The Gold-Headed Fish
Romanian Fairy Tales.
The Beginning of a Journey
Long, long ago, in the heart of Egypt, there was a grand palace. At the palace, there was sorrow, for the king had lost his sight due to an illness. Many doctors tried to restore his vision, but to no avail. The entire kingdom prayed incessantly.
One day, a boat arrived at the docks. From it descended Doctor Wazir. He told the locals that he was a personal doctor to a great king from overseas and that he was willing to check the health of the King of Egypt.
— Mmm, the illness is severe, but the case is not without hope. It's difficult, but not impossible. I can restore his sight, but I need a very special ointment.
— I will bring you anything you need to make that ointment, but you must save my father.
— The ointment I need will be made from three tears of the gold-headed fish. You will find the fish somewhere in the deep sea. I am here for 100 days. If you manage to bring me the fish within this time, I can make the ointment for your father. But if you don't find the fish by the hundredth day, then I will have to leave you.
The Search for the Fish
The prince immediately set off with his men. The deep sea was very far from the palace. The prince and his men searched everywhere to find the gold-headed fish.
Months passed, but the fish was nowhere to be found. Then, on the hundredth day...
— There's only an hour left until the last day ends. If I were to find the fish, by the time I get it to the palace, Doctor Wazir will be gone. Ah, but I must not stop. I can dive into the water one last time.
And so he did. And this time, as fate would have it, he found the gold-headed fish and placed it in a bowl. But as he was about to call his men and take the boat back, he looked at the fish and couldn't move. The fish looked at him with such sweet, honeyed eyes.
— Even if Doctor Wazir has left, they will kill this fish and try all sorts of experiments on it. Ah, I cannot do that. I will accept whatever punishment is meant for me. But, if there's one thing I've learned from my parents, it's not to harm an innocent creature.
The Prince's Exile
He released the fish back into the water and headed for the palace. Very aware that his generosity would not be well received.
— You let the fish go? How dare you? Throw him into the dungeon!
Everyone knew that if someone was sent to the dungeon in this kingdom, that person would never be released. But the prince accepted his punishment calmly and departed.
That night, the queen crept to the prince's cell.
— Oh, my son! Your father is furious now, but I know that once he calms down, he will regret his actions. You must leave the kingdom right now. I have made all the arrangements for you. — But Mother! — I know you are afraid of the king's wrath, but you are the only one this kingdom has, my son. I must protect you.
The prince was led to a secret passage that opened onto the river. A boat was already waiting for him there. With sadness, he bid farewell to his mother and began his journey.
A New Friendship
After sailing all night, he stopped at a port to rest. He was heading towards a fruit stall when he was approached by a young Arab man.
— Sir, are you new here? — Well, yes. Who are you? — I am a poor man looking for work. Do you need a servant? — I wouldn't mind someone to sail with me, but how will I pay you? — You can pay me however you wish at the end of the year, sir.
The prince was glad to have found someone to share his long and endless journey with. He bought all the necessary provisions and continued his journey with his Arab companion.
They sailed for weeks until they reached a port. It looked like a small kingdom.
— We must stop here. We are far from your kingdom, and I don't think we can sail until the end of our days. We must settle somewhere, so your kingdom can find you when they need you. — Haha! You sound so sure. What makes you think they will come looking for me? — Hmm, it's just a feeling.
The prince and the young Arab man went to the port and began to inspect the kingdom. It was a wonderful place. They found an inn to stay in, where they had a conversation with the innkeeper. He told them that the king intended to marry off his beautiful daughter. He kept talking about how generous and kind she was. The Arab noticed that the prince was already falling in love with this unnamed beauty.
The Princess's Curse
— Oh, sir, you must go see the princess! — No, no, I shouldn't. She is... — Oh, please! I'm sure my master also wants to settle down. Sir, you must go! — Hmm, you're right. I will go tomorrow by myself.
The next day, as planned, the prince entered the palace with great confidence. He stepped gracefully onto the red carpet and bowed before the king.
— Your Majesty, I am here to ask for your daughter's hand. — Is that so? Good! Then I will arrange the wedding. — Yes, I understand. Your Majesty, don't you want to know who I am? — Ah! It doesn't matter. You won't survive the twelfth hour of the wedding. You know that, don't you? — Ah, no, Your Majesty! I somehow missed this crucial information. Would you enlighten me, please? — Well, you see, my daughter has married 192 men so far. None of them managed to survive the twelfth hour of the marriage. You can reconsider your proposal if you need to.
The prince thought for a moment and, without hesitation, promised to return the next day for the wedding ceremony.
Saving the Princess
But at the inn...
— You must be mad! — My friend, it's clear that the princess is in some kind of trouble. Perhaps she's possessed? I must help her. — I knew you would be firm, sir! We will face the enemy together.
The wedding ceremony was unique. On one hand, the palace was decorated extremely luxuriously. And on the other hand, in the backyard, the prince's grave was being dug. Everyone was very sure that this stranger was going to be the 193rd to lose his life.
After the wedding, the twelfth hour arrived. The prince sat before his wife on a huge throne. The princess didn't know that the Arab was also in the same room, hidden in the closet. He was ready to jump out to defend his prince. The clock chimed loudly. It was time.
Slowly, a long, shiny snake emerged from the princess's sleeve. Although the prince was ready to attack, something unexpected happened. Suddenly, music was heard. The prince saw the snake approaching, but he and the princess were paralyzed. They couldn't do anything. It was the music. It hypnotized everyone who heard it.
But somehow, the young Arab did not lose his composure. He jumped out of the closet and grabbed the snake by the neck. The music stopped abruptly, and both the prince and the princess awoke from their hypnotic state. The Arab crammed the snake into a wooden vessel and sealed it shut.
— Wait! How were you not affected by the music? — Hmm, it doesn't matter, my prince. All that matters is that you are safe.
The princess's curse was shattered. The prince and princess embraced and cried, for they were reunited.
Reunion and Farewell
And if that wasn't enough, a few days later a messenger arrived in the kingdom. He asked for the prince and delivered the good news.
— Prince, your father has regained his sight! The Queen told him of your departure, and he now wants you and the princess to return.
Arrangements were made immediately. Happy, the prince, the princess, and their Arab companion bid farewell to the king. Once they returned, Egypt was fabulous. The celebration lasted for days. But soon, it was time for the Arab to leave.
— But why? You can stay here! I never considered you my servant. You are a friend. — That is your generosity, sir. Exactly the quality that brought me to you. — I don't understand. — We fish have good memories, sir. — Fish? — Yes! I am the same gold-headed fish you once saved. And now that you have returned to your kingdom, I too must return to mine. I will always be your friend, prince. I will always be here to protect you. — Ah! You helped me find my home. So I cannot stop you from returning to yours.
The prince embraced his friend and watched him leave. He had tears in his eyes, but a smile on his face. The prince often went to visit his friend in the deep sea. He remained friends with the gold-headed fish for the rest of his life.
Generosity and kindness are rewarded, and true friendship lasts a lifetime.
