The article tells the story of Omar, a poor young boy who became the owner of a rare peregrine falcon, which he trained to hunt food for his village. Despite being offered large sums of gold by wealthy princes and landlords, Omar refused to sell the falcon as he had made a promise to a dying man to keep her as his companion. The king of Persia invited Omar to his palace and offered him enough gold to make him as rich as all the princes of Persia in exchange for the falcon. However, Omar remained loyal to his promise and refused to sell the bird, earning the respect and admiration of the crowd who carried him and his falcon through the streets in triumph. The article highlights the importance of keeping promises and being loyal to one’s word, even in the face of great temptation and pressure.
The Feather of Finist the Falcon or Finist the Falcon
A merchant asked his three daughters what they want him to bring them from the fair. The youngest wanted either the feather of Finist the Falcon or a red flower. The older sisters asked for dresses or shawls. The merchant found the feather or flower but had to promise that his daughter would marry Finist the Falcon for it. Finist came to her at night and wooed her. Her sisters became suspicious and put knives in the window, injuring him. He said she must search for him, wearing out three pairs of iron shoes and staves. She found three witches who gave her gifts to trade with the bride to let her stay a night with Finist. He woke and knew her, and they married.
