The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
The Palace of Aklis explained
Shibli Bagarag enters the Palace of Aklis and is tempted by three halls of illusion: one with fountains of jewels, one with a feast, and one with beautiful damsels.
What happens
Shibli Bagarag enters the Palace of Aklis and is tempted by three halls of illusion: one with fountains of jewels, one with a feast, and one with beautiful damsels. He resists the first two temptations by focusing on his quest for the Sword of Aklis, but in the third hall he is crowned with a false crown and trapped on a throne. After striking a hidden gong, he is freed and discovers other duped kings. He uses the waters of Paravid to awaken an ancient king, who advises him to flash the Sword in the hall when he obtains it.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
The three halls present illusory temptations (jewels, feasts, and a false crown) that distract from the true quest. Shibli's eventual recognition of the crown as 'bejewelled asses' ears' underscores the theme.
The Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery
Shibli's passage through the palace tests his resolve and commitment to his quest, leading to a moment of self-awareness when he laughs at his own folly.
Deception and Guile
The damsels deceive Shibli with flattery and a false coronation, trapping him on the throne. The entire palace is designed to ensnare seekers with illusions.
Characters to notice
- Shibli Bagarag
Enters the Palace of Aklis, resists temptations of jewels and feasts, but is deceived by the damsels and crowned with a false crown. He later awakens an ancient king with the waters of Paravid.
- Noorna bin Noorka
Shibli's betrothed; her safety on a solitary pillar in the sea motivates Shibli to resist temptation and continue his quest.
- Shagpat
Appears in a vision to Shibli, reminding him of his barbering mission and strengthening his resolve to seek the Sword.
Key passages
“The Sword of Aklis! nought save the Sword!”
Shibli declares that he seeks only the Sword of Aklis, rejecting the temptations of jewels and feasts.
This refrain marks Shibli's determination to stay focused on his true goal.
“The ninety and ninth! Peace now for us and blissfulness with our lords, for now all are filled save the door of the Sword, which maketh the hundredth.”
The damsels celebrate that ninety-nine doors have been filled with duped kings, leaving only the door of the Sword unopened.
Reveals the pattern of deception in the palace and the significance of the Sword's door.
“When cometh he of the ninety-and-ninth door?”
The ancient king asks when the one who opened the ninety-ninth door will arrive.
Suggests a prophecy or cycle involving the number of doors and the eventual arrival of a key figure.