The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
Koorookh explained
Shibli Bagarag, aided by Princess Gulrevaz and the seven sons of Aklis, uses the Sword and the magical bird Koorookh to rescue Noorna from the genie Karaz and a kite sent against her.
What happens
Shibli Bagarag, aided by Princess Gulrevaz and the seven sons of Aklis, uses the Sword and the magical bird Koorookh to rescue Noorna from the genie Karaz and a kite sent against her. He then peers through the glass eye and sees Shagpat parading in triumph and Feshnavat in fetters, which renews his determination to shave Shagpat. After a series of magical battles, Noorna is saved and reunited with Shibli, and the chapter ends with Shibli observing the city of Shagpat and preparing for the Event.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
The contrast between Shagpat's majestic appearance and his true nature, and the deceptive visions seen through the glass eye.
The Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery
Shibli's continued quest to master the Sword and fulfill his destiny as the Master of the Event, rescuing Noorna and preparing to shave Shagpat.
Love and Sacrifice
Shibli's desperate efforts to rescue Noorna, and Noorna's trust in him as she runs up the blade.
Characters to notice
- Shibli Bagarag
Peers through the glass eye, sees Shagpat and Feshnavat, uses the Sword to rescue Noorna, and is determined to shave Shagpat.
- Noorna bin Noorka
Rescued from the pillar and the kite by Shibli and Koorookh; runs up the blade of the Sword.
- Princess Gulrevaz
Aids Shibli by directing Koorookh to fight the kite and by shooting an arrow at the white ball.
- Shagpat
Seen in a grand procession, crowned and majestic, with his hair supported by slaves.
- Feshnavat
Seen walking in fetters, turban off, in a robe of drab-coloured stuff, scorned by the crowd.
- Abarak
Appears leaning on his bar at the palace steps; comments on the monkeys and the Sword.
- Genie Karaz
The monstrous fish with a baleful eye that had swallowed Shibli and Noorna; divided by the Sword.
- Koorookh
The magical bird that carries Shibli and the others, fights the kite, and helps rescue Noorna.
Key passages
“Desire to shave Shagpat was as a salt thirst raging in him, as the dream of munching to one that starveth; even as the impelling of violent tempests to skiffs on the sea; and he hungered to be at him.”
Shibli's urge to shave Shagpat was overwhelming, like a desperate thirst or hunger, driving him as powerfully as a storm drives a boat.
Highlights Shibli's intense motivation and the central goal of the chapter.
“Of a surety, if these sitters could but laugh at themselves, there would be a release for them, and the crown would topple off which getteth the homage of asses and monkeys!”
If those seated on the thrones could only see the absurdity of their own situation, they would be freed from their delusion and lose their false crowns.
Reflects the theme of illusion vs. reality and the folly of false authority.