Story Summary
Explore the timeless wisdom of Omar Khayyam in The Rubaiyat Stories, a Persian masterpiece about the beauty of existence and the fleeting nature of time.
In the ancient city of Nishapur, the astronomer-poet Omar Khayyam sat within a walled garden where roses bloomed in heavy clusters. As he watched a potter at his wheel, he noticed how the craftsman handled the wet clay with both firmness and grace. To Omar’s eyes, the clay was more than earth; it was the dust of forgotten kings and ancient beauties, all returned to the soil. He contemplated the 'Moving Finger' of Fate, which writes the story of every life and never turns back to erase a single line. He saw that the world was a fleeting caravan, pausing only briefly at an oasis before vanishing into the desert. Realizing that tomorrow is a mystery and yesterday a memory, Omar chose to celebrate the eternal 'now.' He found that true wealth was not in gold, but in a simple loaf of bread, a jug of wine, and the company of a loved one beneath the shade of a tree. His verses became a testament to the beauty of the present, urging all who listen to cherish the breath they draw in this very moment.
The Moral
Life is fleeting and fate is immutable, so one must find joy and meaning in the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or future.
“The Moving Finger writes; and, having writ, moves on: nor all thy Piety nor Wit shall lure it back to cancel half a Line.”
Fun Fact
Edward FitzGerald’s famous translation of the Rubaiyat was initially a total failure, ending up in a 'penny box' at a bookshop before being discovered by poet Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Rubaiyat Stories?
The core moral is 'Carpe Diem' or 'seize the day.' It teaches that since time is fleeting and the future is unknown, we should appreciate the simple pleasures of the present moment.
Who was Omar Khayyam in history?
Omar Khayyam was a 11th-century Persian polymath, known as a brilliant mathematician, astronomer, and philosopher, as well as a poet. His scientific work on the calendar was incredibly accurate for its time.
What does the 'Moving Finger' symbolize?
The 'Moving Finger' represents the unstoppable passage of time and the permanence of fate. It suggests that once an event has happened, no amount of regret or prayer can change the past.
Why is the potter a recurring image in these stories?
The potter and the clay serve as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death. It suggests that the very earth we walk on is made of the people who came before us, emphasizing our connection to the past.
What is the significance of the 'Jug of Wine'?
In the context of the Rubaiyat, the jug of wine symbolizes earthly delights and the celebration of life. It represents a rejection of abstract anxieties in favor of tangible, immediate joy.
How did The Rubaiyat become famous in the West?
It became a global sensation through the 1859 English translation by Edward FitzGerald. Though he took many liberties with the text, his poetic style captured the Victorian imagination.
