The Golden Fish and the Twins
The Fisherman’s Wish
Once upon a time, there was a fisherman who lived happily with his wife. Every day, he would sail on the high seas and catch abundant fish, which he sold for a handsome profit. Though content, he often felt sad because he had no heir to light his house.
The Old Crone’s Advice
One day, while he was away, an old crone visited his wife and said, “It seems you and your husband long for a child. Do as I tell you. Ask your husband to catch a golden fish. Cut it into six pieces: eat one yourself, give one to your husband, another to the dog, and the fourth to your mare. Bury the remaining two on either side of your front door. Do this, and you will get what you desire.” With that, the old woman hobbled away.
A Bountiful Blessing
The fisherwoman followed the crone’s instructions. Her husband caught a golden fish and divided it into six parts accordingly. Over time, the fisherwoman gave birth to twin boys, the dog had a litter of two puppies, the mare foaled twice, and two large trees sprouted on either side of their front door.
The Twins
The twins were as alike as peas in a pod, distinguishable only by the clothes they wore. One was named Jai, and the other, Vijay. As they grew to be handsome lads, each chose a horse, a dog, and a tree for himself.
The Call to Adventure
One day, Jai and Vijay expressed their desire to travel the world. As their old parents were hesitant to send both at once, it was decided that Jai would leave first, and upon his return, Vijay would follow. Before leaving, Jai advised, “Vijay, watch my tree carefully. If the leaves fade, know that my life is in danger.”
The Glittering City
Jai mounted his horse, accompanied by his dog, and set out on his journey. He soon arrived at a glittering city where he stumbled upon a humble cottage opposite the king’s palace. The old woman who lived there welcomed travellers and made them comfortable, so Jai decided to stay.
The Princess’s Test
At dinner that evening, Jai asked the old woman about the excitement in the city. She replied, “Oh, yes! The most exciting news is about the beautiful princess, Swarnakeshini. Sadly, all those who sought her hand have failed the king’s test and have been hanged.” Jai, undeterred, said, “Never mind that. Why should I worry? Come, let me sing you a song.”
A Song That Captivates
As he sang a soulful melody, the windows of the palace opened, and Princess Swarnakeshini listened with rapt admiration. When the song ended, she dispatched her guard to bring Jai to the palace. Instantly smitten, she expressed her desire to marry him to her father. The king, wanting to please his daughter, summoned Jai and declared, “If you wish to marry my daughter, you must prove yourself worthy by passing three tests.”
The First Test
Jai agreed to the challenge. The king presented a log and instructed him, “Tomorrow, you must cut this log in two with a single stroke.” Jai returned to the cottage, troubled about how he would achieve this feat. Swarnakeshini visited him and offered, “Wrap a strand of my hair around your blade and strike hard. Everything will be alright.”
The Second Test
He followed her advice and successfully split the log the next day. The astonished king then ordered him to ride around a field three times while holding a pitcher of water without spilling a drop. That night, Swarnakeshini provided him with her earrings to freeze the water. The next day, Jai completed the task flawlessly.
The Final Challenge
For the final test, the king commanded Jai to wrestle his champion and defeat him. Anticipating a trick, Jai returned home, and Swarnakeshini revealed that she could transform into a demon for the match. She instructed him to sprinkle water on her to make her faint, ensuring his victory.
Triumph and Escape
On the day of the contest, Jai emerged triumphant, and the king announced plans for their wedding. However, Jai had no desire to marry Swarnakeshini, so that night, he fled the cottage, riding fast into a neighbouring realm.
The Dragon’s Lair
Upon reaching the coastal city, he encountered mourners at the shore. He discovered a maiden tied to a rock, destined to be sacrificed to a dragon. After slaying the dragon in a fierce battle, Jai was hailed a hero and married the grateful princess.
The Wicked Witch’s Curse
One day, while hunting, Jai stumbled upon a witch’s cottage. The wicked witch cursed him, turning him, his horse, and his dog to stone. Meanwhile, the trees at home began to droop, alarming Vijay about his brother’s plight.
The Quest for Rescue
Upon reaching the coastal city, Vijay learned of Jai’s marriage but quickly set off to find his brother, ignoring the princess’s confusion. He discovered the witch’s lair and the stone figures of his brother and their faithful companions. With caution, he confronted the witch and, with the help of his dog, retrieved magical wands from her.
A Brother’s Sacrifice
Using the wands, Vijay resurrected Jai and restored his companions. Upon their return home, Vijay recounted the events, joking, “Interestingly, your wife mistook me for you.” Frustrated, Jai, in a moment of anger, killed Vijay, only to realize the grave mistake he had made.
Forgiveness and Reunion
Full of grief, Jai restored Vijay to life using the magic wands. Thankfully, Vijay was forgiving of the misdeed, and the brothers reunited. Jai told Vijay of his encounter with Swarnakeshini and encouraged him to propose to her.
A Royal Wedding
Vijay approached the princess, who was overjoyed but confused by his identity. Realizing the futility of explaining, he and Swarnakeshini wed, and Vijay soon became king. Thus, Jai and Vijay lived happily ever after, bound by their adventures and reconciliations.