Story Summary
Explore the classic Vikram and Betaal tale of The Four Brothers, who used their magical powers to revive a lion, only to face the deadly cost of their folly.
King Vikramaditya trekked through the dark forest, the corpse of Betaal slung over his shoulder. Betaal began a new tale: 'Long ago, four Brahmin brothers sought to master the supernatural. The first learned to assemble a skeleton from a single bone. The second could add flesh and skin, while the third could fill a body with blood and limbs. The fourth brother possessed the ultimate power: to breathe life into the dead. One day, they found a pile of bones in the woods. Eager to display their prowess, the first three reconstructed a majestic lion. Despite the clear danger of reviving a predator, the fourth brother insisted on completing the miracle. As life surged through the beast, it lunged and devoured the four creators.' Betaal challenged the King: 'Who was the most foolish?' Vikram replied, 'The fourth, for knowledge without common sense is a deadly weapon. The first three only created a statue; the fourth created a killer.'
The Moral
Knowledge is useless and even dangerous if it is not tempered with common sense and practical wisdom.
“Knowledge without common sense is like a lamp in the hands of a blind man.”
Fun Fact
This story is often used in modern leadership training to illustrate the difference between technical expertise and situational awareness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Four Brothers?
The story teaches that raw knowledge and skill are dangerous without the wisdom to apply them safely. It highlights that common sense is always superior to mere scholarship.
Which brother was the most responsible for their demise?
King Vikram identifies the fourth brother as the most responsible because he brought the predator to life despite knowing it was a lion, showing a total lack of foresight.
Why did the brothers decide to revive the lion?
Driven by vanity and the desire to prove their mastery over their respective magical arts, they sought to test their skills on the first creature they encountered.
Is 'The Four Brothers' part of the Panchatantra?
While a very similar version appears in the Panchatantra, it is a staple tale within the Vikram and Betaal (Vetala Panchavimshati) collection.
What specific skill did each brother possess?
The first could assemble bones, the second provided flesh and skin, the third provided blood and organs, and the fourth could grant the gift of life itself.
What happens after Vikram answers the question?
Because Vikram breaks his silence to provide a just answer, the Betaal flies back to the ancient tree, forcing the King to capture him once more.
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