Once upon a time there lived a mighty ruler in the Caucasus. His country was large and rich in treasures, his soldiers strong, and yet the king was worried. Over the years, he had grown tired and old. "What will happen when I die?" the king pondered. "Who will guard our borders and look after the people of the land?"

The old king had a son, but he was still young and had no experience of life. "If I die," thought the old king, "the enemies will attack the country and perhaps kill my son."

He was so worried about his son and his people that he had to think about it day and night. Finally, he called his son to him and said: "Look, I've grown old and tired. Soon you will ascend the throne and rule the land. I therefore ask you to ride through the country and set up places where you can find shelter if the country is ever in danger."

The prince bowed, said goodbye to his father and set off on his journey the very next day. He rode his horse through the whole country, travelling over mountains and hills, and it took him a whole year to return.

He immediately went into the throne room, greeted his father and he asked: "Well, my son, were you able to fulfil my request?"

"Yes, father," said the son happily. "I have had defence towers made of solid stone built all over the country. When the enemies come, I can find shelter there."

The king was silent and thoughtful, then he said: "My son, what good are defence towers made of solid stone if you have no friends to help you in times of need? Ride off once more and seek friendship with the people of the land."

So the prince rode through the country once more. He visited every village, spoke to the people, helped them and made friends everywhere. When he returned a year later, the king was lying weakly on his bed. He asked: "Well, my son, have you fulfilled my wish?"

The prince smiled and embraced his father. Soon afterwards, he closed his eyes forever and what the old king had feared happened: the enemies attacked the country. But the young king's friends were stronger and drove the enemies back.

The young king reigned happily for a long time. This all happened a long time ago, but the defence towers still stand today.

Fassung Djamila Jaenike, nach: H. Fähnrich, Märchen aus Georgien, München 1995  unter dem Titel: „Der Herrscher und sein Sohn“ und anderen Fassungen., englische Fassung Lysander Jaenike © Mutabor Märchenstiftung