The other Wise Man by Henry Van Dyke
A young boy discovers a magical crystal that allows him to see the future and decides to embark on a journey to find the three wise men who visited Jesus after his birth. He sets out with a camel, but they are forced to return home due to a severe storm. The boy is left alone in the desert, where he meets an old man who teaches him about the importance of perseverance and faith.
By Henry Van Dyke · First published 1896 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure · 11,834 words
First lines
You know the story of the Three Wise Men of the East, and how they travelled from far away to offer their gifts at the manger-cradle in Bethlehem. But have you ever heard the story of the Other Wise Man, who also saw the star in its rising, and set out to follow it, yet did not arrive with his brethren in the presence of the young child Jesus? Of the great desire of this fourth pilgrim, and how it was denied, yet accomplished in the denial; of his many wanderings and the probations of his soul; of the long way of his seeking and the strange way of his finding the One whom he sought -- I would tell the tale as I have heard fragments of it in the Hall of Dreams, in the palace of the Heart of Man.
What this Textopian page supports
The other Wise Man is listed on Textopian as a novella by Henry Van Dyke, dated 1896 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Henry Van Dyke
- Date: 1896 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Historical Fiction, Adventure, Inspirational, Fantasy
- Length: 11,834 words
- Structure: 1 section, 140 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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Similar titles
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- The Doctor by Ralph Connor
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- The Living Letter Written With The Pen Of Truth by J. Church
- The Journey To Jerusalem by Alexander Nikolayevich Afanasyev
- The Path Of The King by John Buchan
Genres
- Religious Fiction — The narrative centers around the journey of a Magi seeking Jesus, exploring themes of faith, sacrifice, and divine purpose.
- Historical Fiction — Set in the time of Jesus' birth, it incorporates historical figures and events, providing a backdrop of ancient cultures and traditions.
- Adventure — The protagonist embarks on a long, perilous journey across various lands, facing numerous challenges and obstacles.
- Inspirational — The story conveys messages of hope, perseverance, and the impact of selfless acts, inspiring readers to reflect on their own lives.
Tags
Christian Fiction · Historical Fiction · Adventure · Fantasy · Spirituality · Mystery · Philosophy · Self-Discovery · Coming of Age · Friendship · Perseverance · Faith