Abu the Wrestler

A Dream of Fame

Long ago, in the land of Persia, there lived a poor man with a son named Abu, who was an expert wrestler. Abu yearned for fame as a national wrestler and sought his father’s permission to pursue this dream.

A Father’s Warning

The father replied, “Son, strength alone is not enough. You must also have luck. We are destined to live in poverty, so be satisfied with what you have. Do not aspire for more.”

A Relentless Pursuit

However, Abu was undeterred by his father’s harsh words. He persistently urged his father until the latter finally acquiesced: “Go your way, but remember that no man will heed a mere muscle man. Scholars, singers, and scientists receive the most respect. You are none of these; however, I won’t stop you. Go wherever you like.”

The Journey Begins

Abu disregarded his father’s warnings and set off immediately for the harbor, where a ship stood ready to sail. He approached the captain, begging to be taken aboard. The captain rebuffed him, saying, “Are you not ashamed to seek a free ride? You look as strong as a bull, yet you roam about idly!”

Finding Strength

Incensed by the captain’s words, Abu leaped upon him and delivered a powerful blow to his jaw. The other sailors rushed to the captain’s aid, but Abu fought fiercely, and no one could withstand him. When the captain recovered, he recognized Abu’s strength and thought he could be useful in future fights, so he allowed him on board.

A Tempestuous Journey

Once at sea, Abu roamed the ship like a lion. His volatile temperament led him to constantly pick fights with the crew, which ultimately exasperated the captain. One day, as a severe storm approached, the captain ordered, “There’s going to be a storm soon. We must anchor at the Rock of Dabi. Abu, swim to the rock and tie this anchor rope.”

Stranded

Abu complied and swam to the rock, but as soon as he tied the rope, the captain unfurled the sails and sailed away, leaving poor Abu stranded. Undaunted, Abu jumped into the sea and swam towards the distant shore.

An Oasis Encounter

Tired and weary, Abu finally reached the shore and made his way to an oasis. There, a guard at the water’s edge refused to give him water unless he paid a toll fee. Abu declined, which led to a confrontation where he severely assaulted the guard. After quenching his thirst, he walked further inland.

A New Opportunity

At an inn overflowing with merchants from a caravan, Abu requested lodging but was brusquely turned away by the innkeeper, who said, “If you can’t pay for your food and lodging, you can’t stay here.” Just as Abu was about to leave, one of the caravan members stepped forward and offered him a job as a protector against bandits, sensing Abu’s strength.

Betrayed by Jealousy

Abu gladly accepted the job and traveled with the caravan, where he proved his worth in battle. However, the caravan’s leader grew jealous of Abu’s popularity. One night, while Abu slept, the leader conspired with his men to leave him behind, fearing his strength.

Alone Again

When morning arrived, Abu found himself abandoned. He wandered until discovering an old boat on the seashore. He climbed in and began to row, hoping for a merchant ship to pick him up. Fortunately, after a few hours, a ship appeared, and he was soon rescued, unaware it was the same ship that left him before.

The Pirates’ Challenge

While sailing, Abu heard moaning from a box in the ship’s forecastle. Curious, he opened it to find a handsome man inside. The man urged Abu to escape, revealing that they were on a pirate ship. Abu, excited for a fight, confronted the captain and threw him overboard. The crew, confused by the sudden attack, quickly drew their swords, but Abu and the stranger fought back with fierce determination.

A New Ally

After a fierce battle, Abu and his companion emerged victorious. The stranger introduced himself as the prince of the land, explaining he had been kidnapped by the pirates. Grateful for Abu’s help, he offered him a position as his bodyguard, promising ample rewards.

A Happy Ending

Abu accepted and became a royal bodyguard, living a life of happiness at the palace, having finally found his true calling.