The Story of the Other Wise Man

"The Story of the Other Wise Man" by Henry Van Dyke is a short philosophical story written in the late 19th century. The narrative follows Artaban, the Fourth Wise Man, who embarks on a quest to find the newborn King after witnessing a celestial sign. Unlike the other three Magi, Artaban’s journey is marked by setbacks and acts of kindness, emphasizing a theme of love and selflessness over material gifts. In the tale, Artaban sells his possessions to purchase three jewels as offerings, but delays in his journey to help those in need create obstacles that prevent him from reaching Jesus in Bethlehem with his fellow wise men. As he travels through various lands, Artaban selflessly aids the poor, sick, and oppressed, ultimately sacrificing each of his precious gifts to save lives. Even though he never physically meets Jesus, his actions demonstrate that true devotion and service to humanity embody the spirit of seeking the divine. The story culminates in Artaban's realization that the essence of his journey was not in finding the King but in the love and mercy he showed to others along the way.