The Queen of Spirits and Snakes

Once upon a time in the city of Basra, there lived a young man named Azem who practiced the craft of dyeing. He was renowned for his excellent taste in choosing colors, as well as for his handsome appearance and cheerful disposition. However, he was not wealthy and supported his elderly mother with the income from his labor. She lived with him.

One day, while he was busy with his usual work, he saw a richly dressed stranger enter his workshop. The stranger, upon looking at him, exclaimed:

"How can a young man with such an appearance and such intelligence engage in such a craft?"

"I am not ashamed," said Azem, "of my honest trade, and I know how to limit my desires."

"But if an opportunity presented itself to you," continued the stranger, "to quickly make your fortune, would you resist it and not wish to take advantage of it?"

"No, if it did not burden my conscience, it would bring me great pleasure."

"My son," said the stranger, "I have the means for this; I know a wondrous secret to transform base metal into gold and can make your fortune. Be in your shop as early as possible tomorrow."

After the old man left, Azem thought much about his offer and, after consulting with his mother, eagerly awaited the morning.

At dawn, he ran to his shop, hoping to meet his new acquaintance, who did not keep him waiting long and soon appeared with a melting pot in his hands. After the usual greetings, the stranger asked the young man to light a fire. He inquired if Azem had any base metal—iron, lead, or something similar. Azem found an old copper pot and broke it into pieces. Then the stranger took the vessel, removed his turban, poured yellow sand into it, uttered some mysterious words, took the vessel off the fire, and instead of copper, a shining gold ingot appeared.

Delighted, Azem begged the stranger to share the secret.

"Very well, I will come to you this evening, and if we are alone, I will gladly reveal the secret," said the stranger.

In the evening, Azem prepared a rich dinner according to his means and soon saw the old man enter.

During the dinner, Azem drank much wine, to which he was unaccustomed, and soon became drunk.

When the old man saw that Azem was too drunk, he secretly slipped a sleeping powder into his drink and made him drink it. As soon as Azem drank it, he fell onto his pillow, plunged into a deep sleep.

The wicked old man took advantage of this and, placing Azem in a chest, called for porters he had prepared in advance, who took the chest and carried it to a ship ready to sail.

Azem's mother, returning home, was very surprised to find her son missing; after waiting another day, she finally guessed that some misfortune had befallen him. The despair of the poor mother was indescribable.

Meanwhile, the treacherous kidnapper sailed with a favorable wind. He was an evil sorcerer who traveled annually to Khorasan, a region of Persia, to lure some Muslim and use him to obtain the necessary items for alchemy and then kill him, so that his secret would not be revealed.

Two days after their departure, Baram (for that was the sorcerer's name) opened the chest and sprinkled some liquid on Azem's face. Azem sneezed, rubbed his eyes, and looked around in astonishment. Very soon, he realized that he had fallen into the villain's trap.

Turning to the old man, Azem said:

"What are you doing with me, my father? You promised me pleasure and wealth, is this what you assured me of?"

"Infidel dog, Muslim dog," replied the sorcerer, "you should die by my hand, and my pleasure should consist of prolonging your torment; you are my fortieth victim. There is still salvation for you: renounce Islam and worship the sacred fire that I honor."

"May heaven destroy you and your faith!" replied Azem, jumping up like a madman. "I swear by Muhammad that I will never exchange faith in the true God."

"Wretch!" retorted the sorcerer, who could no longer restrain himself. "I will try to shake your stubbornness."

Saying this, he called his slaves and ordered them to whip Azem with a scourge, and after the torture, he commanded them to throw him into the lower part of the ship, giving him a little bread and water to sustain his life. Azem endured such sufferings daily.

One day during the voyage, a fierce storm arose; the waves lifted the ship to the clouds and threatened to smash it to pieces. The sailors had the fortunate thought that the cause of God's wrath was the tortures Azem was subjected to, so they ordered him to be released immediately, and they forced Baram to humbly beg for his forgiveness. To prevent a mutiny, they threw his slaves overboard.

The storm subsided. Baram, hiding his anger, regained the trust of the inexperienced Azem with feigned caresses.

Finally, land appeared. The sorcerer went ashore with Azem and told him that they had arrived in the country where gold could be obtained. He ordered the ship's captain to wait for them for a month by this shore, and then they went inland.

When the sorcerer found himself alone with Azem, he took out a small drum with two sticks from under his clothes and began to beat a march; immediately a storm arose, and from the whirlwind of dust appeared three camels, one of which was loaded with various supplies.

Mounting the camels, they raced with astonishing speed. For eight days, nothing crossed their path; on the ninth day, Azem saw a shining castle toward which he wanted to direct his path, but Baram turned to the left, and Azem's camel, despite his efforts, followed Baram.

Arriving in a small forest, they sat down to rest, and Baram explained that this castle was inhabited by evil spirits who had done him much harm.
After resting, they set off again and soon noticed a chain of black mountains in the distance. Baram said to Azem:

"The peak of these mountains is the goal of our journey, and if you follow my orders, we will return richer than kings themselves."

Four days later, they arrived at the foot of the black mountains. But they had not yet reached the destination of their journey: a terrible abyss separated them from the mountain's peak.

Dismounting from their camels, they had a meal, and Baram killed the third camel, from which they removed the entrails.

"My son," he began, "now comes the final effort. For this, you must climb into the camel's belly. When I sew you up, a large bird, the rokh, thinking it is carrion, will carry you to the mountain's peak. Once you feel you have landed, cut open the animal's skin with your dagger. After emerging, quickly gather black earth into this sack, tie it to the rope, and lower it down. Then, using the same rope, descend yourself."

Azem had no choice but to obey and climb into the animal's belly.

After some time, a gigantic rokh appeared, lifted the dead camel, and carried it to the mountain's peak.

Azem did everything as Baram had instructed and was already approaching the cliff with the sack of black earth.

"My son," Baram shouted from below, "quickly tie the sack and lower it down. Then tie the rope to the nearest tree and descend yourself."

Azem, suspecting nothing, lowered the sack. But as soon as Baram grabbed it, he began to pull the rope forcefully, trying to drag Azem down as well. Unable to find a way to save himself, Azem had to let go of the rope.

"You Muslim dog, now you will pay dearly for the humiliation you subjected me to!" the sorcerer shouted. "Go, find your companions, whom I have destroyed—there are thirty-nine of them."

Despite Azem's despair and pleas, Baram mounted the camel and disappeared from sight. Azem wept and grieved for a long time; finally, calming down, he fell asleep. Upon waking, he saw a huge snake near him, ready to swallow him. Azem instantly drew his dagger and struck the animal in the head. The size of the snake gave him the idea to skin it and make a rope from its hide, which he could use to descend. He immediately set to work and soon completed it successfully.

After several attempts, he began to descend using the straps he had made and finally, not without difficulty, reached the base of the mountain.

Thanking the Lord, he set off along the old road by which he had come.

After some time, he saw the shining castle where, according to Baram, evil spirits lived. Despite this, Azem decided to go there. He was struck by the magnificence of the palace and the surrounding garden; after much hesitation, he entered the house and, passing through the first room, found two maidens playing chess in the second hall.

As soon as they saw him, one of them said:

"Ah, sister, this must be the young man who passed through here a few days ago with the sorcerer Baram."

"I am he," said Azem, throwing himself at her feet and begging for her protection.

The sisters gladly accepted him as a brother, explaining that they had been placed there by their father to oversee the castle.

Azem lived in complete harmony with the sisters, and his friendship with them grew stronger each day.

However, it happened that at certain times, they would hide him in a room from which he could not see what was happening in the palace.

One day, it occurred to him to disobey the sisters and quietly sneak into the grove. His astonishment was great when he saw many young women in the baths, as beautiful as houris. Azem particularly noticed one of them, who captivated him.

He often used this trick to enjoy the charms of the stranger. Both sisters, unaware of this, noticed with sorrow that their brother Azem was growing thinner each day. In response to their persistent requests to explain the reason, Azem confessed his love for the beautiful stranger who was tormenting his heart. The sisters spoke of the folly of this passion, as it was madness for a mortal to fall in love with one of the sisters of the queen of spirits, to whom the castle belonged.

Finally, seeing that Azem continued to pine, they, out of brotherly love, revealed a secret on how to win the stranger, advising him to steal her light clothing during her bath.

At the first opportunity, when the nymphs undressed, the lovestruck Azem stole his beloved's clothing. After bathing, the nymphs dressed in the air. One of them, left captive, began to weep bitterly and begged the thief to return her clothing, but to no avail.

For a long time, she rejected Azem's advances and those of his sisters. But finally, the young man's handsome face and passionate love compelled her to respond to his feelings, and soon Azem became the husband of the princess of the Flying Islands.

After living there for some time, Azem decided to visit his mother and announced this to his wife and sisters.

Bidding farewell to the sisters, the young couple set off on their journey.

Arriving in Basra, Azem found his mother, whose joy was beyond words; she embraced her daughter-in-law with delight, finding her beauty enchanting. She raised her hands to the heavens and thanked them for the happiness they had bestowed upon her in her old age.

Showered with the gifts of happiness and love, Azem was then one of the wealthiest and happiest inhabitants of Basra. Two lovely sons completed his bliss.
Having lived in Basra for several years, Azem remembered the promise he had made to his sisters to visit them. Summoning his mother, he gave her his wife’s ethereal dress with strict instructions never to return it to her under any circumstances. Then, bidding farewell to his wife, children, and mother, he set off on his journey.

His journey was safe, and upon arriving at his sisters’ palace, he was received with indescribable joy.

A few days after Azem’s departure, his wife asked her mother-in-law for permission to visit the public baths. The old woman agreed and personally escorted her daughter-in-law to the baths, which were frequented by the most distinguished ladies of the city, as well as the courtiers of Caliph Harun al-Rashid, who was then residing in Basra.

Upon arriving, they found many women from the retinue of Sultanah Zubaydah in the baths. As soon as they saw Azem’s wife, they were struck by her supernatural beauty. Some, unable to take their eyes off her, even followed her all the way home and returned to the palace very late.

When Zubaydah saw that they had returned, she expressed her displeasure at their prolonged absence and demanded to know the reason. Hearing the astonishing praise of Azem’s wife’s beauty, she felt a strong desire to see her for herself. The next day, she ordered Azem’s mother to be summoned.

As soon as the old woman entered, Zubaydah said:

“Do not be afraid. I have heard how your daughter-in-law is praised and exalted as a marvel of beauty. Wishing to see her, I command you to bring her to me.”

Azem’s mother dared not contradict the sultanah’s command. She bowed her head respectfully, promised to fulfill her wish, and hurried home.

“Sultanah Zubaydah wishes to see you,” she told her daughter-in-law. “Hurry and go to her.”

Azem’s wife was delighted by the news. She immediately dressed in her finest attire and, accompanied by her children and mother-in-law, set off for the palace.

When they arrived, all eyes turned to them. The sultanah, dazzled by such beauty, exclaimed:

“In what land could such heavenly beauty have been born?”

She kindly invited her to sit beside her and ordered something refreshing to be brought for her. She showered her with praise and asked her to tell her story, which only increased her astonishment.

“My lady,” said Azem’s wife, “if you find me beautiful in this dress, what would you say if you saw me in my own attire? If you wish to satisfy your curiosity, command my mother-in-law to return my ethereal dress to me. She will not dare refuse you, and this will give you the chance to witness a wondrous sight.”

Zubaydah, suspecting nothing, immediately ordered Azem’s mother to go home and fetch the dress. At these stern words, the old woman trembled, remembering the promise she had made to her son, but she dared not object. She went home and brought the magical dress.

Zubaydah examined it long and attentively, marveling at the skill with which the delicate fabric had been woven. Then she handed it to Azem’s wife, whose eyes sparkled with joy.

As soon as the dress was in her possession, she hurriedly put it on, swiftly descended to the palace courtyard, took both her children in her arms, and, before anyone could think to stop her, rose into the air before the astonished eyes of the sultanah and her entire retinue.

“Farewell, dear mother,” she cried. “I entrust you to comfort my husband. Tell him that I will never cease to love him, but an irresistible desire to see my family compels me to leave him. If he loves me so much that he cannot live without me, he must seek me on the islands of Wak-Wak.”

With these words, she rose higher and disappeared among the clouds.

When Azem’s mother lost sight of her, her despair knew no bounds. She could not hide her grief and blamed the sultanah for her misfortune.

Zubaydah, herself filled with pity and sorrow, regretted her curiosity.

Meanwhile, in Basra, Azem, amidst abundant and heartfelt hospitality, thought of his wife and longed to be with her. He hastened his departure and, bidding farewell to his sisters, set off on his journey.

When he arrived home, he found his mother alone, shedding bitter tears.

“What has happened?” he cried. “Oh, mother! Where is my wife? Where are my children?”

At this question, the old woman’s tears doubled, and nothing could express Azem’s despair when he learned of the grievous loss.

Regaining his composure, he began to ask what his wife had said last. Upon learning everything, he resolved firmly to set out for the islands of Wak-Wak. Despite being told that the islands lay a journey of 155 years from Basra and that it was impossible to reach them, Azem did not change his mind and soon set off.

When he sought advice from his sisters, who were greatly surprised by his return and especially by his undertaking, they tried to dissuade him, pointing out the impossibility of the task.

But seeing that no persuasion worked, they consulted among themselves and gave him a letter of recommendation to their two uncles, one named Abd al-Quddus and the other Abd al-Sullib, both living three months’ journey away.

Bidding farewell to his sisters, Azem set off with the letters. After several months of travel, he arrived in a valley where nature was so rich and abundant that for a time he thought he had entered an earthly paradise. In the distance, he saw a beautiful building and headed toward it. A venerable old man sat under a red colonnade. His gaze rested with curiosity on the stranger approaching him, and he greeted him kindly. Drawn by Azem’s noble appearance, he invited him to sit.

This old man was Abd al-Quddus, who, after reading the letter from his nieces and learning of Azem’s undertaking, began to persuade him not to embark on the journey, as it was fraught with dangers and difficulties.
- The road goes, - he said, - through barren, wild-animal-filled deserts; the uncultivated, parched land yields no fruit, and in vain would you wish, dying of thirst, to find something to refresh yourself: not a single spring will appear before your desperate gaze. Leave this, my son, do not expose yourself to ruin, and return home.

But in vain did Abd-al-Kuddus try to shake Azem's resolve; he would hear none of it and, after resting, wished to set out on the journey.

The old man, having ascertained that he could not dissuade Azem, decided to ease his path. After uttering a few mysterious words, he commanded a spirit that appeared before his eyes to carry Azem to his brother Abd-al-Sullib.

The spirit placed Azem on its shoulder and sped through the air with extraordinary swiftness. By sunset, it presented him at the palace of Abd-al-Sullib.

Abd-al-Sullib, having read the letter from his nieces, was greatly astonished by the young man's courage and, like his brother, urged him to abandon the venture. But Azem's tears and pleas moved the old man, and he resolved to help him. Summoning a council of ten spirits, the old man asked for their opinion. The spirits, too, were amazed by the young man's boldness but decided to assist him—to carry him to the borders of their domain.

Azem thanked Abd-al-Sullib and, bidding him farewell, flew off with the ten spirits. In the course of one day and one night, they reached the land of Kafoor, the boundary of their realm. After parting ways with Azem, the spirits flew back.

Azem, offering a fervent prayer to Allah, continued his journey; he wandered for ten days without encountering a single living soul. At last, he saw three men who seemed to be consumed by fierce anger. Azem resolved to approach them to mediate, but as soon as the quarreling men saw him, they exclaimed:

- This young man must be the mediator in our dispute!

When he drew nearer, they asked him if he would agree to mediate. And when Azem accepted their proposal, they showed him a hat, a drum, and a ball, saying:

- We are three brothers who inherited these from our parents, but since they did not declare before their death which item should go to whom, a heated dispute has arisen among us. Therefore, be our mediator and determine what each of us should receive; we swear that your judgment will satisfy us.

Surprised, Azem asked:

- Tell me, what value could each of these three items have, for I would give nothing for them.

- Young man, - they exclaimed, - each of these three items possesses a magical power that, taken alone, surpasses all earthly treasures. Kindly hear us out.

- This hat, - said the eldest, - has the power to render one invisible. Therefore, whoever possesses it can achieve the highest happiness.

Azem listened attentively to the tale of all the benefits one could derive from this precious hat and thought to himself that no one could find it as useful as he would.

- Now that I am convinced of the merits of this remarkable hat, tell me also about the properties of the copper drum.

- Whoever possesses such a treasure, - said the second brother, - if they find themselves in the most perilous situation, will instantly be delivered from it by striking the letters engraved on the drum.

"This drum was truly made for me," Azem thought to himself, "and it is far more useful to me than to these three men."

- That is very well, - he said to the second brother, who had so praised the drum to him, - now let us see what virtue lies in this wooden ball.

- Sir, - replied the third brother, - whoever possesses this ball will find in it a wondrous power. They can instantly transport anyone from one end of the earth to the other; with its help, one can complete in two days a journey that would otherwise take two hundred years. One need only name the place to which they wish to be transported, and it will immediately turn and fly through the distance as swiftly as a raging whirlwind, carrying the traveler with it.

When the third brother finished speaking, Azem decided to claim the ball for himself, just as he had the other two items.

- But enough of what you have told me about the power of these three items, - he said to them. - I must also verify the truth of your words. Otherwise, I cannot be your mediator.

- You reason justly! - cried all three brothers. - Test their power as you see fit, and may Allah aid you in your endeavor.

Then Azem placed the hat on his head, attached the drum to his belt, threw the ball to the ground, and named the place he wished to go. The obedient ball immediately rose and carried him through the distance with the speed of the wind.

When the brothers saw Azem swiftly departing with their inheritance, they rushed after him, shouting:

- You have already made the desired test: is it not enough? Stop now!

But they shouted in vain, for Azem was already ten days' journey away from them.

His ball finally came to a halt before the gates of a vast building. Azem stepped out of his vessel and wished to learn, by striking the drum, what place this was, but he was interrupted by a voice.

- You have triumphed, Azem; you have overcome part of the difficulties that lay before you. Guard your ball carefully, for you are now in the realm of evil spirits.

Azem heeded the voice's advice, hid his ball beneath his clothing, and, looking around, asked:
- Who are you?
- I, - replied the voice, - am one of the spirits who serve you by the power of the drum. Continue your journey, for you are still three years away from the islands of Waak-al-Waak.

Azem continued his journey and entered a valley covered with reptiles, snakes, and wild beasts. He struck the drum and asked:
- What land is this?
- This is the land of dragons, - replied the voice. - Be cautious, do not linger here.

To avoid misfortune, Azem put on an invisible cap and safely passed through the terrifying valley.

Finally, he reached the seashore and saw in the distance the islands of Waak-al-Waak, whose crimson-glowing mountains, bathed in the rays of the setting sun, appeared like gilded clouds. The first glimpse of them filled him with awe and fear, but he soon regained his courage and struck the drum several times.
- What do you desire? - asked the spirit.
- How can I reach those islands, bypassing this vast sea? - asked Azem.
- You cannot do this, - said the voice, - without the help of a venerable sage who lives in the desert at the foot of the mountain.

Azem released a sphere and soon arrived at the dwelling of the old man. Upon entering, Azem was warmly welcomed and began to ask for a means to cross the sea.

The old man, having listened to all of Azem's adventures, looked into a mysterious book and, after reading a few words to himself, said:
- Tomorrow morning, my son, we will set out for those mountains, and you will cross the sea, which is full of wonders.

At daybreak, the hermit and Azem set out on their journey and, struggling up an extremely steep slope, reached a structure resembling a fortress. They entered a courtyard, in the center of which stood a colossal statue with numerous pipes from which water poured into a vast, gloomy reservoir. This marvel was the work of spirits. The hermit lit a fire, threw fragrant powder into it, and uttered many words unknown to Azem. As soon as he finished his incantation, the clouds thickened, a fierce storm arose, lightning split the clouds, and thunder echoed through the mountains.

Azem watched in great fear what was happening around him. Finally, the storm subsided, and the old man turned to Azem, saying:
- Now go and look at the sea, which you thought impossible to cross.

Azem climbed to the mountain's peak again and gazed curiously at the sea; how great was his astonishment when he saw no trace of it. He searched carefully for signs of the sea, which had terrified him with its vastness.
- Place your trust, my son, - said the sage, - in Allah and continue the journey you have undertaken.

After speaking these words, the old man vanished from Azem's sight.

Azem set out and finally reached the islands of Waak-al-Waak. The nature there seemed wondrous and enchanting to him, especially a tree resembling a willow, on which hung young maidens instead of fruit.

At the sight of this miracle, Azem was utterly bewildered and exclaimed:
- O Allah! What a wondrous vision!

Walking further across the island, he sat down to rest under a tree; at that moment, an old woman approached him and, astonished, asked:
- Where have you come from? Trust me, tell me.

Encouraged by her words, Azem recounted his story and asked if she could help him.

The old woman promised to do everything in her power and, taking advantage of the darkness of night, led him to her house, strictly instructing him not to show himself, lest he stir up the entire country and alarm the women.

Azem, overjoyed to finally achieve the goal of his arduous journey, promised the old woman everything she desired and, with a heart full of hope, thanked Allah and prayed for his wish to be fulfilled: to reunite with his wife and children.

The old woman prepared a dinner for Azem, which he found delicious, though the dishes of this land were unlike anything he was accustomed to. Afterward, he lay down and slept with a peaceful heart.

When he opened his eyes, he saw the old woman sitting at the foot of his bed.
- My son, - she said to him, - I must tell you that your wife has endured much sorrow since your separation. No one can give you better information about her than I, for I was the nurse of the queen and all her sisters. I have often witnessed her bitter remorse, which she feels at the mere thought of having willfully separated from you, and I have done my best to ease her grief.
Upon hearing these words, Azem began to weep bitterly, and the old woman could only console him with the promise of soon introducing him to the princess.

After she recounted to him all the misfortunes his wife had endured since her return to the island, she went to the palace, where she found the queen with her sisters. They were deliberating over the fate of Azem's wife, whom they could not forgive for marrying a human being. Their council decided to torture her to death and wash away the shame she had brought upon their noble lineage with her blood.

As soon as the old woman entered, the queen and her sisters respectfully stood up and asked her to sit.

"What decision have you made regarding your unfortunate sister?" she asked the queen.

"Since she," replied the queen, "agreed to an unequal marriage, giving her hand to a being who does not belong to the race of spirits, and this dishonor falls upon us, we have decided to put her to death."

"Her death will be on your heads," cried the nurse, "for we are not permitted to punish; however, I ask one favor of you—to allow me to see her once more."

Having received permission, she immediately went to the dungeon to the unfortunate princess, whom she found pale and drowning in tears; her children were playing beside her, trying with their innocent games and caresses to dispel their mother's sorrowful thoughts. The nurse comforted her, promising an end to her suffering and a reunion with Azem soon.

Leaving the princess, who was cheered by these words, the old woman went to Azem.

Upon returning home, she told him about the council of the princess's sisters and advised him to hasten the rescue of his wife.

Azem was beside himself when he learned of the cruel treatment of his wife.

When night fell, the nurse led him to the foot of the tower where the princess was imprisoned.

Azem spent the rest of the night in prayer, and when he saw the dawn, he put on his cap and became invisible to all. The queen appeared, accompanied by many maids. She unlocked the dungeon doors, and Azem, mingling with her entourage, entered with them, unseen by anyone.

With great difficulty, he restrained the feelings of grief and love that overwhelmed him upon entering this sorrowful abode; he pressed himself into a corner of the dungeon and witnessed how the queen treated her sister.

"Stop, merciless ones, fear the vengeance of heaven!" cried Azem, who could no longer contain his anger.

The queen, frightened by the terrible voice she heard, looked around in fear and hastily fled with her maids. The princess, recognizing her husband's voice, placed both hands on her chest and raised her beautiful eyes to the sky to thank him for the unexpected help.

Left alone with the princess, Azem removed his cap and threw himself into his wife's arms. They wept tears of joy for a long time, and finally, calming down, they began to devise a plan for escape.

At that moment, keys rattled at the door, and the jailer entered the dungeon, bringing food. Azem barely had time to put on his cap.

After dining with the princess, the jailer lay down to sleep right there in the dungeon.

Azem took advantage of this opportunity, crept up to her quietly, and, detaching the bunch of keys she wore on her belt, carefully unlocked the prison doors and swiftly led his wife and children out of this sorrowful place. They walked very quickly and, though burdened by their two children, continued their journey all night, so that by sunrise they were far from the city.

When the queen learned of her sister's escape, she flew into indescribable rage; she summoned all the spirits she knew for help, who vied to carry out her orders and immediately set off with a numerous army to pursue the fugitives, determined to cut her to pieces.

Azem, seeing the countless army of the queen, grabbed his drum and began to beat it. Legions of spirits covered the plain, quickly formed into battle order, and boldly advanced against the queen's army. A terrible battle began, the likes of which no one had ever seen before, for these were not men but spirits from all over the earth, fighting against each other. Azem's spirits finally emerged victorious, and the queen with all her entourage was taken prisoner.

When Azem's wife saw her elder sister in such humiliation, she threw herself at her husband's feet and began to plead for mercy. Azem assured her that he had no thoughts of revenge, treated the queen with respectful courtesy, and promised to forget all her injustices if she would return her love to her sister.

The Queen of Waak-al-Waak, defeated by the generosity of her enemy, asked for sincere forgiveness for all her cruelties to her sister.

From that moment, peace was concluded. Joyful festivities accompanied it. Finally, the former enemies parted as true friends. Azem set off for home and, with the help of the magic ball, arrived in a few days at Abd-al-Sullib's, where he stayed for some time, presenting him with the cap of invisibility as a token of gratitude, which greatly intrigued the old man.

On their way, the couple stopped by Abd-al-Kuddus, who also received them very kindly and was gifted the drum by Azem. After bidding him farewell, the travelers set off to the two sisters, who, having learned of their approach in advance, came out to meet them; joyful festivities continued for a whole month.

It was time for them to part at last. The magic ball was gifted to the sisters.

Azem and his wife arrived in Basra. It is impossible to express the joy Azem's mother felt upon seeing her son again, whom she had long mourned.

More fairy tales

• The Cat and the Mouse
• The Cunning Seller
• Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves
• 4. Sinbad the Sailor (The Fourth Voyage)
• The Beggar and Happiness