Story Summary
Experience the legendary Indian tale of Vikram and Betaal in The King and the Vampire. Discover a journey of riddles, wit, and a king's unyielding resolve.
King Vikramaditya, a ruler known for his bravery and justice, was asked by a mysterious tantric to fetch a corpse hanging from a tree in a cremation ground. This corpse was possessed by Betaal, a celestial spirit. As Vikram carried the body on his shoulder, Betaal agreed to go but on one condition: the King must remain silent. To test him, Betaal told a complex story ending with a difficult moral riddle. If Vikram knew the answer but stayed silent, his head would burst; if he spoke, Betaal would fly back to the tree. Being a wise judge, Vikram could not help but answer correctly every time, forcing him to return and catch the spirit repeatedly. Finally, after twenty-four stories, Betaal revealed that the tantric intended to kill the King. Impressed by Vikram’s persistence and wisdom, Betaal helped the King outsmart the sorcerer, proving that true leadership requires both intelligence and unwavering determination.
The Moral
Wisdom must be accompanied by action, and a true leader never abandons their duty regardless of the obstacles or provocations.
“If you know the answer and yet remain silent, your head shall shatter into a thousand pieces.”
Fun Fact
The collection is known as 'Baital Pachisi' in Hindi, where 'Pachisi' refers to the twenty-five stories told by the spirit to the King.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The King and the Vampire?
The moral is that a person of integrity must always speak the truth and fulfill their duty, even when faced with impossible choices or personal setbacks.
Who is the author of the Vikram and Betaal stories?
The stories are traditionally attributed to the poet Somadeva, found in the 11th-century Sanskrit collection known as Kathasaritsagara.
Why did King Vikramaditya have to remain silent?
Betaal set a condition that if the King spoke a single word during the journey, the spirit would fly back to the banyan tree, forcing the King to start over.
Is Betaal actually a vampire?
While often translated as 'vampire,' Betaal is a Vetala—a ghost-like being from Hindu mythology that inhabits dead bodies and possesses supernatural knowledge.
How many stories did Betaal tell the King?
Betaal told King Vikramaditya twenty-four stories, each ending with a riddle that challenged the King's sense of justice and wisdom.
What happened at the end of the collection?
In the twenty-fifth story, the King remained silent. Betaal then warned him about the sorcerer's plot, allowing Vikram to kill the villain and earn the spirit's blessing.
