The Shaving of Shagpat · Chapter
The Veiled Figure explained
Shibli Bagarag and Abarak depart from Aklis after the Sword is flashed, revealing the Veiled Figure as Rabesqurat.
What happens
Shibli Bagarag and Abarak depart from Aklis after the Sword is flashed, revealing the Veiled Figure as Rabesqurat. Shibli is horrified by the sight and loses his wits. Abarak discovers two remaining hairs of Garraveen on Shibli's wrist, which transform into genii Karavejis and Veejravoosh. Because Shibli peered through the veil, the genii cannot serve him directly, and the party must escape Aklis by diving into a brook.
Themes in this chapter
Illusion vs. Reality
The Veiled Figure's true identity (Rabesqurat) is revealed, shattering the illusion and overwhelming Shibli's mind.
Deception and Guile
The Veiled Figure conceals Rabesqurat's identity; Shibli's act of peering through the veil is a transgression that alters his path.
Characters to notice
- Shibli Bagarag
Flashes the Sword, peers through the veil, and is horrified to see Rabesqurat. Loses his wits and laughs insanely; is pushed and guided by Abarak.
- Abarak
Urges Shibli onward, discovers the two hairs of Garraveen on Shibli's wrist, and helps him escape Aklis by diving into a brook.
- Rabesqurat
Revealed as the Veiled Figure when Shibli flashes the Sword; her sight overwhelms Shibli.
- Horse Garraveen
Two remaining hairs of Garraveen are found on Shibli's wrist; they transform into genii.
- Karavejis
Genie slave of the Sword, formed from a hair of Garraveen; helps guide Shibli and Abarak to the brook passage.
- Veejravoosh
Genie slave of the Sword, formed from a hair of Garraveen; assists in the escape from Aklis.
Key passages
“Verily there was lightning in Aklis as Shibli Bagarag flashed the Sword over the clamouring beasts: the shape of the great palace stood forth vividly, and a wide illumination struck up the streams, and gilded the large hanging leaves, and drew the hills glimmeringly together, and scattered fires on the flat faces of the rocks.”
When Shibli Bagarag flashed the Sword, lightning lit up Aklis, revealing the palace, streams, leaves, hills, and rocks in vivid detail.
Describes the dramatic illumination caused by the Sword.
“Then, when Abarak turned to him for the reason of the flashing of the Sword, he beheld the eyes of the youth fixed in horror, glaring as at sights beyond the tomb.”
Abarak saw that Shibli's eyes were wide with horror, as if he had seen something from beyond the grave.
Shibli's reaction to seeing the Veiled Figure's true form.
“And he muttered, 'His star is a strange one! one that leadeth him to fortune by the path of frowns! to greatness by the aid of thwackings! Truly the ways of Allah are wonderful!'”
Abarak reflected that Shibli's destiny is unusual, bringing him fortune through difficulties and beatings.
Abarak's commentary on Shibli's peculiar fate.