# The Talking Hawk explained — The Shaving of Shagpat

> Chapter companion for The Shaving of Shagpat by George Meredith.

## What happens

Shibli Bagarag, guided by a talking hawk and the waters of Paravid, travels to the City of Oolb. He is tricked by the genie Karaz disguised as a ship captain, but the hawk saves him from drowning and brings him to shore.

## Themes in this chapter

### The Heroic Journey and Self-Discovery

Shibli's journey to Oolb, guided by supernatural aids, exemplifies the hero's path toward his destiny.

### Deception and Guile

The genie Karaz deceives Shibli by posing as a friendly captain, highlighting the theme of trickery.

## Character check-ins

### Shibli Bagarag

The hero, guided by the hawk and the waters of Paravid, survives the genie Karaz's trap and reaches the shore.

### Noorna bin Noorka

Mentioned as the one who foresaw Shibli's greatness and gave him the phial of Paravid.

### Genie Karaz

Disguised as a ship captain, he attempts to capture Shibli but is thwarted by the hawk.

### Goorelka of Oolb

Referenced as part of Noorna's story, though not directly present in this chapter.

## Key lines

> The hawk shook its wings and closed an eye.

The hawk gestured in agreement or acknowledgment.

_The hawk communicates non-verbally with Shibli._

> Delay in thine undertaking Is disaster of thy own making

Procrastination leads to self-inflicted failure.

_A proverb used by the false captain to urge Shibli to act quickly._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_shaving_of_shagpat_se/chapters/the-talking-hawk
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_shaving_of_shagpat_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_shaving_of_shagpat_se/chapters