The Shaving of Shagpat

The Shaving of Shagpat

The narrative follows Shibli Bagarag, a barber from Shiraz, who embarks on a quest to shave Shagpat, a man whose hair possesses magical properties that enchant an entire city. The story begins with Shibli's desperate situation as he wanders into the city of Shagpat, where he encounters an old woman who encourages him to seek out Shagpat, claiming that shaving him will lead to great fortune. As Shibli attempts to approach Shagpat, he faces ridicule and violence, ultimately being expelled from the city. However, he is determined to return and fulfill his destiny. The old woman reappears, revealing herself as a powerful figure who guides him on his journey. She provides him with magical items and knowledge, including the importance of a legendary sword that can help him in his quest. Shibli's journey takes him through various challenges, including encounters with genies and magical creatures. He learns about the Identical, a magical hair that grants Shagpat his power, and the importance of overcoming it to achieve his goal. Along the way, he meets Noorna bin Noorka, the daughter of the Vizier, who becomes his ally and love interest. She possesses her own magical abilities and helps Shibli navigate the complexities of his quest. As Shibli prepares to confront Shagpat, he must gather the necessary tools and allies, including the sword from the mountains of Aklis. The narrative explores themes of ambition, love, and the struggle against fate, as Shibli grapples with his identity as a barber and his aspirations for greatness. The climax of the story revolves around Shibli's final confrontation with Shagpat, where he must use all the skills and knowledge he has acquired to succeed. The tale culminates in a dramatic showdown that tests Shibli's resolve and the strength of his relationships, particularly with Noorna. Ultimately, the story is a rich tapestry of adventure, magic, and the quest for self-discovery, as Shibli Bagarag transforms from a humble barber into a hero destined to change the fate of his world.

By George Meredith · First published 1856 · Genre: Fantasy, Satire, Adventure · 24 chapters · 112,444 words

First lines

It was ordained that Shibli Bagarag, nephew to the renowned Baba Mustapha, chief barber to the Court of Persia, should shave Shagpat, the son of Shimpoor, the son of Shoolpi, the son of Shullum; and they had been clothiers for generations, even to the time of Shagpat, the illustrious.

Now, the story of Shibli Bagarag, and of the ball he followed, and of the subterranean kingdom he came to, and of the enchanted palace he entered, and of the sleeping king he shaved, and of the two princesses he released, and of the afreet held in subjection by the arts of one and bottled by her, is it not known as 'twere written on the fingernails of men and traced in their corner-robes? As the poet says:

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The Shaving of Shagpat is listed on Textopian as a novel by George Meredith, dated 1856 CE.

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Fantasy · Adventure · Romance · Satire · Social Commentary · Literary Fiction · Philosophical · Mythological · Symbolic · Allegorical · Historical · Cultural

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More by George Meredith