The King of the Jins

Whose name original: "cognomen" was “Brave King,” became the monarch of the Jins Supernatural spirits in Islamic mythology, often known as genies. He was so just that during his reign the tiger and the goat used to drink water at the same watering place ghāt—what possibility could there be then of any swindler thag, thief, cheat, or rogue living in his dominions? The island called Balásághún, which is situated near the equator, was the capital Takht-gáh—literally "throne-place"—of that just king.

It happened that a ship carrying men, being in distress due to unfavorable winds, reached the shore of that island. All the merchants and learned men who were in the ship landed and began to explore the country. They saw that it was a place of wondrous beauty; flowers and fruits of all kinds were hanging on the trees; streams were flowing on every side; the animals grazing and browsing on the lush green grass were fat and healthy, and were playing together. The climate of that place was exceedingly fine, and the land was abundantly fertile; so no one truly desired to leave. In short, after building various kinds of houses, they began to live on that island. By catching the animals in traps, as was their custom, they went about their respective jobs.

When the animals realized that there was no safety for them even there, they fled to the desert. The men still believed that all these animals were their slaves; so, making various kinds of traps according to their old habits, they were determined to capture them. When the animals realized the humans held this arrogant assumption, they gathered their leaders, appeared in the Hall of Justice, and told King Bíwarásb the full story of the oppression they had suffered at the hands of man. When the King had heard all the animals' details, he instantly issued a command, saying, “Very well! Let messengers be sent quickly, and let them bring the men—”