Introduction

Summary

A classic story of “Russian” folklore finds Nasreddin Hodja deep in an old and faraway Central Asian khanate. The ruler of the land, the khan, is cruel yet vain, seeking adoration from all, even as he inflicts cruelties upon the people. Though the khan appears to be very strong, reports of rebellions in far-flung provinces and collusion with foreign invaders have started to reach the capital, leading to rumors of intrigue around the palace.

One day, Nasreddin seeks an audience with the khan, an extremely audacious request that shocks and impresses the ruler’s court. The khan, taken with the boldness of this simple man, grants the audience and is interested to know why an unknown commoner would approach the ruler. The khan’s capriciousness and cruelty are well known, so any insolence certainly would be punished severely and swiftly.

As the khan’s retinue and hangers-on focus intently on this impudent character, the ruler bellows out, “Who are you and what do you seek!” To this command, Nasreddin bows low and, from his stooped position, addresses the khan in the softest and most obsequious of tones, “O grand and wise khan, I come to you with a simple request. Although it will cost a small fortune, I beg for the opportunity to train a goat to sing a song in your praise, a poetic ode to your genius and strength. Although it will take at least ten years to train the goat, when I have completed this task … you will have the only talking and singing goat in the universe. Your fame will last for every generation and your enemies in every land shall hear of your feats and cease their disturbances”.

The court was shocked! Nasreddin will surely find himself in a dungeon soon for such an impertinent request! Yet the khan takes a moment, furrows his brow, breathes deeply and says to the surprise of all, “Yes. My fame is great, but a talking and singing goat will spread my fame across the lands for every generation”.