem fort zu seufzen und zu schluchzen. ‚In jener Nacht,‘ sprach er, ‚wo du das Hochzeitsbett besteigen wirst, — was wird da aus mir werden?‘ Das Mädchen erwiderte: ‚Ich werde in jener Nacht niemandem eher die Hand geben, als ich mich vorher mit dir zusammengefunden habe!‘ Dies versprach sie ihm. Als nun in der Nacht der Heimführung die junge Frau mit ihrem Manne allein war, erzählte sie ihm, was für ein Versprechen sie jenem Jünglinge gegeben habe, und erbat sich von ihrem Manne die Erlaubnis, zu ihm hinzugehen. Der Gemahl erwiderte: ‚Mache dich auf und gehe!‘ Die junge Frau ging in aller Stille hinaus und traf unterwegs einen Dieb. Als dieser sah, daß sie eine hübsche und liebenswürdige Frau sei, die unter ihren Zeitgenossinnen nicht ihres Gleichen habe und sich Hals und Ohr reich mit Goldperlen behangen hatte, umarmte er sie wie ein Lamm, das in die Gewalt eines hungrigen Wolfes geraten ist. Er fragte die junge Frau: ‚Wer und was bist du?‘ Sie erzählte ihm ihre Geschichte von Anfang bis zu Ende. Als der Dieb diese gehört hatte, sprach er: ‚Jetzt ist es Zeit, sich als Ehrenmann zu zeigen, auch ich will dir nichts tun — wohlan, komm, ich will dich zu deinem Geliebten bringen!‘ Mit diesen Worten nahm er sie bei der Hand, brachte sie an die Tür ihres Geliebten und sprach: ‚Bis du wieder herauskommst, will ich hier stehen bleiben.‘ Als die junge Frau bei ihrem Geliebten eintrat, traf sie den Jüngling an und sprach: ‚Siehe, ich habe dir hiermit mein Versprechen erfüllt.‘ Dieser sprach: ‚Bei Gott, welche ritterliche Gesinnung hat dein Gemahl jetzt gegen mich an den Tag gelegt, daß er dich zu mir geschickt! Ich würde sie ihm schlecht vergelten, wenn ich jetzt noch nach dir die Hand ausstrecken wollte! Stehe auf und kehre zu deinem rechtmäßigen Ehegatten zurück.‘ Mit diesen Worten schickte er die junge Frau zurück. Diese stand auch sogleich wieder auf und ging hinaus, wo sie der Dieb wieder bei der Hand nahm und ihrem rechtmäßigen Ehegatten zurückbrachte. Er selbst aber ging seines Weges.“ — Der Kadi sprach: „Sagt nun, ihr Prinzen, welchen von diesen dreien, d. h. den Gemahl, den Geliebten oder den Dieb, haltet ihr für den größten Ehrenmann?“ Der eine von ihnen erwiderte: „Meiner Ansicht nach dürfte der Gemahl der größte Ehrenmann sein.“ Der zweite erwiderte: „Der Geliebte dürfte es sein“, und der dritte meinte: „Der Dieb.“
Als der Kadi diese Antworten der Prinzen gehört hatte, sprach er zu demjenigen von ihnen, welcher gemeint hatte, daß der Dieb der größte Ehrenmann sei, die Worte: „Du hast wahr und richtig gesprochen. — Du hast dir die Schachtel mit den kostbaren Edelsteinen genommen; also gib sie her, denn der Geliebte hilft dem Geliebten, der Biedere dem Biederen und der Dieb dem Diebe!“
Der Prinz, welcher seiner Tat überführt war, brachte beschämt die Schachtel mit den Edelsteinen und gab sie hin.
Story DNA
Moral
True character is revealed through actions, and a clever judge can discern the truth by understanding human nature.
Plot Summary
A dying king instructs his three sons to divide a box of precious jewels after his death. One son secretly takes the jewels, leading to a dispute among the brothers. They bring their case before a wise Kadi, who tells them a complex story about a woman, her honorable husband, her honorable lover, and an honorable thief, then asks them to identify the most honorable man. Based on their answers, the Kadi deduces which prince stole the jewels, as 'the thief helps the thief,' shaming the guilty prince into returning the treasure.
Themes
Emotional Arc
conflict to resolution
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Friedrich Giese was a German orientalist, and this story is part of a collection of 'Turkish Tales' he translated or adapted, reflecting a blend of Middle Eastern storytelling traditions with European interpretation.
Plot Beats (14)
- A dying king tells his three sons about a box of precious jewels hidden in his palace, to be divided after his death.
- After the king dies, one son secretly takes the box of jewels for himself.
- When the other two sons go to retrieve the box, they find it missing, leading to a dispute among the brothers.
- The three brothers bring their quarrel before the Kadi (judge) for resolution.
- The Kadi states he will tell them a story first, then decide their case.
- The Kadi tells a story about a young woman who promised her lover she would meet him on her wedding night.
- On her wedding night, the woman's husband, upon hearing of her promise, honorably allows her to go to her lover.
- On her way, she encounters a thief who, after hearing her story, honorably escorts her to her lover's door and waits.
- Her lover, impressed by the husband's and thief's honor, honorably sends her back to her husband without touching her.
- The thief then escorts her back to her husband, completing her journey.
- The Kadi asks the three princes which of the three men (husband, lover, or thief) was the most honorable.
- Each prince gives a different answer, one choosing the husband, one the lover, and one the thief.
- The Kadi declares that the prince who chose the thief as the most honorable is the one who stole the jewels, stating, 'the thief helps the thief'.
- The guilty prince, shamed, confesses and returns the box of jewels.
Characters
The King
An elderly man, likely frail and weakened by illness, as he is on his deathbed. His build would be thin, reflecting his advanced age and declining health.
Attire: Simple, comfortable nightclothes or a light, unadorned robe suitable for a man on his deathbed, made of fine, soft linen or silk in muted colors.
Wants: To ensure his sons inherit his wealth fairly after his death.
Flaw: Over-trusting of his sons, failing to anticipate potential greed or dishonesty.
Dies at the beginning of the story, setting the central conflict in motion.
Wise, provident, fair (in his intention to divide wealth), trusting (of his sons).
The Kadi
A man of authority, likely of a dignified and composed build, neither overly large nor frail. His presence would command respect.
Attire: Formal, dignified robes appropriate for a judge or scholar in an Arabian or Ottoman court. This would include a flowing, long-sleeved outer robe (jubbah or caftan) made of fine wool or silk in deep, rich colors like indigo, emerald, or maroon, possibly with subtle embroidery. He would wear a turban (imamah) wrapped meticulously, perhaps in white or a color signifying his status.
Wants: To resolve the dispute fairly and reveal the truth through a clever method.
Flaw: None explicitly shown, his method is effective.
Remains consistent as a wise arbiter, his role is to resolve the conflict.
Wise, insightful, clever, just, patient, indirect (in his method of judgment).
The First Prince
A young man of noble bearing, likely well-groomed and of average height and build, reflecting his royal status.
Attire: Fine, but not overly ostentatious, princely attire. Perhaps a tunic (qamis) of fine cotton or linen, with an outer vest (farajiyyah) or short jacket of embroidered silk in a muted jewel tone, paired with loose trousers (sirwal) and soft leather slippers. No crown, but perhaps a simple head covering (tagiyah) or a small, unadorned turban.
Wants: To claim his rightful share of the inheritance, and to see justice done.
Flaw: His judgment of character is conventional, not as insightful as the Kadi's.
Learns a lesson about unconventional wisdom and justice.
Honest (in his answer), perhaps a bit conventional in his moral judgment, not the thief.
The Second Prince
Similar to his brothers, a young man of noble bearing, well-groomed and of average height and build.
Attire: Princely attire, similar to his brothers, but perhaps with a different color scheme. A fine cotton tunic, with an outer vest or short jacket of embroidered silk in a rich blue or crimson, paired with loose trousers and soft leather slippers. A simple head covering.
Wants: To claim his rightful share of the inheritance, and to see justice done.
Flaw: His judgment of character is based on a specific type of honor, not the Kadi's broader view.
Learns a lesson about unconventional wisdom and justice.
Honest (in his answer), perhaps slightly more romantic or idealistic in his moral judgment, not the thief.
The Third Prince
A young man of noble bearing, but perhaps with a slightly more cunning or shrewd look in his eyes. Average height and build.
Attire: Princely attire, similar to his brothers, but perhaps with a slightly more opulent or distinctive detail. A fine cotton tunic, with an outer vest or short jacket of embroidered silk in a deep red or purple, paired with loose trousers and soft leather slippers. A simple head covering.
Wants: To keep the valuable jewels for himself, then to avoid punishment.
Flaw: Greed, dishonesty, which leads to his exposure.
From a dishonest thief to a shamed, exposed individual who must return what he stole. He learns that even cleverness can be used against him.
Greedy, dishonest (initially), shrewd, insightful (in judging the thief's honor), quick-witted (to identify with the thief).
The Young Woman
A beautiful and charming young woman, described as having no equal among her contemporaries. Her build would be graceful and slender.
Attire: Rich and elegant attire, suitable for a bride. This would include a flowing dress (thobe or caftan) of fine silk or brocade, possibly in a vibrant color like emerald green or deep blue, adorned with intricate embroidery. She is specifically mentioned to have her 'neck and ears richly hung with gold pearls,' indicating elaborate jewelry. She might also wear a delicate headscarf (tarha) or veil.
Wants: To fulfill her promise to her former beloved, even on her wedding night.
Flaw: Her strong sense of honor puts her in a vulnerable position.
Embarks on a journey to fulfill a promise, encountering different forms of honor, and ultimately returns to her husband, having upheld her word.
Honorable, loyal (to her promise), courageous (to venture out at night), beautiful, charming.
The Husband
A young man of noble or respectable standing, likely of a strong and honorable build, befitting a husband in an Arabian setting.
Attire: Fine, but not necessarily extravagant, wedding night attire. Perhaps a soft, flowing tunic (thobe) of white linen or silk, possibly with a simple outer robe (bisht) of fine wool in a dark color, indicating his status and the special occasion.
Wants: To uphold his wife's honor and allow her to fulfill her promise, demonstrating his own noble character.
Flaw: His extreme generosity and trust could be seen as a vulnerability, though in this story it is a strength.
His character is revealed through his actions; he remains consistently honorable.
Noble, understanding, honorable, trusting, generous (in his trust).
The Geliebter (Lover)
A young man, initially depicted as lovesick and sorrowful, but ultimately revealing a noble character. Likely of a sensitive and perhaps slightly less robust build than the husband, reflecting his emotional state.
Attire: Simple, perhaps slightly unkempt, attire reflecting his lovesick state, but still of decent quality. A plain tunic (qamis) of cotton or linen in a muted color, possibly with a simple outer garment. Not as opulent as the husband's, but not poor.
Wants: Initially to be with the Young Woman, but then to uphold the honor shown by her husband.
Flaw: His initial lovesickness makes him vulnerable, but he overcomes it with honor.
Transforms from a lovesick individual to a man of profound honor, choosing respect over desire.
Lovesick, sorrowful, honorable, respectful, self-sacrificing (for the sake of honor).
The Thief
A man of the streets, likely lean and agile, with a watchful demeanor. His build would suggest a life of stealth and quick movement.
Attire: Practical, dark, and unassuming clothing suitable for moving unnoticed at night. This might include a dark, hooded cloak (burnous) of coarse wool, a simple tunic (qamis) of dark cotton, and loose trousers (sirwal), with sturdy leather boots or sandals. His clothes would be functional rather than decorative.
Wants: Initially to rob, but then to act as an 'Ehrenmann' (man of honor) and assist the young woman.
Flaw: His profession as a thief, but he transcends it through an act of honor.
Transforms from a potential threat to an unexpected guardian, demonstrating that honor can be found in unlikely places.
Initially predatory, observant, shrewd, surprisingly honorable, protective (once he decides to help).
Locations
King's Palace - Deathbed Chamber
A private chamber within a grand Arabian palace, likely adorned with intricate geometric patterns and rich textiles, where the dying king lies on his bed. The air is solemn and hushed.
Mood: Solemn, intimate, tense, sorrowful.
The king gives his final instructions to his sons about the hidden box of jewels.
Kadi's Courtroom
A formal, authoritative setting where the Kadi (judge) presides. It would be a chamber designed for legal proceedings, likely with a raised platform for the Kadi and seating for petitioners, reflecting traditional Islamic judicial settings.
Mood: Formal, judicial, tense, expectant.
The princes present their dispute to the Kadi, who then tells his allegorical story and delivers his judgment.
Street at Night
A quiet, dark street in an ancient Arabian town, likely narrow and winding, with tall mud-brick or stone houses casting deep shadows. The only light would be from the moon or distant oil lamps.
Mood: Mysterious, secretive, dangerous, quiet.
The young woman encounters the thief on her way to her beloved's house.