The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
And This Is the Story of Bhanavar the Beautiful explained
This chapter tells the tale of Bhanavar the Beautiful, a damsel betrothed to a comely youth.
What happens
This chapter tells the tale of Bhanavar the Beautiful, a damsel betrothed to a comely youth. One night by a lake, they witness a mysterious light that is revealed to be a Jewel in the head of the Serpent of the Lake. Consumed by desire for the Jewel, Bhanavar persuades her betrothed to obtain it for her, despite his warnings of doom. He agrees, and they part. Later, Bhanavar is captured by mountain warriors and taken by ship, separated from her beloved Ruark.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
Bhanavar is captivated by the dazzling light of the Jewel, mistaking its allure for true value, while ignoring the real danger and the love of her betrothed.
Love and Sacrifice
Ruark sacrifices his own life and happiness to fulfill Bhanavar's desire for the Jewel, demonstrating the destructive power of love when tested.
Deception and Guile
Bhanavar uses her beauty and charm to manipulate Ruark into obtaining the Jewel, deceiving him about her true priorities.
Characters to notice
- Bhanavar the Beautiful
The beautiful damsel who becomes obsessed with the Serpent's Jewel, leading her to urge her betrothed to retrieve it despite his warnings.
- Ruark
The youth betrothed to Bhanavar, who reluctantly agrees to obtain the Jewel for her, foreseeing his own doom.
- Rukrooth
Mentioned as the mother of the Desert-Chief, whose will leads to Bhanavar's capture by mountain warriors.
Key passages
“Desire for the Jewel waxed in her, and she had no sight but for it alone, crying, 'Tis a Jewel exceeding in preciousness all jewels that are, and for the possessing it would I forfeit all that is.'”
Bhanavar's craving for the Jewel grew so strong that she could see nothing else, declaring it more valuable than any other jewel and that she would give up everything to own it.
Highlights Bhanavar's overwhelming obsession with the Jewel, which overrides her love and reason.
“Then said he, 'Thou hast willed it, O Bhanavar! and my life is as a grain of sand weighed against thy wishes; Allah is my witness!'”
Ruark acknowledged that Bhanavar's desires outweighed his own life, swearing by Allah that he would fulfill her wish.
Shows Ruark's resignation and the depth of his sacrifice for Bhanavar's sake.