Story Summary
Discover The Queen of Serpents, an Arabian Nights tale where Hasib Karim al-Din finds a hidden realm, ancient wisdom, and the high cost of a broken promise.
After the death of his father, the sage Daniel, young Hasib Karim al-Din was left to support his mother as a woodcutter. One day, his greedy companions abandoned him in a deep pit after discovering a hidden chamber filled with honey. While trapped, Hasib found a secret door leading to a magnificent subterranean kingdom. There, he met Yamlika, the Queen of Serpents—a creature with a woman's face and a serpent's body. She welcomed him, treating him with kindness and sharing incredible stories of ancient prophets and hidden worlds. When Hasib grew homesick, Yamlika allowed him to leave, but warned him never to enter a public bath, for the touch of water would reveal a magical mark on his skin that would lead to her death. For years, Hasib obeyed, until the King fell ill and his Vizier demanded that every citizen enter the bath to find the one who had met the Serpent Queen. Hasib was caught and forced to lead the King’s men to Yamlika. To save the King, the Queen sacrificed herself, and Hasib, through her wisdom and the tragic betrayal, inherited the secret knowledge of all medicines, becoming the greatest physician of his time.
The Moral
True wisdom is a heavy burden that often comes through the loss of innocence and the price of a broken promise.
“The path to the heart of the world is paved with the scales of silence.”
Fun Fact
The Queen of Serpents is one of the most complex stories in the Arabian Nights, acting as a 'Russian Doll' narrative that contains multiple epic sub-tales within its structure.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Queen of Serpents?
The story explores the themes of integrity and the weight of forbidden knowledge. It suggests that while betrayal can lead to worldly success, it leaves a permanent mark on the soul.
Who is Yamlika in the Arabian Nights?
Yamlika is the mythical Queen of Serpents who dwells in an underground palace. She is a figure of immense wisdom, possessing knowledge of history, prophecy, and natural medicine.
Why was Hasib forbidden from entering the public bath?
The Queen warned Hasib because bathing would cause a magical black mark to appear on his belly. This mark was a physical sign of his encounter with her, which the King’s Vizier used to identify him.
How did Hasib become a great physician?
After the Queen was sacrificed and turned into a potion, Hasib consumed the final brew. This gifted him with the supernatural ability to understand the properties of all plants and minerals.
What is the relationship between Hasib and the sage Daniel?
Hasib is the son of Daniel, a legendary wise man. Though Daniel died before teaching his son, Hasib eventually finds his father’s hidden books, completing his journey toward wisdom.
Is The Queen of Serpents part of the 1001 Nights?
Yes, it is a significant frame story within the Arabian Nights. It contains several other nested narratives, including the famous adventures of Bulukiya and the story of Janshah.
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