In the old days, when kings ruled from richly adorned palaces and fate was believed to walk beside humankind, there lived a powerful ruler whose kingdom stretched across fertile lands and open skies. Though his reign was strong, his heart carried a quiet sorrow, for many years passed without an heir. At last, joy came to the palace when his youngest wife, Gulbahra, gentle and kind of spirit, gave birth to twin sons, whom the king named Zarlik and Munglik.
The king rejoiced greatly. Bells rang, feasts were held, and prayers of gratitude echoed through the palace halls. Yet while the king celebrated, envy took root in the hearts of the older queens. They feared losing favor and power, and their jealousy darkened into cruelty. Unable to bear the sight of Gulbahra’s happiness, they devised a terrible plot to rid themselves of the children forever.
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The jealous co-wives secretly sought out a sorceress, skilled in dark arts and willing to serve those who paid her price. Together they planned that the infants be stolen from their cradle under the cover of night and abandoned in the wilderness, where no human care could save them. The deed was done swiftly and in silence. When morning came, Gulbahra’s cries of despair filled the palace, while the conspirators feigned sorrow and spoke false words of fate and misfortune.
Far from the palace walls, the twins lay helpless in the wild. But destiny had not abandoned them. A wild deer, gentle and strong, discovered the crying children and, moved by instinct or divine will, carried them to safety. The deer nurtured the twins as her own, feeding them and sheltering them among forests and open plains. Under her care, Zarlik and Munglik grew, healthy in body and pure in heart, learning compassion from the creature who saved them.
As the brothers matured, they sensed that their lives held a mystery. Though raised in the wild, they felt drawn toward the world of men. Among the two, Munglik was especially curious, questioning their origins and searching for answers beyond the forest. From travelers’ whispers and old tales, he learned of a wondrous object known as the World-Mirror, a magical mirror said to reveal all truths, past and present, without deceit.
Determined to uncover their history, Munglik set out on a perilous journey. His path led through distant lands and dangerous trials until he encountered the mighty Semurgh, the legendary bird of wisdom and protection. Recognizing Munglik’s pure heart and noble purpose, the Semurgh agreed to help him. Carrying him across vast distances, the bird guided him to the hidden place where the World-Mirror was kept.
With courage and humility, Munglik claimed the mirror and returned to his brother. Together, the twins resolved to bring the truth before the king. When they arrived at the royal court, their presence stirred unease among the jealous queens, though they did not yet understand why.
Before the king, Munglik lifted the World-Mirror. Its surface shimmered and revealed not reflections, but reality itself. Within it appeared the palace of years past, the sorceress, the betrayal, and the moment the infants were cast away. The mirror showed everything, the innocence of the twins, the suffering of Gulbahra, and the lies that had poisoned the court.
The king stood frozen in grief and fury. At once, the truth was undeniable. He ordered punishment for the conspirators and restored Gulbahra to her rightful place as queen. Zarlik and Munglik were embraced as royal sons, and the kingdom rejoiced at their return.
Thus, truth triumphed, and justice was restored, proving that even when hidden, truth waits patiently to be revealed.
Moral Lesson
This folktale teaches that truth cannot be buried by deceit. Envy may bring temporary power, but honesty, patience, and courage ultimately restore justice and harmony.
Knowledge Check
1. Who are Zarlik and Munglik?
They are twin sons of a king, cast away at birth and later reunited with their family.
2. Why were the twins abandoned?
Jealous co-wives plotted against their mother, Gulbahra, out of envy.
3. Who saves and raises the twins?
A compassionate wild deer protects and nurtures them.
4. What is the World-Mirror?
A magical mirror that reveals hidden truths and past events.
5. What role does the Semurgh play?
The mythical bird helps Munglik obtain the World-Mirror.
6. What central theme defines the story?
The triumph of truth and justice over jealousy and betrayal.
Source: Uzbek folk tale collected by Mansur Afzalov, published in Uzbek Folk Tales
Cultural Origin: Uzbekistan (Uzbek folklore)
