In a small village near the edge of a vast forest lived an old woman and her three daughters. Their life was modest, shaped by hard work and quiet endurance. One winter evening, as the old woman gathered firewood to warm her home, she unknowingly lifted a bundle in which a serpent lay coiled. When the creature revealed itself, she cried out in fear, but the serpent did not strike. Instead, it spoke with a human voice, calm and measured.
The serpent told her that he was no ordinary creature, but the King of the Snakes, and he wished to take one of her daughters as his wife. In return, he promised wealth and prosperity beyond imagining. Trembling, the old woman returned home and told her daughters of the strange encounter. The two elder sisters recoiled in horror, refusing outright to marry a serpent, no matter the reward.
The youngest daughter, however, listened carefully. Though afraid, she was thoughtful and brave, sensing that fate often wears frightening disguises. After a long silence, she agreed to the serpent’s proposal, determined to face whatever awaited her. At dawn, the serpent came for her, and she followed him deep into the forest, leaving behind her childhood home.
Hidden among towering trees stood a mystical palace, unseen by ordinary travelers. There, the serpent revealed his secret. Each night, when darkness fell, he shed his scaly skin and became a handsome young man, noble in bearing and gentle in speech. By day, he resumed his serpent form, bound by enchantment. The maiden accepted both aspects of her husband without fear, honoring him with patience and loyalty. In time, they were married, and the palace became her home.
Their life together was peaceful, and eventually, the young woman gave birth to a child, strengthening the bond between them. Yet despite her happiness, she felt a growing longing to see her mother and sisters again. Sensing her sorrow, the King of the Snakes agreed to let her visit her family. He dressed her in splendid garments, rich with beauty, and sent her back to the village with his blessing.
When the young woman arrived home, her family was astonished. Her fine clothes and quiet confidence spoke of a life transformed. While her mother rejoiced, the eldest sister’s heart filled with envy. She could not bear that the sister who once had the least now possessed the greatest fortune. Greed clouded her judgment, and a dark plan took shape.
As the sisters walked together near a river, the eldest struck suddenly, pushing the youngest into the water. She seized the fine garments and returned home, claiming to be the true wife of the King of the Snakes. Believing deception would grant her the same fortune, she set off toward the forest palace.
But within the palace, all was not as she expected. Though she wore the stolen clothes, she lacked the gentle spirit and patience of the true wife. The King of the Snakes noticed small differences—her voice, her manner, her lack of kindness. Suspicion grew in his heart. He questioned her closely, and her answers rang false.
Unable to bear the deception, the King confronted her. Through careful questioning, he uncovered the truth of the betrayal. Enraged by the cruelty done to his rightful wife, he revealed the elder sister’s crime. Justice followed swiftly. The false bride was cast out, and the King sought his true wife.
The youngest daughter, protected by fate, survived the river’s depths. She was found and restored, returning once more to the palace. Reunited with her husband and child, she reclaimed her place as queen of the snakes. Harmony was restored, and the bond between loyalty and truth was affirmed.
Thus, the tale of the King of the Snakes endured, reminding all who heard it that true character cannot be imitated, and betrayal always reveals itself in time.
Moral Lesson
This folktale teaches that loyalty and sincerity reveal true worth, while envy and deceit inevitably lead to downfall. Appearances may be stolen, but character cannot.
Knowledge Check
1. Who is the King of the Snakes?
A magical serpent who transforms into a man at night under enchantment.
2. Why does the youngest daughter accept the serpent’s proposal?
She shows courage and trusts that fate may hide truth behind fear.
3. What reveals the elder sister’s deception?
Her behavior and lack of kindness expose her false identity.
4. What role does transformation play in the story?
It symbolizes hidden truth and the testing of character beyond appearances.
5. What motivates the elder sister’s betrayal?
Jealousy and greed over her younger sister’s fortune.
6. What is the story’s central theme?
The triumph of loyalty and truth over envy and betrayal.
Source: Uzbek folk tale, translated and discussed in cross-regional folklore collections
Cultural Origin: Uzbekistan (Uzbek folklore)
