The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
The Sword of Aklis explained
Shibli Bagarag and the Antelope (Princess Gulrevaz) traverse the halls of Aklis, overcome a lion with a hair of Garraveen, and enter the Cave of Chrysolites.
What happens
Shibli Bagarag and the Antelope (Princess Gulrevaz) traverse the halls of Aklis, overcome a lion with a hair of Garraveen, and enter the Cave of Chrysolites. There, the seven sons of Aklis test Shibli by having him thrust his wrist into a furnace and bathe in golden waters. He then grasps the magical Sword, which can shrink or lengthen at command and cuts through anything. The sons restore the Antelope to her true form as Princess Gulrevaz, who urges Shibli to remember his betrothed Noorna and hasten to rescue her.
Themes in this chapter
The Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery
Shibli undergoes trials in Aklis—facing the lion, the furnace, and grasping the Sword—demonstrating his growth and resolve.
Love and Sacrifice
Shibli's actions are driven by his devotion to Noorna, and Gulrevaz reminds him of her sacrifice and faithfulness.
Transformation and Renewal
The Antelope is transformed back into Princess Gulrevaz through the rituals in the cave, symbolizing renewal.
Characters to notice
- Shibli Bagarag
Passes the trials of Aklis, grasps the Sword, and is reminded by Gulrevaz of his duty to rescue Noorna.
- Noorna bin Noorka
Referenced as the faithful betrothed awaiting rescue on the pillar, motivating Shibli's actions.
- Princess Gulrevaz
Revealed as the Antelope transformed; she guides Shibli and urges him to remember Noorna.
- Aklis
The seven sons of Aklis administer the trials and restore Gulrevaz to her true form.
- Horse Garraveen
A hair from Garraveen is used to subdue the lion and later split to demonstrate the Sword's power.
Key passages
“In Aklis no haste!”
In the realm of Aklis, one must not rush.
Gulrevaz cautions Shibli against impatience as they approach the trials.
“In Aklis fear is ruin, and hesitation a destroyer.”
In Aklis, being afraid leads to failure, and hesitating brings destruction.
Gulrevaz advises Shibli to be bold and decisive before the furnace trial.
“Grasp the handle of the Sword!”
Take hold of the Sword's hilt.
The sons of Aklis command Shibli to seize the magical Sword.
“Sleep!”
Become small and dormant.
The command word that shrinks the Sword to a knife in the girdle.
“Wake!”
Grow to full size and become active.
The command word that lengthens the Sword when hissed on the serpent heads.