Story Summary
Discover the Arabian Nights tale of The Merchant and the Genie, where a traveler faces a vengeful spirit and is saved by the power of marvelous storytelling.
A wealthy merchant traveling across a desert sat beneath a tree to eat his dates. When he finished, he tossed the pits aside, only for a colossal and vengeful genie to suddenly materialize from the dust. The genie brandished a massive sword, declaring that a thrown pit had struck and killed his invisible son. Pleading for mercy, the merchant begged for one year of grace to settle his debts and say his final goodbyes to his family. The genie, moved by the merchant's honesty, agreed. Exactly one year later, the merchant returned to the desert spot. While awaiting his execution, three old men appeared, each leading a different animal. As the genie prepared to strike, the men offered to tell the spirit a story in exchange for a portion of the merchant's life. The genie was so captivated by their wondrous tales that he eventually pardoned the merchant, showing that even the most terrifying fate can be averted through wisdom and the art of storytelling.
The Moral
Mercy is a noble virtue, and the power of wisdom and storytelling can overcome even the most inevitable-seeming tragedies.
“I am a man of my word; I have come back to fulfill my promise.”
Fun Fact
This is one of the oldest stories in the One Thousand and One Nights, showcasing the 'story-within-a-story' structure known as a literary frame tale.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Merchant and the Genie?
The moral emphasizes the importance of keeping one's word and the redemptive power of mercy. It also suggests that cleverness and storytelling can be used to resolve even the most violent conflicts.
How did the merchant accidentally kill the genie's son?
While resting under a tree, the merchant threw date pits into the air after eating. One of these pits unfortunately struck the genie's invisible son in the eye, killing him instantly.
Who saves the merchant from his fate?
The merchant is saved by three traveling old men who happen upon the scene. They bargain with the genie, offering to tell him incredible stories if he agrees to release the merchant.
Why did the genie give the merchant a year of freedom?
The merchant pleaded for time to settle his worldly affairs, pay his debts, and provide for his family. Impressed by the merchant's sincerity and sense of duty, the genie granted him one year.
What role does this story play in the Arabian Nights?
This is one of the very first stories Scheherazade tells the Sultan. It serves as a frame-within-a-frame story that highlights her own survival strategy through narrative.
Does the genie actually spare the merchant at the end?
Yes, the genie is so enthralled by the three marvelous stories told by the old men that he decides to forgive the merchant's debt of blood and vanishes into the earth.
