A fisherwoman encounters a queen who inquires about a fish she wishes to buy. When the fish laughs, the queen becomes enraged, prompting the king to demand an explanation from his vizier within six months, threatening death for failure. The vizier, unable to find an answer, advises his son to travel to escape the king's wrath. The young man meets an old farmer on his journey. Their conversation reveals the young man's cleverness, though the farmer initially perceives him as foolish. The young man makes various observations that the farmer misinterprets, leading to humorous exchanges. The farmer's daughter, however, recognizes the young man's wisdom and encourages her father to invite him to stay. The farmer sends a present to the young man, but a servant's theft complicates matters. When the young man arrives at the farmer's home, he shares his predicament regarding the fish's laughter and the vizier's impending execution. The farmer's daughter deduces that the laughter signifies a plot against the king's life. Determined to save his father and the king, the young man returns to the palace with the farmer's daughter. He informs his father of the potential danger, leading the vizier to propose a test to uncover the traitor. The king orders all palace maids to jump over a pit, revealing one disguised as a man. The vizier is saved, and the young man marries the farmer's daughter, culminating in a joyful union. The story highlights themes of wisdom, perception, and the consequences of misunderstanding, ultimately leading to justice and happiness.
By Joseph Jacobs · First published 1890 · Genre: Fairy Tale, Fable, Folklore