Pars Today

This is another episode of Iranian stories and fables. In this program first we take a look at stories with the theme of prophets and holy figures. After this section we take you to the land of Iranian stories where we relate the rest of the story of "Javan Teegh" meaning "Blade man".

We told you that the prophets' role in folk stories is discussed in three ways. We also told you that one of those ways is the direct presence of prophets in such stories. This presence is sometimes in reality and sometimes in a hero's dream. Pronouncing the hero of the story and a princess as husband and wife is one of the themes of such stories. In some of the stories we usually read that a princess dreams of a prophet who guides her toward the righteous path. Then the princess in reality gets married to the hero of the story. Such themes somehow lighten the strict atmosphere of the story and add an air of romance to it.  

Usually Prophet Mohammad, Prophet Abraham, and Prophet Seth (Peace be upon them) are depicted in such stories. 

In Khavarannameh we read that a daughter of a king of idolaters dreams of Prophet Mohammad (blessings of God upon him and his progeny) who makes her monotheist. The girl then gets married to one of the great commanders of Islam. In Hamzehnameh also we read that Orang and Korang's sister dreams of Prophet Seth who pronounces her as Zan-e Landehur or Giant’s Wife.

In Eskandrnameh we read that Saboktakin dreams of Prophet Jesus (Peace be upon him) and then converts to Islam.

And now we continue relating the rest of the story of "Javan Teegh" or the "Blade man". 

We said that once upon a time there was a king who had no child which made him depressed. Once a dervish came along and gave an apple to the king and his wife so that they had three daughters and a son who called him "Javan Teegh" meaning "Blade man".

After the king's death, the queen gave the keys of the palace to his only son, except one key. But as the prince insisted the queen gave his son the last key so that he entered the room in which he found a picture.

As the queen explained, the picture belonged to someone called "Chelgis" whom none of her ancestors was able to find.

However the young prince set off the journey to find Chelgis along with some of his companions. On their way they found a city where the people were depressed. Asking people the reason, the prince realized that there was a dragon in the city which kidnapped and swallowed the city's girls in exchange of providing people with water.

And now the rest of the story:

When everyone was ready for the dragon to come and get the king's daughter, "Javan Teegh" announced:

"Inform the king that I'll kill this dragon."

However the king didn't believe the prince's words and said:

"Funny! How is it possible for a young man to kill the dragon while my army failed to do it?"

He then promised to give half of his property to the one who kills the dragon.

The day after the dragon came close to the palace to get the king's daughter in exchange for water. But as the dragon raised its head to swallow the girl, "Javan Teegh" halved the dragon's head.

Yes! The dragon was killed and the king as he had promised sent half of his properties to "Javan Teegh" and held a big wedding ceremony for the prince and his own daughter.

However "Javan Teegh" returned all of the properties to the king and told him that he was on a journey to find Chelgis. He then resumed his journey along with his companions.

The prince and his friends went on and on until it was dark and they had no place to stay. On their way they found a house. The prince knocked at the door. A woman came to the door.

"Javan Teegh" said:

"We have no place to stay at night. Shall we stay tonight at your home?"

The woman refused and said:

"My husband is not at home and if he finds you here, he'll kill you!"

As they were haggling over the issue, the woman's husband came and he woman had no choice but to hide "Javan Teegh" inside.

After a few hours the woman told his husband:

"I have sheltered a man here at home. Do you promise not to bother him if he comes out?"

Her husband then promised not to harm the stranger. Then the prince came out. As the prince appeared in front of the couple's eyes, the landlord said:

"Hey wife! Don't you know your brother? This stranger is "Javan Teegh"!"

Then they all became happy and stayed up all night when the prince explained the reason for his journey.

AE/RM/MG