The Slaves of the Padishah · Chapter
A Man Abandoned by His Guardian-Angel explained
Following the failed siege of Vienna, the Ottoman Empire suffers catastrophic defeats, losing Buda and other fortresses.
What happens
Following the failed siege of Vienna, the Ottoman Empire suffers catastrophic defeats, losing Buda and other fortresses. Michael Teleki, having sided with the Germans, becomes a Count of the Holy Roman Empire as Transylvania becomes imperial territory. Amidst these national upheavals, Anna Bornemissza, the virtuous wife of Prince Michael Apafi, dies. Her death leaves Apafi desolate and mentally broken, as he laments his perceived poverty and descends into madness, ultimately finding release in death.
Themes in this chapter
Fate and Death
The chapter details the literal fulfillment of prophecies made in the Divan, leading to the deaths of numerous pashas and the Sultan. It also covers the death of Anna Bornemissza and the subsequent decline and death of Michael Apafi.
Power and Corruption
Michael Teleki's political maneuvering, switching sides to the winning German faction and being rewarded with a countship, highlights the corrupting nature of power and self-interest.
War and Destruction
The chapter describes the devastating consequences of the war, including the scattering of the Ottoman host, the loss of fortresses, and the widespread ruin that follows.
Characters to notice
- Michael Teleki
Avoids the war with the Turks and secretly aligns with the German commander at Raab, ultimately becoming a Count of the Holy Roman Empire and opening Transylvanian towns to German garrisons.
- Michael Apafi
Grieves deeply after the death of his wife, Anna Bornemissza. His mental state deteriorates as he obsesses over imagined poverty, becoming increasingly irrational and withdrawn.
- Anna Bornemissza
Dies in this chapter, described as the last lovable figure and Apafi's 'guardian-angel' and consoler. Her death leaves Apafi without refuge from his sorrows.
- Kara Mustafa
Orders the Vizier of Buda to be throttled after the battle is lost. He is later presented with the silken cord and purple purse by Olaj Beg, and is decapitated.
- Emeric Tököly
Kills Ajas Pasha at the Sultan's command, fulfilling a prophecy made in the Divan.
- Olaj Beg
Brings the silken cord and purple purse to Kara Mustafa, which are used for his execution.
Key passages
“One blow followed hard upon another.”
A series of misfortunes occurred in rapid succession.
Sets the tone for the chapter's cascade of disasters.
“The formidable host surrounding Vienna was scattered in a single night by the heroic sword of Sobieski, the gigantic military enterprise was ruined.”
The massive Ottoman army besieging Vienna was decisively defeated in one night by Sobieski, destroying their grand campaign.
Summarizes the pivotal defeat that reverses the Ottomans' fortunes.
“And all those who were present at the Divan fulfilled, one by one, the prophecy that they should see Paradise before long.”
Every person who had attended the Divan met their death, just as Feriz Beg had predicted.
Highlights the theme of fate and the fulfillment of prophecy.
“Only after her death did Apafi feel what his wife had been to him, his guardian-angel, his consoler in all his sorrows, the brightest part of his life, and when that light set, everything around him was doubly dark.”
Apafi only realized the true value of his wife after she died; she was his protector and comfort, and her loss plunged him into deeper darkness.
Explains the profound impact of Anna Bornemissza's death on Apafi.
“He began to get quite crazy, and could neither eat, drink, nor sleep.”
He started to lose his mind, unable to eat, drink, or sleep.
Describes Apafi's descent into madness following his wife's death.
