The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
The Horse Garraveen explained
Shibli Bagarag, guided by Noorna bin Noorka, successfully captures the magical horse Garraveen in the meadows of Melistan.
What happens
Shibli Bagarag, guided by Noorna bin Noorka, successfully captures the magical horse Garraveen in the meadows of Melistan. However, his pride leads him to disobey Noorna's warning not to ride the horse a second time. The genie Karaz, summoned by Noorna, wrestles Shibli from the horse and rides away on Garraveen, causing the loss of Karaz's service. Noorna then ties three hairs of Garraveen around Shibli's wrist to strengthen him, and they part ways, with Shibli instructed to go to the City of Oolb.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
Shibli's pride and the temptation of the horse Garraveen create an illusion of power that leads to a real loss of the horse and Karaz's service.
The Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery
Shibli's capture of Garraveen and subsequent fall from grace highlight his learning process and the need for humility on his quest.
Deception and Guile
Noorna uses the genie Karaz to deceive and discipline Shibli, and the three hairs of Garraveen are used to strengthen him through a cunning act.
Characters to notice
- Shibli Bagarag
Captures the horse Garraveen but succumbs to pride, disobeying Noorna's warning and losing the horse and the genie Karaz's service.
- Noorna bin Noorka
Guides Shibli, warns him against riding Garraveen a second time, summons Karaz to discipline him, and ties the three hairs of Garraveen to his wrist before parting.
- Horse Garraveen
A magical black horse with speed like lightning; captured by Shibli but later ridden away by the genie Karaz.
- Genie Karaz
Summoned by Noorna, wrestles Shibli from Garraveen and rides the horse away, freeing himself from Noorna's control.
Key passages
“Thus do skilful carpenters make stronger what has broken and indicated disaster.”
Just as a carpenter reinforces a broken piece, Noorna strengthens Shibli after his failure.
Noorna ties the three hairs of Garraveen around Shibli's wrist to fortify him after his mistake.
“I will not alight from him! By Allah! such a bounding wave of bliss have I never yet had beneath me, and I will give him rein once again; as the poet says: 'Divinely rings the rushing air When I am on my mettled mare: When fast along the plains we fly, A creature of the heavens am I.'”
Shibli refuses to dismount, intoxicated by the joy of riding Garraveen, and quotes a poet to express his exhilaration.
Shibli's pride and disobedience lead to his downfall as he ignores Noorna's warning.
“No runner can outstrip his fate; and it will overtake thee, though thou part like an arrow from the bow.”
Fate is inescapable; even if you move as fast as an arrow, it will catch up with you.
Noorna warns Shibli that his actions will bring inevitable consequences.