This research-based book, written masterfully by Shafi Aqeel and translated by Ahmed Bashir is unquestionably interesting to say the least. Shafi Aqeel, a reputed journalist with numerous literary awards to his credit has chosen an age-old yet ever-lasting genre of literature, folk tales for his book and has done complete justice to it.
Ahmed Bashir's work of translating the book is no less remarkable. Naveed Shahzad's introductory analysis about folk tales with particular reference to this book evokes the curiosity of the readers about each fascinating tale. The popularity of the book can be gauged from the fact that along with other languages, it has also been translated into Japanese.
Story telling is as old as the power of speech. The common conception or misconception about folk tales is that they are based upon wild fancies, far-fetched ones and incredibly unrealistic figments of imagination. And admittedly, stories in the book about handsome, brave princes, princesses with dazzling beauty, talking parrots and mynahs, flying horses and even demons simply enthrall the reader.
The tales provide us with a much-needed respite from the drudgeries and worries of daily life and transport us to idyllic valleys and dense forests where fairies entrance with their rapturous dance. As all of us at times are prone to escapism, this book with its simple diction and lucid expression amply provides a means.
Some of the stories are reminiscent of our childhood days. Most of us would recall the words 'human smell' (Adam boo) that the giants uttered sensing the proximity of human beings around them. Some are woven in such a manner that they remind us of the tales of Arabian Nights.
The origin of folk tales can be traced back to times immemorial, as they have traversed centuries, originally narrated by people with scant literary accomplishments and with the passage of time, chiseled and polished by writers with unique intellectual powers.
The story 'Dear as Salt' reminds us of Shakespeare's King Lear and we inadvertently think about stories like 'Jack and the Beanstalk' when we read about the giants irrepressibly pursuing the smell of the human flesh.
These tales are in no way nonsensical or based just on gross situational improbabilities or on the unbelievably co-incidental turns and twists in the lives of the characters. They are our cultural heritage and speak volumes about the traditions, cultural trends and peculiar lifestyles of yore. There is a tremendous focus on the basic human instincts and emotions that remain unchangeable despite the passage of centuries.
Love is one theme that runs parallel in almost all the stories in the book; brave princes in particular having to go through numerous trials and tribulations to reach the object of their love. While reading the stories, we seem to believe in the power of love yet at the same time love can weaken the mightiest of monarchs. In a subtle manner, the author tells us, 'Love makes people helpless...' There are also stories within the book that are based upon the belief that truth prevails.
The book tells us about some of the traditions and social values that have not changed with time. Even kings of yesteryears were always worried about suitable matches for their daughters. In the story 'The Wise Pigeon', it is aptly remarked, 'It has always been hard to find proper matches for girls and the fathers of marriageable girls, understand this very well.' To date, in most families, the birth of a son or the male heir is considered essential. Kings blatantly threatened their wives with death if only daughters were born.
Most of the stories about eventful journeys from rags to riches even today are said to have a great thematic appeal. Some tales are based upon this irresistible urge to find a way out of the squalour of poverty and move towards new horizons.
The figure of seven occurs with regular frequency throughout the various narrations like the seven daughters, seven sons, seven queens and even seven bridges. There are moments of hilarity for the readers as well. Simplicity of expression is the dominant beauty of this book and it has to be read for pure pleasure and relaxation.
Popular Folk tales of the Punjab
By Shafi Aqeel Translated by Navid Shahzad Oxford University Press, Karachi ISBN 0-19-547579-1 97pp. Rs295
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