The Magic Shoes and Staff

Name: The Magic Shoes and Staff
Author: S.M. Mitra

In a town in India, three noble brothers abandon their wives during a severe famine, seeking a better life. The wives, left alone, give birth to a son named Putraka, who grows up wealthy due to divine blessings. As he matures, he becomes a benevolent king, using his wealth to improve the land and help the needy. He longs to reunite with his estranged father and uncles, who eventually return, but their intentions are malicious. They plot to kill Putraka out of jealousy and greed. One day, while praying in a temple, Putraka is nearly assassinated, but a divine guardian intervenes, saving him. Heartbroken by his father's betrayal, he decides to leave his kingdom. In the forest, he encounters two men fighting over three magical items: a bowl that provides food, a staff that grants wishes, and shoes that allow flight. He tricks them into racing for the items and steals them. Using the shoes, Putraka flies to a distant city and finds a home with an old woman. She encourages him to seek a princess named Patala, who is kept in a high palace. Putraka visits her nightly, and they fall in love. However, his carelessness leads to his discovery by the palace guards. Captured, he uses his magic to escape and returns to Patala, who is torn between her love for him and her loyalty to her father. They flee together, landing by the Ganges River, where they decide to build a new city named Patali-Putra. They marry and rule wisely, ensuring the happiness of their people. Eventually, Putraka reconciles with the old woman who cared for him, bringing her to their new home, where they live happily ever after.

By S.M. Mitra · First published 2021 · Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology · 16 chapters · 6,280 words

First lines

Far, far away in a town of India called Chinchini, where in days long gone by the ancient gods in whom the people believed are said sometimes to have appeared to those who called upon them for help, there lived three brothers of noble birth, who had never known what it was to want for food, or clothes, or a house to live in. Each was married to a wife he loved, and for many years they were all as happy as the day was long. Presently however a great misfortune in which they all shared befell their native country. There was no rain for many, many weeks; and this is a very serious thing in a hot country like India, because, when it does not rain for a long time, the ground becomes so parched and hard that nothing can grow in it. The sun is very much stronger in India than it is in England; and it sent forth its burning rays, drying up all the water in the tanks and changing what had been a beautiful country, covered with green crops good for food, into a dreary desert, where neither men nor animals could get anything to eat. The result of this was that there was a terrible famine, in which hundreds of people and animals died, little children being the first to suffer.

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The Magic Shoes and Staff is listed on Textopian as a novel by S.M. Mitra, dated 2021 CE.

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Work type: Novel
Author: S.M. Mitra
Date: 2021 CE
Language: English
Genres: Fantasy, Adventure, Mythology, Coming-of-Age, Drama
Length: 6,280 words
Structure: 16 chapters, 48 paragraphs
Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

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Work identity for The Magic Shoes and Staff by S.M. Mitra
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Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters

What should a reader notice first when entering The Magic Shoes and Staff?
How does this novel by S.M. Mitra fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
Where does Fantasy first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

Genres

Fantasy — The story features magical elements such as flying shoes, a magical staff, and a bowl that provides food, which are central to the plot.
Adventure — The protagonist, Putraka, embarks on a journey filled with challenges, including seeking love and escaping danger.
Mythology — The narrative incorporates elements of Indian mythology, including gods and traditional beliefs, influencing the characters' actions.
Coming-of-Age — Putraka's journey reflects his growth from a young boy to a wise king, learning about responsibility and love.