The narrative centers on the wise and powerful King Suleiman-bin-Daoud, who possesses the ability to communicate with all creatures and command Djinns and Fairies through a magical ring. Despite his strength and wisdom, he struggles with the constant bickering of his numerous wives, particularly the quarrelsome nature of his nine hundred and ninety-nine queens, which causes him distress. One day, while seeking solace in his garden, he encounters a butterfly and overhears it boasting to its wife about its power to make the king's palace disappear with a stamp. Amused, Suleiman-bin-Daoud engages with the butterfly, who admits to exaggerating to appease his wife. The king, understanding the dynamics of marital relationships, encourages the butterfly to return to its wife. Balkis, the king's most beloved queen, witnesses the exchange and devises a plan to teach the quarrelsome queens a lesson. She instructs the butterfly's wife to challenge her husband to stamp, knowing it would lead to a magical demonstration. The butterfly, pressured by its wife, ultimately stamps its foot, prompting Suleiman-bin-Daoud to use his magic to make the palace and gardens vanish in a clap of thunder. The queens, terrified by the sudden darkness and chaos, rush out of the palace, demanding to know what has happened. Balkis explains that the butterfly's complaint led to this magical event, emphasizing the importance of humility and respect in relationships. The queens, realizing the gravity of their quarrels, return to the palace subdued. Suleiman-bin-Daoud, still amused, reflects on the incident and praises Balkis for her wisdom. The story concludes with the couple enjoying their time together, having learned valuable lessons about pride, humility, and the nature of relationships. The butterfly and its wife also reconcile, having experienced the consequences of their quarrels. The tale highlights the interplay of power, wisdom, and the importance of understanding in both human and insect relationships.
By Rudyard Kipling · First published 1891 · Genre: Fantasy, Fable, Adventure