Folk-Lore and Legends: Oriental

"Folk-Lore and Legends: Oriental" by Charles John Tibbitts is a collection of folk tales and legends from the East written in the late 19th century. The book brings together a rich tapestry of stories that reflect the culture, imagination, and values of Oriental societies. Each tale reveals unique elements of human experience and morality, emphasizing themes such as love, ambition, and the consequences of one's actions. The opening portion introduces the first story, "The Cobbler Astrologer," which centers on Ahmed, an honest cobbler from Isfahan, who is pressured by his ambitious wife, Sittâra, to adopt the profession of an astrologer to achieve wealth and social status. Despite his lack of training, Ahmed's circumstances force him into a series of comedic and perilous situations where he must rely on quick thinking and luck. As the tale unfolds, Ahmed's journey reveals both the absurdity of his wife's aspirations and the deeper reflections on loyalty, love, and the unexpected turns of fortune in life. This introduction sets the tone for the entire collection, inviting readers to explore the captivating and whimsical stories of the East.