Story Summary
Discover how King Suleiman helps a tiny insect in The Butterfly That Stamped, a charming Just So Story about domestic peace, magic, and a very big boast.
King Suleiman-bin-Daoud was the wisest of kings, ruling over all beasts, birds, and even the powerful Djinns. Despite his greatness, he was plagued by nine hundred and ninety-nine bickering wives, with only the beautiful Queen Balkis offering him true companionship. One day in the garden, Suleiman overheard a tiny male Butterfly boasting to his wife that he could stamp his foot and make the King's entire palace vanish into thin air. Amused by the insect's audacity, Suleiman summoned the Butterfly, who nervously confessed he was only trying to impress his nagging wife. Sympathizing with the plight of a husband, the King agreed to help. When the Butterfly returned to his wife and stamped his tiny foot, Suleiman used his magical ring to make the palace sink into the ground and reappear. The display of power so terrified the King's nine hundred and ninety-nine quarrelsome wives that they immediately became silent and humble, while the Butterfly's wife was left in awe of her husband's imagined might. Peace returned to the palace through the King's secret kindness to a tiny creature.
The Moral
Kindness and a sense of humor are as important as power, and sometimes a small, clever deception can bring great peace to a household.
“He is my Suleiman-bin-Daoud; and before the Ginn and the Afrit, I am his Balkis.”
Fun Fact
This was the last story Kipling wrote for the 'Just So Stories' collection, and it is often seen as a tribute to his wife, Carrie, who helped manage his complex life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Butterfly That Stamped?
The story teaches that even the most powerful individuals should be humble enough to help the small and that harmony often requires a bit of cleverness and humor. It also highlights the value of supporting others in their time of need.
Who are the main characters in the story?
The primary characters are King Suleiman-bin-Daoud (Solomon), his wise wife Balkis, and a boastful male Butterfly and his wife. The King's other 999 quarreling wives also play a significant role in the plot's resolution.
Why did Suleiman help the butterfly?
Suleiman helped the butterfly because he understood the struggle of dealing with a difficult spouse and found the butterfly's boast charmingly relatable. He chose to use his magic to save the butterfly's reputation and restore peace to his own palace.
Is The Butterfly That Stamped based on a real legend?
While Rudyard Kipling wrote the story, it draws heavily from Islamic and Jewish legends of King Solomon (Suleiman), who was famously said to have the power to talk to animals and command spirits.
What happened when the butterfly stamped his foot?
When the butterfly stamped, King Suleiman used his magical ring to make the entire palace vanish and reappear instantly. This convinced the butterfly's wife and Suleiman's own wives that the butterfly possessed immense, terrifying power.
What is the significance of Queen Balkis in the story?
Balkis is portrayed as the only wife who truly understands Suleiman's heart. She works with him to use the butterfly's situation as a lesson for the other wives, ensuring domestic tranquility through wisdom rather than force.
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