Long ago, in the kingdom of Dagestan, there ruled a king who was widely feared for his cruelty and arrogance. Under his reign, the people lived in constant misery, burdened by injustice and oppression. One day, a haunting song began to spread across the land. The song openly condemned the king’s tyranny and revealed the suffering of the people. Adults and children alike sang it with deep emotion, and soon it echoed through towns and villages everywhere.
Eventually, the song reached the king’s ears. Furious, he ordered his officials to find and arrest the author of this rebellious song at all costs. Despite searching relentlessly, the ministers and royal guards failed to identify the songwriter. Enraged by their failure, the king commanded that all poets and wandering singers be arrested and imprisoned.
Three days later, they were brought before the king. Each was ordered to sing a song of their own creation. One by one, the poets and singers performed songs praising the king’s wisdom, kindness, strength, and glorious reign. Only three poets remained silent, refusing to sing. The king released all the others but sent the three silent poets back to the dungeon.
After three months, the king summoned them again and demanded, “Now will you sing for me?” One poet immediately sang a song praising the ruler of Dagestan and was set free at once. The king then ordered the remaining two to be taken to the execution ground and declared, “Sing for me now. This is your last chance to live.” One of them obeyed, sang in praise of the king, and was spared. The final poet remained silent.
Furious, the king shouted for the fire to be lit. As the flames rose and the poet stood bound to the stake, he suddenly began to sing. His song exposed the king’s crimes and cruelty. It was the very same song that had spread throughout the kingdom. The powerful voice echoed through the palace as the fire roared like the anger of the people themselves.
Shaken, the king cried out for the fire to be extinguished and ordered the poet to be freed at once. “I cannot allow the only true poet of this kingdom to perish,” he declared. In that moment, the power of truth and courage proved stronger than fear, reminding all that a true voice cannot be silenced, even by fire.