Artabán: The fourth wise man
“The Fourth Wise Man” is not a work written by a specific author, but rather a legend or tale that has been told in various ways over time. The story tells of the quest of a fourth wise man who joins the three Wise Men to visit baby Jesus, bringing with him a unique gift.
The most famous version of this story is Henry Van Dyke’s The Fourth Wise Man, a tale that has become a classic of Christmas literature. In this work, the fourth wise man, named Artabán, embarks on a journey full of obstacles and meaningful encounters as he searches for baby Jesus to give him his gift.
The plot is rich in symbolism and values, exploring themes such as faith, compassion and sacrifice. The narrative deeply moves the reader, as Artabán faces challenges and moral dilemmas in his desire to find and honor the Messiah.
Van Dyke’s prose is emotional and poetic, capturing the essence of the Christmas spirit and conveying a timeless message of generosity and spiritual quest. “The Fourth Wise Man” is a touching work that endures through the years, reminding us of the importance of kindness and dedication in our lives.
Legend has it that there were four Wise Men. After seeing the star in the East, they set off together, each carrying gifts of gold, incense and myrrh. The fourth carried a great quantity of wine and oil, loaded on the back of his camel. After several days’ journey, they entered the desert. One night a storm surprised them. They all got off their horses and, covering themselves with their large coloured cloaks, tried to withstand the storm, sheltering behind their camels and kneeling on the sand. The fourth King sought shelter at a shepherd’s hut. In the morning the weather cleared and everyone prepared to start again, but the Wise Men had been divided and Artaban was nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, our fourth King was faced with a great dilemma when he was summoned by the old man. If he helped the good man with his business, he would be delayed from the caravan and would no longer be able to continue with his comrades; he did not know the way and the star gave him no time to waste. But on the other hand, his good heart told him that he could not leave that old shepherd like that. How could he present himself to the Messiah if he did not help one of his brothers?
Source: https://algunoslibrosbuenos.com/artaban-el-cuarto-rey-mago
