# Conclusion explained — Vikram and the Vampire

> Chapter companion for Vikram and the Vampire by Richard F. Burton.

## What happens

Raja Vikram, having finally maintained silence, earns the Baital's praise and a warning about the Yogi Shanta-Shil's true identity and murderous intentions. The Baital reveals the Yogi's plot to sacrifice Vikram to Durga and advises him on how to survive. Vikram delivers the corpse to the Yogi in the burning ground, where the Yogi performs rituals and leads them to a temple of the Destroying Deity. Indra appears and grants Vikram a boon that his adventure will be famous forever. Vikram throws the corpses into a cauldron, creating two heroes, and returns to rule prosperously, earning the title Vikramaditya.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Truth

The Yogi Shanta-Shil is revealed to be the same person as the merchant Mal Deo, highlighting the theme of hidden identities and deceit.

### Fate and Free Will

Vikram's silence and obedience to the Baital's advice allow him to escape the Yogi's trap and fulfill his destiny.

### Power and Kingship

Vikram's courage and self-restraint earn him divine favor and the title Vikramaditya, symbolizing righteous kingship.

## Character check-ins

### Raja Vikram

Maintains stubborn silence, receives the Baital's advice, delivers the corpse to the Yogi, and is granted a boon by Indra.

### The Baital

Praises Vikram's silence, reveals the Yogi's plot, advises Vikram on how to avoid sacrifice, and departs after blessing him.

### Shanta-shil

Revealed as the Yogi who plotted to kill Vikram; performs rituals in the burning ground and attempts to sacrifice Vikram to Durga.

### Dharma Dhwaj

Vikram's son, who pulls his father's sleeve as a reminder to remain silent.

### Indra

Appears in his celestial car, grants Vikram a boon that his adventure will be remembered forever.

### Mal Deo

Mentioned as the young merchant who is actually the Yogi Shanta-Shil in disguise.

## Key lines

> A man is justified in killing one who has a design to kill him.

It is morally acceptable to kill someone who intends to kill you.

_The Baital uses this proverb to justify Vikram's potential action against the Yogi._

> As long as the sun and moon endure, and the sky looks down upon the ground, so long shall this thy adventure be remembered over all the earth.

Your story will be famous forever, for as long as the sun, moon, and sky exist.

_Indra grants Vikram's boon that his adventure will be immortalized._

## Links

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