The Hundredth Hen: A Hilarious Tale of Persian Greed and Unexpected Consequences!

Deep within the tapestry of ancient Persian folklore lies a treasure trove of captivating tales, passed down through generations like precious jewels. These stories, brimming with wisdom, wit, and moral lessons, offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural fabric and worldview of bygone eras. Today, we delve into one such gem: “The Hundredth Hen,” a hilarious fable that tickles our funny bone while subtly exposing the pitfalls of insatiable greed.

This tale, believed to have originated in the 4th century, revolves around a cunning merchant named Reza. Driven by an unrelenting desire for wealth, Reza is consumed by the notion of acquiring one hundred hens – a seemingly arbitrary goal that masks his deeper yearning for material abundance. He believes that possessing a hundred hens will guarantee him prosperity and elevate him above his fellow villagers.

Initially, Reza amasses a modest flock through hard work and shrewd trading. However, as he edges closer to his self-imposed target, his obsession with the “hundredth hen” grows exponentially. His pursuit takes on a feverish urgency, driving him to engage in increasingly questionable practices: overworking his existing hens, resorting to trickery in bartering, and even attempting to steal hens from unsuspecting neighbors.

Reza’s relentless quest for the hundredth hen blinds him to the simple joys of life – the warmth of companionship, the satisfaction of honest labor, and the beauty of nature surrounding him. His once-vibrant spirit grows dull with avarice, his heart hardening as he fixates on a single, elusive goal.

The climax of the story arrives when Reza, in a moment of desperation, attempts to purchase a hen from an old, wise woman. This woman, recognizing Reza’s insatiable greed and the hollowness of his ambition, presents him with a seemingly extraordinary offer: she will sell him a magical hen that lays golden eggs!

Overjoyed, Reza eagerly pays a hefty sum for the supposed wonder hen. He rushes home, eager to witness the miraculous fortune it will bring him. But as dawn breaks, Reza awakens to a cruel reality – the “magical” hen is nothing more than an ordinary bird, incapable of laying anything but regular eggs.

Devastated and heartbroken, Reza realizes that his relentless pursuit of material wealth has led him down a path of ruin. His obsession with the hundredth hen, instead of bringing him happiness, has only left him empty-handed and morally bankrupt.

The moral of “The Hundredth Hen” is multilayered and resonates deeply even today:

Furthermore, “The Hundredth Hen” is a masterful example of Persian storytelling, employing humor and satire to deliver its message. The absurdity of Reza’s quest for a hundred hens – an arbitrary number devoid of any practical significance – serves as a comedic counterpoint to the serious underlying theme of greed.

The story also utilizes archetypal characters:

• Reza, the greedy merchant: Represents the pitfalls of material ambition and the dangers of allowing desire to dictate our actions.
• The wise woman: Embodies wisdom and discernment, seeing through Reza’s facade and offering him a chance for redemption, albeit disguised as a trick.

By weaving together these elements, “The Hundredth Hen” transcends its simple narrative structure and becomes a timeless fable with enduring relevance. It reminds us to cherish the intangible treasures of life and to approach our pursuits with balance, humility, and a healthy dose of humor.