It is told that in ancient times, in the old days, there was a great king of prestige and power named King Al-Nu’man, son of King Hassan. King Al-Nu’man was king of a great, rich country, filled with all kinds of blessings and colors. He had everything that came to mind and everything that didn’t come to mind. But he was neither happy nor at peace of mind. Why? Because he had heard of something strange that existed only in the Land of Wonders!
The Mountain Sorcerer:
Al-Nu’man said to himself: “I am a great king. I have everything, but I want to obtain this strange thing from the Land of Wonders, and I won’t rest until I get it. But what is this strange thing that exists only in the Land of Wonders? Come with me to ask about it and know its secret. The only man they said knew something about the secret of this strange thing was the Mountain Sorcerer, who lived in a large house at the top of the mountain near King Al-Nu’man’s country.”
People said this sorcerer knew everything. So Al-Nu’man sent one of his officers to ask the sorcerer about the secret of this strange thing that existed only in the Land of Wonders!
Reaching the Sorcerer’s House:
Let us go with Al-Nu’man’s messenger to the Mountain Sorcerer. The officer walked on his way until he reached the mountain where the sorcerer lived above. He looked up and saw the mountain was high and the path to climb it was difficult. So he began climbing stones and rocks, then walked a long, winding path until he reached the sorcerer’s house.
The Path to the Great Mountain Sorcerer:
He stood before it and raised his hand to knock on the door, but before he could do so, the door opened, and he heard a voice saying: “Enter.” The officer was amazed because he didn’t see anyone! But he entered and found himself in a spacious room. In its center was a small square rug with strange patterns, and around it were chairs of strange shapes. When he stood on the rug, he heard a voice saying to him: “Don’t move.” The officer looked but didn’t see anyone! Instead, he felt the small rug moving under his feet, descending downward. He felt as if he was descending underground a long distance, and he heard the voice saying: “You are on your way to the Great Mountain Sorcerer.”
The Flying Horse:
Finally, the rug stopped, and the officer found himself in a spacious hall before the sorcerer sitting on a high, large chair. The officer opened his mouth to speak, but before he uttered a single letter, he heard the sorcerer saying to him: “I know what you want to say, and here is the answer: The strange secret that exists only in the Land of Wonders! It is the Flying Horse—a horse with two wings that flies through space with them.”
The Land of Wonders and Destruction:
But no one can reach it because the Land of Wonders is filled with secrets, and everyone who tried to reach this land perished. Its path is difficult, and between us and it lies a vast desert, a large river, a sea, and three high mountains. So tell King Al-Nu’man that reaching this land is difficult—indeed impossible.
Return from Where You Came:
The sorcerer fell silent. The officer opened his mouth to speak, but he felt the rug moving under his feet, then saw it raising him upward until he reached the first room and heard the voice saying to him: “Now return from where you came!”
The Officer’s Return to Al-Nu’man:
The officer went out from the door and descended from the top of the mountain. He walked his way to the city. The officer returned to Al-Nu’man and told him what he had seen and heard, then said: “The sorcerer tells you that reaching the Flying Horse in the Land of Secrets is difficult—indeed impossible.”
Al-Nu’man and the Impossible:
Al-Nu’man became angry and shouted: “King Al-Nu’man, son of King Hassan, knows nothing called the impossible!” Then Al-Nu’man called his army commander and asked him to prepare a detachment of one hundred soldiers, to send with them one of the brave officers, and to order them to cross all the deserts, seas, and mountains on the way, then bring him the Flying Horse, no matter what dangers they might face.
The Desert, Predatory Animals, and Battles:
The soldiers marched in the desert. They walked until they were far from their country. Their homes disappeared from sight, and they saw before them only the desert with its yellow sands. When they looked behind or around them, they saw only the desert and yellow sands, with a few coarse grasses and thorny plants. Then they walked forward for days and days and days, and the desert refused to end, and the river that followed it refused to appear.
Sometimes they would encounter some deer, hunt them, and eat their meat. Sometimes predatory animals like lions and wolves would attack them, and fierce battles would break out between them and these animals.
The Journey and the Sandstorm:
One day, a massive sandstorm blew upon them. The earth and sky were filled with strong winds laden with sand. They didn’t know where to go! They tried to hide inside their tents, which were shaking from the force of the wind. But some tents flew into the air! And many soldiers were buried under the sand.
Fear and Death in the Vast Desert:
Finally, after days and weeks of continuous walking and extreme fatigue, the water they had with them began to run out. They started falling to the ground from extreme fatigue. They believed they were lost and feared death in this vast desert, which had no food, no trees, and no water.
Water in the Land of Wonders:
One day, they saw water shining before them from a distance in the golden sunlight over the desert sands. They ran their feet and walked, feeling hope. They walked long hours on the path to the water without reaching it! Every time they walked forward, the water appeared to recede backward.
Then they were surprised when one of the soldiers fell to the ground, letting out a terrible scream, and said with difficulty: “This isn’t water, soldiers. It’s a mirage. The thirsty person thinks it’s water, and all of us walked but found nothing.”
The Mirage:
Yes, it’s a mirage. It’s the image of the sky reflecting on layers of hot air that shine over the sands in the sunlight from a distance, appearing like water. It’s a mirage. It’s a mirage. There’s no water. We’re doomed, comrades. Then the soldier departed this life, complaining to God about Al-Nu’man’s injustice.
The Soldier’s Return and Preparing Another Army:
Days passed, and only ten soldiers remained from the whole group. They agreed to return to Al-Nu’man and tell him what had happened to them. On the way back, some fell, and only one arrived! He returned to Al-Nu’man and told him everything that had happened. Al-Nu’man became extremely angry and asked the army commander to go himself, taking with him five hundred soldiers and twenty officers, and not to return unless he brought the Flying Horse from the Land of Secrets.
The commander gathered the soldiers, equipped them with many weapons, abundant food, and everything they needed, then walked on his way, not knowing if he would return to his family and country again or perish on the way as those before him had perished.
The Commander and Soldiers in the Desert:
The commander and soldiers walked in the desert where there was no water or vegetation, except rarely. They suffered from fatigue, thirst, and sandstorms. Wild animals attacked them and killed a large number. But finally, they were able to cross this desert and reach the riverbank. There, by the riverbank, they found some trees. They cut them down, made the necessary boats, and boarded them.
The Attack and Destruction:
But they were surprised by hundreds of crocodiles attacking them. The boats overturned, and they fell into the water. A terrifying, fearsome battle took place between the soldiers and crocodiles. The soldiers showed great courage, but the hungry crocodiles were numerous. They killed a large number of them until only twenty soldiers remained. They managed to reach the shore and returned to their country.
The Return Journey and Difficulties:
The return journey was filled with hardships and horrors. Only five of them arrived. They told Al-Nu’man everything that had happened. Al-Nu’man said: “Whatever happens, I must obtain the Flying Horse. I will go myself this time.”
Al-Nu’man and the Path to the Land of Wonders:
Al-Nu’man gathered a detachment of one thousand soldiers, equipped them with everything, and prepared to travel. But before traveling, he decided to go meet the Mountain Sorcerer to try to learn something from him about the secret of this strange land that no one had been able to reach.
Al-Nu’man Alone on the Mountain:
Al-Nu’man left his palace and went alone to the mountain where the sorcerer lived above. Then he began climbing the mountain with difficulty and hardship until he reached the sorcerer’s house. He entered and stood on the rug. It began descending with him until he found himself before the sorcerer. Before Al-Nu’man opened his mouth to speak, he heard the sorcerer saying: “I know what you want. You want to know the secret of the Land of Secrets and obtain the Flying Horse. You have come to me for me to help you, but I can’t because I know nothing about the Land of Secrets. It’s better for you to heed my advice and not think of going to the Land of Secrets.”
The Sorcerer, Al-Nu’man, and the Advice:
“The soldiers, my lord, are the heroes who protect the country from enemies, defend truth, goodness, and peace, but you caused their death for the sake of your greed to obtain the enchanted horse. What do you lose if you don’t get it? You are free, but I tell you before you depart: the souls of all these poor soldiers are a trust in your neck. Always remember that there’s no benefit in greed.” The sorcerer fell silent, and immediately the rug moved, raising Al-Nu’man upward while he heard a voice ringing around him saying: “No benefit in greed. No benefit in greed, you arrogant one.”
Blind Greed:
Finally, the voice disappeared, and Al-Nu’man reached the upper room. He exited the sorcerer’s house and returned to his palace. Al-Nu’man began thinking about the sorcerer’s words, but he was determined to obtain the Flying Horse whatever the result. It was as if greed had made him blind. Al-Nu’man walked with his army to the Land of Secrets. His army faced dangers, and most of his army perished. After days, only Al-Nu’man remained alone. He found himself before the last mountain, beyond which lay the Land of Secrets.
The Green Valley:
Al-Nu’man continued to struggle and strive to climb the mountain, having reached the most severe state of fatigue. Finally, he was able to reach the mountain’s peak, then fell to the ground unconscious. When he awakened, he looked from above the mountain and saw a wonderful scene. He shouted: “Glory to God! How beautiful this green valley is!” He saw an easy path on the mountain slope leading to the green valley.
He began walking leisurely, saying to himself: “Oh my, this green valley is like a piece of paradise. Is this the Land of Secrets? It’s a very beautiful land. I haven’t seen anything more beautiful than it in my life!”
Rest After the Long, Hard Journey:
Al-Nu’man saw before him an apple tree. He picked some of its fruits and sat on the green grass beside a spring of fresh water, in the shade of a tall tree. He sat washing the apples, eating, drinking, and resting.
After eating and drinking, he placed his head on the green grass, and soon fell into a deep sleep. He didn’t know if he slept an hour, or two hours, or a day, or two days! But when he awoke, he found the sun filling the world with its beautiful light. He felt comfort and health after this long, hard journey, and he saw before him the most beautiful scene he had ever seen in his life.
The Flying Horse in the Land of Secrets:
He saw before him the princess of the green valley, a beautiful, delicate, graceful young woman in a beautiful, simple green silk dress. Beside her was a magnificent white horse, white as a white dove, with two beautiful wings folded at its sides.
The Princess and the Horse:
The princess and her horse were looking at Al-Nu’man with astonishment and wonder. Al-Nu’man stood up and approached her, saying: “Peace be upon you, oh Green Princess, oh owner of the Flying Horse.” The princess said: “Peace be upon you. Who are you? Who brought you here? And what do you want?” Al-Nu’man said: “First, I’m not this, but I am King Al-Nu’man, son of King Hassan, the greatest king of the age.” The princess laughed mockingly and said: “Are these old, torn clothes the clothing of kings in your great land, oh man?”
Al-Nu’man’s Distress at the Princess’s Mockery:
Al-Nu’man became annoyed and said: “I came myself and traveled on the road for two years until I reached the Land of Secrets. I have seen the land, but where are the secrets?” The princess said: “What secrets are you talking about? We have no secrets. Where did you get this name?” Al-Nu’man said: “The sorcerer of my country says this.”
Astonishment and Amazement:
The princess said: “The sorcerer of your country has never come here and calls it the Land of Secrets because he knows nothing about it. But I want to know why you came here?” Al-Nu’man said: “I came to take this beautiful white horse.” The princess was astonished and said: “Take this beautiful white horse? Why? Is it your horse?” Al-Nu’man said: “No, it’s not my horse, but I came to take it because it’s a wonderful horse that can fly with its wings.”
The Mad King:
The princess said: “This is strange talk. How do you take something that’s not yours? Are you a thief? In your country, if someone sees something beautiful that they like, do they take it? Even if it’s not theirs?” Al-Nu’man said: “Don’t tire yourself with this talk. More than a thousand of my soldiers died trying to obtain this horse, and I would have died too.” The princess said: “Then you’re mad, my lord! And why didn’t you die too?” Al-Nu’man said: “Because God wanted life for me.” The princess said: “This is the first reasonable sentence you’ve said.” Al-Nu’man said: “Nevertheless, I must take this Flying Horse.”
Al-Nu’man and the Flying Horse:
The princess said: “If you take the horse from me by force, you will meet nothing but fatigue and misery in your life.” Al-Nu’man said: “In any case, I have been very patient with you, and I don’t allow people to discuss me in my country in this way.” Al-Nu’man extended his hand, grabbed the horse, and pulled it forcefully. The princess tried to stop him, so he pushed her with his hand, and she fell to the ground. Then he took the horse and mounted it, ordering it to fly with him to his country.
The King’s Return to His Country:
The horse ran on the ground a little, then flapped its wings and rose into the air. Al-Nu’man almost went mad with intense joy and happiness. He began imagining himself riding the Flying Horse, flying in the sky of his country, with people looking at him with admiration and wonder, applauding him in greeting and honor.
Some said to others: “Our king is a great king. King Al-Nu’man, son of King Hassan, is the greatest king of the age.” Finally, he reached his country. He ordered the horse to descend to the ground, and it descended. The horse walked with Al-Nu’man above it on his way to the palace to change his old, torn clothes.
The King, the Horse, and the City People:
People were looking at Al-Nu’man but didn’t recognize him because his clothes were old and torn, and he had been away from them for more than two years. Everyone thought he had died. Some people pointed at his horse as he walked on the road and said: “Look at this mad man who put wings on his horse, as if he can fly.” Then they laughed at him and left.
King Al-Nu’man and the Threat of Prison:
Al-Nu’man was annoyed and said to himself: “I will take revenge on all these people.” When he reached the palace and wanted to enter, the guard stopped him. He said to them: “Why are you stopping me? I am King Al-Nu’man.” The guards laughed at him and said: “No, you’re mad. King Al-Nu’man died a long time ago. If you don’t leave immediately, we will arrest you and put you in prison.”
If He Were Alive, We Would Kill Him with Our Own Hands:
Al-Nu’man became afraid and left to think of a way to enter the palace. While he was walking, he saw a group of people walking on the road. He stood on his horse and shouted: “O people! Come and listen!” The people gathered around him to know the news. He said to them: “I am your king, Al-Nu’man. I have returned to you again.” The people shouted at him: “Be quiet, you mad man. Don’t say this because King Al-Nu’man died two years ago, and if he were alive, we would kill him with our own hands.”
Corruption, Greed, and Occupation:
Al-Nu’man was astonished and afraid, but he said: “And why would you kill him with your own hands?” One of the people said: “Because he was corrupt and greedy. He took the best soldiers of the country to die in the deserts and mountains to bring him a horse to play with! When the enemy came, we found no army to defend our land. The enemy occupied our country because of Al-Nu’man. May God curse him everywhere.”
When Al-Nu’man heard this, he became extremely sad. He left the people and went outside the city to think about these problems he hadn’t expected. He felt as if the world began to narrow around him.
The Prayer of the Wronged:
He began thinking and thinking, and the world narrowed more around him. Finally, he remembered the sorcerer’s words and the words of the Green Valley princess. He said to himself: “Yes, there’s no benefit in greed. It seems God will take revenge on me because of these soldiers I caused to perish.” He remembered that the Green Valley princess had said to him: “I will pray against you and say: May God decrease your friends, increase your enemies, and narrow the world before you.”
Return to the Beautiful Princess:
Then he said to himself: “Yes, God has answered her prayer because she was wronged.” Finally, he decided to return the horse to its owner and ask her to forgive him and pray to God to help him. Al-Nu’man mounted the horse and went to the princess. He approached her and said: “Forgive me, oh noble princess. I have learned that you are right.” Then Al-Nu’man told her his story and informed her of what had happened to him in his country.
Correcting Mistakes:
The princess smiled, thanking God, and said: “So you have learned that God has answered my prayer, and the prayer of the wronged must be answered.” The princess said to him: “Don’t despair, oh human. You lost everything in the past because you were greedy and arrogant, but now you are a repentant believer. Try to correct your mistakes. Don’t despair. Return to your country.”
“Try to gather the people and form an army from them to fight your country’s enemies until you expel them and restore independence to your homeland. As long as you are confident in yourself and believe in your Lord, God will help you, and I will help you too. Take this Flying Horse, return to your country, and when you are victorious over the enemies, return a second time and bring the horse with you.”
Expelling the Enemy:
Al-Nu’man thanked her, mounted the horse, and flew back to his country. Al-Nu’man reached his country and began gathering people, calling them to liberate their country. Many people gathered around him. He stood among them as an orator and said: “O people, oh my family and oh sons of my country. I have wronged you greatly in the past years. The result was that the enemy occupied our country. Now God has guided me to the right path. I have learned that returning to truth is better than persisting in falsehood. Forgive me, and come let me put my hand in your hands to expel the enemy from our country.”
Their Country Became Free and Strong:
People felt happiness and joy when they heard Al-Nu’man speaking in this way. After days and months, a strong national army was formed in the mountains. It attacked the enemy soldiers and engaged in fierce battles with them. During the fighting, Al-Nu’man mounted his Flying Horse and began flying over the enemies’ heads, attacking them from the air. They were astonished, afraid, and confused. The patriots were victorious, and their country became free and strong.
Al-Nu’man, the Beautiful Princess, and Marriage:
Al-Nu’man returned to the princess of the green valley and told her everything that had happened. She rejoiced and was pleased, saying to him: “Congratulations. You are now a great king. You saved your country.” King Al-Nu’man said: “I thank you. You are the reason for this.”
“Do you agree to return with me to my country, marry, and become queen of the country?” The princess thought a little, then agreed. They went to Al-Nu’man’s country and lived in happiness and safety in a beautiful house with a vast green garden containing flowers and birds that she loved very much.
A Small Child and a Happy Ending:
After a few years, they had a small, lovely child named Usama, who ran and played in the garden with his mother and father, and practiced riding the beautiful white horse.