XCIX NUIT
by Unknown · from Les mille et une nuits - Tome premier
Adapted Version
Bedreddin opens his eyes. Where is he? He looks around the room. It is a nice room. But he feels lost. He feels a little sad. He was away for a long time. Is this place real? Is this his new home? He sits up in bed. He hopes it is real.
Then the door opens. A man walks in. It is Uncle Vizier! Bedreddin knows him. But Uncle Vizier looks kind now. He smiles at Bedreddin. "Why did you send me away?" Bedreddin asks. "I was so sad. I was alone. You sent me away." His eyes are big. He waits for an answer. Uncle Vizier sits down next to him.
Uncle Vizier takes his hand. "Let me tell you a story," he says. "A magic helper brought you here. The magic helper brought you to my house. I did not know you." He looked. "Then I found a special book. Your father wrote it. I read the book. And I saw the truth. You are my nephew!" Uncle Vizier smiles. "I went to find you. I looked and looked. I went to many places. I wanted to bring you home. You are part of my kin."
Uncle Vizier holds Bedreddin's hands. "I am so sorry," he says. His eyes are wet. "I made you sad. I made you cry. That was wrong. I am very, very sorry." Bedreddin listens. Uncle Vizier stands up. "But now I have good news! Your mother is here. She wants to see you. And your little boy is here too. His name is Agib. They wait for you!" Bedreddin's heart beats fast. His mother! His little boy!
The door opens again. Mother walks in! She sees Bedreddin. Her eyes fill with tears. Happy tears! She runs to him. She hugs him very, very tight. "My boy!" she says. "My dear boy! I missed you so much. I cried and cried. Now you are here!" She holds his face. She looks at him. She hugs him again. Then a little boy runs in. It is Agib! He has big, bright eyes. He runs to Bedreddin. "Papa!" he says. Bedreddin picks him up. He hugs Agib close. He knows this boy. He met him before. But now he knows. Agib is his son! "My little Agib," he says. Agib hugs his neck. Mother puts her arms around them both. All hold each other. They laugh. They cry happy tears. Bedreddin feels so much love. He looks at Mother. He looks at Agib. His heart is so full. He is not lost now. He is not sad now. He is home.
That night, the kin had a party. There is so much yummy food. All sit close. All smile. All laugh. They eat and they talk. They are all close at last.
Bedreddin and kin lived with joy. What a happy day!
Original Story
XCIX NUIT.
Scheherazade, réveillée avant le jour, reprit ainsi la parole: Sire, Bedreddin ne passa pas tranquillement la nuit; il se réveillait de temps en temps, et se demandait à lui-même s'il rêvait ou s'il était réveillé. Il se défiait de son bonheur, et cherchant à s'en assurer, il ouvrait les rideaux et parcourait des yeux toute la chambre. «Je ne me trompe pas, disait-il, voilà la même chambre où je suis entré à la place du bossu, et je suis couché avec la belle dame qui lui était destinée.» Le jour, qui paraissait, n'avait pas encore dissipé son inquiétude, lorsque le vizir Schemseddin Mohammed, son oncle, frappa à la porte, et entra presque en même temps pour lui donner le bonjour.
Bedreddin Hassan fut dans une surprise extrême de voir paraître subitement un homme qu'il connaissait si bien, mais qui n'avait plus l'air de ce juge terrible qui avait prononcé l'arrêt de sa mort. «Ah! c'est donc vous, s'écria-t-il, qui m'avez traité si indignement et condamné à une mort qui me fait encore horreur, pour une tarte à la crème où je n'avais pas mis de poivre?» Le vizir se prit à rire, et pour le tirer de peine, lui conta comment, par le ministère d'un génie, car le récit du bossu lui avait fait soupçonner l'aventure, il s'était trouvé chez lui et avait épousé sa fille à la place du palefrenier du sultan. Il lui apprit ensuite que c'était par un cahier écrit de la main de Noureddin Ali qu'il avait découvert qu'il était son neveu, et enfin il lui dit qu'en conséquence de cette découverte il était parti du Caire, et était allé jusqu'à Balsora pour le chercher et apprendre de ses nouvelles. «Mon cher neveu, ajouta-t-il en l'embrassant avec beaucoup de tendresse, je vous demande pardon de tout ce que je vous ai fait souffrir depuis que je vous ai reconnu. J'ai voulu vous ramener chez moi avant que de vous apprendre votre bonheur, que vous devez retrouver d'autant plus charmant qu'il vous a coûté plus de peines. Consolez-vous de toutes vos afflictions par la joie de vous voir rendu aux personnes qui vous doivent être les plus chères. Pendant que vous vous habillerez, je vais avertir madame votre mère, qui est dans une grande impatience de vous embrasser, et je vous amènerai votre fils, que vous avez vu à Damas, et pour qui vous vous êtes senti tant d'inclination sans le connaître.»
Il n'y a pas de paroles assez énergiques pour bien exprimer quelle fut la joie de Bedreddin lorsqu'il vit sa mère et son fils Agib. Ces trois personnes ne cessaient de s'embrasser et de faire paraître tous les transports que le sang et la plus vive tendresse peuvent inspirer. La mère dit les choses du monde les plus touchantes à Bedreddin: elle lui parla de la douleur que lui avait causée une si longue absence et des pleurs qu'elle avait versés. Le petit Agib, au lieu de fuir, comme à Damas, les embrassements de son père, ne cessait point de les recevoir, et Bedreddin Hassan, partagé entre deux objets si dignes de son amour, ne croyait pas leur pouvoir donner assez de marques de son affection.
Pendant que ces choses se passaient chez Schemseddin Mohammed, ce vizir était allé au palais, rendre compte au sultan de l'heureux succès de son voyage. Le sultan fut si charmé du récit de cette merveilleuse histoire, qu'il la fit écrire pour être conservée soigneusement dans les archives du royaume. Aussitôt que Schemseddin Mohammed fut de retour au logis, comme il avait fait préparer un superbe festin, il se mit à table avec toute sa famille, et toute sa maison passa la journée dans de grandes réjouissances.
Le vizir Giafar ayant ainsi achevé l'histoire de Bedreddin Hassan, dit au calife Haroun Alraschid: «Commandeur des croyants, voilà ce que j'avais à raconter à votre majesté.» Le calife trouva cette histoire si surprenante qu'il accorda sans hésiter la grâce de l'esclave Rihan, et pour consoler le jeune homme de la douleur qu'il avait de s'être privé lui-même malheureusement d'une femme qu'il aimait beaucoup, ce prince le maria avec une de ses esclaves, le combla de biens et le chérit jusqu'à sa mort… Mais, sire, ajouta Scheherazade, remarquant que le jour commençait à paraître, quelque agréable que soit l'histoire que je viens de raconter, j'en sais une autre qui l'est encore davantage. Si votre majesté souhaite de l'entendre la nuit prochaine, je suis assurée qu'elle en demeurera d'accord. Schahriar se leva sans rien dire et fort incertain de ce qu'il avait à faire: La bonne sultane, dit-il en lui-même, raconte de fort longues histoires, et quand une fois elle en a commencé une, il n'y a pas moyen de refuser de l'entendre tout entière. Je ne sais si je ne devrais pas la faire mourir aujourd'hui; mais non: ne précipitons rien. L'histoire dont elle me fait fête est peut-être encore plus divertissante que toutes celles qu'elle m'a racontées jusqu'ici; il ne faut pas que je me prive du plaisir de l'entendre; après qu'elle m'en aura fait le récit, j'ordonnerai sa mort.
Story DNA
Moral
Even after great suffering, destiny can lead to unexpected happiness and reunion with loved ones.
Plot Summary
Bedreddin Hassan awakens, unsure if his marriage is real, when his uncle, Vizier Schemseddin Mohammed, appears. The uncle reveals Bedreddin's true identity, explaining how a genie and his father's notebook led to his discovery, and apologizes for past injustices. Bedreddin experiences a joyous reunion with his long-lost mother and son, Agib. The Vizier reports the happy resolution to the Sultan, who orders the story recorded, while the Caliph, moved by the tale, grants mercy to a slave. Scheherazade concludes, promising another captivating story to the eager Sultan.
Themes
Emotional Arc
suffering to triumph
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
Part of the larger 'One Thousand and One Nights' collection, framed by Scheherazade's storytelling to Sultan Schahriar to save her life. This specific excerpt is the conclusion of the 'Story of Bedreddin Hassan'.
Plot Beats (11)
- Bedreddin Hassan awakens in a beautiful room, uncertain if his marriage to the beautiful woman is real or a dream, still troubled by his past.
- His uncle, Vizier Schemseddin Mohammed, enters and Bedreddin confronts him about his past condemnation.
- The Vizier explains the miraculous events involving a genie, how Bedreddin ended up in his house, and how he discovered Bedreddin's identity through Noureddin Ali's notebook.
- The Vizier apologizes for Bedreddin's suffering and promises to reunite him with his mother and son.
- Bedreddin experiences an emotional and joyful reunion with his mother and his son, Agib, whom he had previously encountered without knowing their relationship.
- The Vizier reports the successful outcome of his journey and Bedreddin's story to the Sultan, who is delighted and orders it to be preserved.
- The family celebrates with a grand feast.
- Vizier Giafar concludes the story of Bedreddin Hassan to Caliph Haroun Alraschid.
- The Caliph, moved by the story, grants mercy to the slave Rihan and arranges a marriage for him.
- Scheherazade, noting the approaching dawn, promises an even more delightful story for the next night.
- Sultan Schahriar, though contemplating her death, decides to postpone it to hear the next tale.
Characters
Scheherazade ◆ supporting
Slender and graceful, with an elegant bearing. Her movements are deliberate and poised, reflecting her intelligence and composure under pressure.
Attire: Rich, flowing silk robes in deep jewel tones like sapphire or emerald, possibly embroidered with gold thread or subtle patterns. She would wear delicate gold jewelry, such as bracelets and earrings, and perhaps a light, sheer veil draped over her hair, typical of a Persian sultana.
Wants: To survive by entertaining the Sultan with endless stories, thereby delaying her execution and ultimately changing his cruel decree.
Flaw: Her life is constantly at risk, dependent entirely on her ability to maintain the Sultan's interest.
She is in the process of transforming the Sultan's heart and mind through her stories, gradually shifting him from a cruel tyrant to a more compassionate ruler.
Intelligent, resourceful, captivating, strategic, resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Persian woman with an oval face, dark, intelligent eyes, and finely arched eyebrows. Her long, dark hair is styled in intricate braids, adorned with subtle gold jewels. She wears rich, flowing silk robes in deep sapphire blue, embroidered with gold thread. She sits with an upright, regal posture, a slight, knowing smile on her lips. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Bedreddin Hassan ★ protagonist
Of noble birth, likely possessing a well-proportioned physique, perhaps a bit disheveled from his recent ordeal but inherently handsome. His height is average for a young man of his background.
Attire: Initially, he would be in simple, fine sleepwear, likely a loose-fitting cotton or silk tunic and trousers. Once dressed, he would wear a finely tailored tunic and trousers, possibly a light outer robe, in rich but not overly ostentatious fabrics, reflecting his noble but recently troubled status in an Arabian setting.
Wants: To understand his strange circumstances, reunite with his family, and find happiness.
Flaw: His initial bewilderment and confusion make him vulnerable to manipulation or misunderstanding.
From confusion and fear, he transitions to immense joy and understanding, reuniting with his long-lost family and reclaiming his rightful place.
Bewildered, affectionate, joyful, somewhat naive (regarding the pepper incident), resilient.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Arabian man standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a handsome face with dark, expressive eyes, a straight nose, and full lips. His thick, dark hair is slightly tousled. He wears a finely tailored cream-colored linen tunic with subtle gold embroidery at the collar and cuffs, and loose-fitting white trousers. His expression is a mix of bewilderment and dawning joy. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Schemseddin Mohammed ◆ supporting
A man of authority and wisdom, likely of a sturdy build, reflecting his position as a Vizier. His height would be commanding, but not overly imposing.
Attire: Rich, formal vizier's attire, likely a flowing robe (thobe or dishdasha) made of fine silk or brocade in a deep color like maroon or forest green, possibly with gold embroidery. He would wear a jeweled turban (amamah) and possibly a wide sash (kamarband).
Wants: To right the wrong he unknowingly committed, to find his nephew, and to ensure his family's happiness and reunion.
Flaw: Initially, he was quick to judge based on appearances (the pepper incident), leading to Bedreddin's wrongful condemnation.
He transitions from a stern judge to a loving uncle, correcting his past mistake and facilitating a joyous family reunion.
Wise, authoritative, compassionate (once he understands), resourceful, just (in his own way).
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Arabian man of sturdy build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a dignified face with a well-groomed dark beard and mustache, and keen, intelligent eyes. He wears a flowing robe of deep maroon silk brocade with subtle gold embroidery, a wide gold sash, and a jeweled turban. His posture is authoritative yet capable of warmth. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Agib ◆ supporting
A young boy, small and innocent, likely with features resembling his father, Bedreddin. His build is typical of a child.
Attire: Simple but well-made child's clothing, likely a short tunic and loose trousers in light, comfortable fabrics like cotton or linen, possibly in soft blues or creams, suitable for a child of a noble household.
Wants: To receive and give love to his newly found father and reunited grandmother.
Flaw: His youth and dependence on his family.
He transforms from a shy child to one openly embracing his father and grandmother, experiencing the joy of a complete family.
Affectionate, joyful, innocent, previously shy.
Image Prompt & Upload
A young Arabian boy, a child, standing, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a sweet, innocent face with dark, bright eyes and dark, curly hair. He wears a short, light blue linen tunic and loose cream-colored trousers. His expression is one of pure joy and affection. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Bedreddin's Mother ◆ supporting
Likely a woman of mature age, showing signs of past sorrow but now radiating immense joy. Her build would be graceful, reflecting her noble background.
Attire: Elegant, modest attire befitting a noblewoman, perhaps a flowing silk dress (abaya or similar) in a rich but subdued color, possibly with delicate embroidery. Her head would be covered with a fine, embroidered scarf or veil.
Wants: To be reunited with her long-lost son and to experience the joy of her complete family.
Flaw: Her deep love for her son made his absence a source of immense suffering.
She transitions from a state of prolonged sorrow and longing to overwhelming joy and reunion with her son and grandson.
Loving, maternal, resilient, deeply emotional, expressive.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Arabian woman, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. She has a kind, loving face with dark, maternal eyes, and gentle lines around her eyes. Her dark hair is covered by a fine, embroidered cream-colored headscarf. She wears an elegant, flowing silk dress in a rich, subdued plum color. Her posture is one of profound tenderness and joy as she embraces. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Sultan Schahriar ⚔ antagonist
A powerful and imposing figure, likely of a strong build, reflecting his authority and past cruelty. His height would be commanding.
Attire: Opulent royal attire, including a richly embroidered silk robe (qaba or similar) in deep, regal colors like crimson or gold, possibly adorned with jewels. He would wear a magnificent turban, perhaps with a large jewel, and fine leather slippers.
Wants: To be entertained and to maintain his power, while also grappling with his internal conflict regarding Scheherazade's fate.
Flaw: His susceptibility to captivating stories, which prevents him from carrying out his cruel decree.
He is slowly being transformed from a cruel and vengeful ruler into a more thoughtful and compassionate one through Scheherazade's stories, though he still struggles with his past decrees.
Cruel (initially), contemplative, easily entertained, indecisive (regarding Scheherazade), appreciative of good stories, calculating.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Persian man of strong build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a stern, regal face with a dark, well-groomed beard and mustache, and keen, contemplative eyes. He wears a richly embroidered crimson silk robe adorned with gold thread and jewels, and a magnificent turban with a large emerald. His posture is authoritative, with a hand stroking his beard. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Vizir Giafar ◆ supporting
A distinguished and respected figure, likely of a mature age, with a dignified bearing befitting his high office. His build would be solid and authoritative.
Attire: Formal vizier's attire, similar to Schemseddin Mohammed, but perhaps even more opulent, reflecting his direct service to the Caliph. A flowing robe of fine brocade or silk in a deep, rich color, a jeweled turban, and a wide sash.
Wants: To entertain and advise Caliph Haroun Alraschid, and to fulfill his duties as vizier.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but his position requires constant diplomacy and careful navigation of court politics.
He serves as a conduit for the story, demonstrating his skill as a narrator and advisor.
Eloquent, loyal, wise, diplomatic, skilled storyteller.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Arabian man of solid build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a wise and experienced face with a neatly trimmed dark beard and mustache, and intelligent, observant eyes. He wears a flowing robe of deep emerald green brocade with intricate gold embroidery, a wide gold sash, and a magnificent jeweled turban. His posture is dignified and respectful. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Caliph Haroun Alraschid ◆ supporting
A powerful and discerning ruler, likely of a robust and regal build, reflecting his status as Caliph. His height would be commanding.
Attire: The most opulent royal attire, including a flowing robe (thobe or dishdasha) of the finest silk or velvet, richly embroidered with gold and precious stones. He would wear a magnificent, jeweled turban and possibly a curved scimitar at his side.
Wants: To govern his realm, to be entertained, and to dispense justice.
Flaw: Not explicitly shown, but his decisions are influenced by the stories he hears.
He makes a decision based on the story he hears, demonstrating his capacity for justice and mercy.
Discerning, just (when moved), appreciative of stories, powerful, sometimes merciful.
Image Prompt & Upload
An adult Arabian man of robust and regal build, facing forward, full body visible from head to toe. He has a commanding and intelligent face with a well-groomed dark beard and mustache, and sharp, discerning eyes. He wears a flowing robe of the finest royal blue velvet, richly embroidered with gold and precious stones, and a magnificent, jeweled turban. A curved golden scimitar with a ruby pommel is at his side. His posture is regal and authoritative. Plain white background, full body visible head to toe, single figure, no watermark, no text, no signature.
Locations
Bedreddin's Chamber
A private chamber, likely within a grand Arabian dwelling, furnished with a bed draped with curtains. The early morning light begins to filter in.
Mood: Initially uncertain and disbelieving, transitioning to joyous and emotional.
Bedreddin awakens, confirms his new reality, and is reunited with his uncle, mother, and son.
Image Prompt & Upload
A lavish Abbasid-era bedroom, the air still cool from the night, with soft dawn light filtering through a mashrabiya screen, casting intricate patterns on the polished marble floor. A large, ornate bed with rich silk curtains is the focal point, and the walls are adorned with geometric tile mosaics and calligraphic friezes. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Schemseddin Mohammed's Palace
The grand residence of the vizier Schemseddin Mohammed, where a superb feast is prepared and the family gathers for celebrations.
Mood: Joyful, celebratory, familial.
The family celebrates Bedreddin's return and reunion, enjoying a grand feast.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, sunlit riad courtyard within an Arabian palace, featuring a central fountain with intricate geometric tile work. The surrounding arcades are supported by slender, carved wooden pillars, and the walls are adorned with vibrant, complex arabesque patterns. Lush date palms and fragrant jasmine vines grow in large terracotta pots, and the air is filled with the scent of spices and celebration. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Sultan's Palace Archives
A secure and important section of the Sultan's palace, where significant stories and records are preserved.
Mood: Formal, historical, significant.
The Sultan orders Bedreddin's story to be written down and preserved.
Image Prompt & Upload
A vast, dimly lit Abbasid-era palace archive, with towering shelves crafted from dark, polished cedar wood, filled with countless scrolls and bound manuscripts. Intricate muqarnas vaults rise overhead, and narrow shafts of light pierce small, high windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. The atmosphere is one of ancient knowledge and quiet reverence. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
Sultan Schahriar's Royal Chamber
The private chamber of Sultan Schahriar, where Scheherazade tells her stories as dawn breaks.
Mood: Tense, contemplative, with a hint of suspense.
Scheherazade concludes her story, and the Sultan contemplates her fate and the next tale.
Image Prompt & Upload
A luxurious Abbasid royal bedchamber at dawn, with soft, cool light filtering through large, arched windows overlooking a palace garden. The room features rich silk tapestries on the walls, a grand bed draped with embroidered fabrics, and low, comfortable divans. Polished marble floors reflect the subtle light, and the air is still and quiet. no border, no frame, no watermark, no text, no signature, edge-to-edge illustration.
