1. Legends and Folk Tales of Herat

Herat, one of the oldest centers of civilization in the region, in addition to its rich history and stunning architecture, holds a treasure trove of oral culture. The legends and folk tales that the people of this city have inherited from past generations were not only meant for entertainment but also conveyed moral, social, and religious lessons.

These stories were heard during evening gatherings, family circles, coffeehouses, and even in people’s daily activities. Each tale and legend reflects the beliefs, aspirations, and fears of the people, which makes them particularly valuable.

2. Definition of Legend and Tale

Legend: A story that mainly has roots in imagination and fantasy. Legends usually feature characters such as demons, fairies, dragons, magical creatures, or extraordinary places. While legends primarily aim to entertain and spark the audience’s imagination, they also carry instructive messages beneath their fantastical exterior.

Tale: In contrast, a tale relies more on reality. Its characters are ordinary humans, such as a wise elder, a simple farmer, an orphaned child, or a poor merchant. Tales often include moral lessons or religious teachings and are inspired by the real-life experiences of people.

3. Difference Between Legend and Tale

Imagination vs. Reality: Legends are full of imaginary creatures and unreal events, whereas tales are generally closer to real life.

Heroes: In a legend, a hero might fight a dragon or a demon, while in a tale, the hero is an ordinary person who overcomes challenges through faith, intellect, or effort.

Purpose: Legends primarily stimulate imagination, while tales convey social and moral messages.

Setting and Time: Legends do not usually specify a precise location or time (e.g., “Once upon a time…”), but tales are typically set in familiar neighborhoods or villages known to the people.

4. A Famous Legend in Herat: The Legend of Takht Safdin

It is said that in ancient times, there was a king in Herat named Safdin. In the beginning, he was a just and kind man. Whenever the people had a complaint or a right was violated, they would go to Safdin’s court. The king would listen carefully and grant justice to the rightful person.

Safdin sat on a throne believed to be magical. It was said that this throne had come from the heavens, and its power depended on the king acting justly.

Years passed, and Safdin gradually became attached to power and wealth. He stopped listening to the people’s complaints, gathered the tyrants and flatterers around him, and ignored the rights of the weak. Taxes grew heavier, and he even showed no mercy to the poor.

The elders of the city repeatedly warned him:
— “O King! Do not forget justice; your throne is bound to fairness.”
But Safdin proudly replied:
— “This throne is mine; no one can take me from it.”

One early morning, as he sat on the throne with great splendor, the ground suddenly shook. A strange sound arose. The throne began to tremble. Before the astonished eyes of the people, the throne’s legs split, and a dark mouth opened beneath Safdin’s feet.

The king shouted:
— “Forgive me! I will be just again!”
But it was too late. The throne swallowed him, and Safdin disappeared forever.

From that day on, people say: “Takht Safdin swallows the unjust,” and this legend continues to live in Herat as a reminder that tyranny and injustice do not last.

5. A Famous Tale in Herat: The Tale of the Old Saddle-Maker

In the old streets of Herat, there lived a poor but kind-hearted man whose trade was making saddles. He stitched saddles for donkeys and mules and earned a simple living from this work. Everyone respectfully called him the Old Saddle-Maker.

Despite his poverty, the old man had a heart full of faith and peace. Whenever people were sad, they visited his small shop. With a smile and a few simple words, he would comfort them.

One midnight, while he was busy sewing a saddle, the door suddenly opened. A wealthy man entered and placed a bag full of gold and silver on the floor. He said:
— “O elder! All this wealth is yours, with only one condition: from tomorrow, abandon your prayers and do not mention God again.”

The Old Saddle-Maker glanced at the bag of gold. He paused for a moment, then calmly said:
— “O man! Your gold and silver are as fleeting as a shadow. The peace and faith that God has given me are worth more than a thousand treasure chests of gold.”

The wealthy man suddenly became furious; his eyes turned red, and everyone realized that he was Satan himself. Satan tried to frighten the old man, but the elder raised his hands to the sky and recited a prayer. The shop filled with light, and Satan vanished into darkness.

From that day onward, people told the tale of the Old Saddle-Maker to their children to teach them that true purity and faith are worth more than any wealth.

Final Words

The legends and folk tales of Herat are not merely entertaining stories; they are mirrors of the beliefs, aspirations, and values of the people. Legends, with their fantasy and wonder, and tales, with their closeness to real life, together create a living culture. This oral heritage must be documented and preserved so that future generations can benefit from it.

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