Burak by Jorge Luis Borges (1940)
The story revolves around a man named Burak who is obsessed with the idea of being a hero and gaining recognition for his bravery. He creates an elaborate narrative about himself, fabricating stories of his adventures and exploits. As the story progresses, it becomes clear that Burak's obsession with being a hero has consumed him, and he is willing to go to great lengths to maintain this image. His actions become increasingly erratic and self-destructive, ultimately leading to his downfall. The narrative raises questions about the nature of identity, reality, and the human desire for recognition and validation. It also explores the blurred lines between truth and fiction, as Burak's fabricated stories begin to blur with reality.
By Jorge Luis Borges · First published 1940 · Genre: Religious Fiction, Mythology, Fantasy · 383 words
First lines
In George Sale's translation (1734), the opening verse of Chapter XVII of the Koran consists of these words: ‘Praise be unto him, who transported his servant by night, from the sacred temple of Mecca to his farther temple of Jerusalem, the circuit of which we have blessed, that we might show him some of our signs. ' Commentators say that the one praised is God, that his servant is Mohammed, that the sacred temple is that of Mecca, that the distant temple is that of Jerusalem, and that from Jerusalem the Prophet was transported to the seventh heaven. In the oldest versions of the legend, Mohammed is guided by a man or an angel; in those of a later date he is furnished with a heavenly steed, larger than an ass and smaller than a mule. This steed is Burak, whose name means ‘shining'. According to Richard Burton, translator of The Book of a Thousand Nights and a Night, Moslems in India usually picture Burak with a man's face, the ears of an ass, a horse's body, and the wings and tail of a peacock.
What this Textopian page supports
Burak is listed on Textopian as an essay by Jorge Luis Borges, dated 1940 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Jorge Luis Borges
- Date: 1940 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Religious Fiction, Mythology, Fantasy, Symbolism, Historical
- Length: 383 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Burak by Jorge Luis Borges
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
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Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Burak?
- How does this essay by Jorge Luis Borges fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Religious Fiction first become important in the reading?
Similar titles
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Genres
- Religious Fiction — The text is centered around a religious legend involving the Prophet Mohammed's night journey, a significant event in Islamic tradition.
- Mythology — The narrative incorporates mythological elements such as the heavenly steed Burak and the journey through the heavens.
- Fantasy — The depiction of supernatural events and creatures, such as Burak and the journey to the seventh heaven, aligns with fantasy elements.
- Symbolism — The text uses Burak as a symbol of divine love and purity, as interpreted by mystics and scholars.
Tags
Philosophical Fiction · Metaphysical Novel · Existentialism · Absurdism · Mythology · Symbolism · Allegory · Fable · Short Story Collection · Literary Experimentation · Postmodernism · Speculative Fiction