Mamundi’s Son

In the land of Mahalaya, a magician by the name of Mamundi resided. He was recognized for his prosperity and knowledge of many spells. Despite his abundant earnings through his magical prowess, Mamundi was acknowledged as a good man who consistently endeavored to assist the poor and the needy. He had a son named Suppiah, who was well-versed in the arts of magic as well.

Suppiah’s Ambition

Suppiah bore the opinion that his father was not exercising his talents in full measure. He was confident that he could outdo his father if he pursued magic independently. As a result, he decided to travel to the capital, intending to demonstrate his magical abilities before the King. However, upon hearing Suppiah’s purpose, the King seethed with fury. Some time ago, an astrologer had predicted that a magician would bring about the death of the young prince once he turned two years old. The King was reminded of this prophecy as his young prince had just reached the age of two. The King, driven by fear, conspired with his minister to eliminate Suppiah.

The King’s Scheme

Suppiah was courteously invited to stay in the royal guest house. During his stay, the unsuspecting young man was served dinner liberally laced with a certain poison. After consuming the tainted meal, Suppiah collapsed and tragically lost his life. His body was surreptitiously buried in a plot of land next to the palace that very night. When Mamundi received the news of his son not returning from the capital, he set out to locate him. His search lead him to the capital, where he discovered the ghastly truth about his son’s demise.

Mamundi’s Vengeance

Upon learning of his son’s fate, Mamundi was overcome with rage. He decided to exact a terrible revenge on the King. One evening, he infiltrated the royal gardens where the young prince was usually found at play. Using his magical skills, he hypnotized the maids and the guards, kidnapping the young prince without detection. He took the prince back to his home, removing his royal attire and accessories, and replaced them with ordinary clothes. The abducted prince started to grow under Mamundi’s care, oblivious to his true lineage.

The King’s Despair and Prophecy

Meanwhile, the King was wrought with grief over the loss of his child. His ministers comforted him by reminding him of the prophecy which predicted the prince’s abduction but ensured his eventual return. At the time of his death, Suppiah was just sixteen years old. Therefore, when the prince reached the same age, Mamundi gave him a box. He instructed him to present it to the King as a gift. The prince, thinking Mamundi was his father, obeyed and went to deliver the box to the King. Upon opening it, the King found the familiar baby clothes and ornaments of his lost son. Mistaking the prince for his son’s abductor, he ordered for his immediate execution.

The Prince’s Salvation and Sign of Royalty

However, the King’s astute minister identified signs of royalty on the young man’s face. He implored the King to delay the execution while he inspected the contents of the box. Hidden in a corner was a letter from Mamundi, chastising the King for his haste and informing him that the young man was in fact his long-lost son. Defending the prince, the minister convinced the King of this truth. After realizing his mistake, the King sought out Mamundi to seek his forgiveness and express his gratitude for raising his son. Mamundi, still harboring his vengeful spirit, ended up spending the rest of his life at the palace.