The Tale of the Golden Cockerel

Frustrated by constant plotting of a neighboring hostile ruler, Tsar Dadon receives a gift of a golden cockerel from an astrologer. With the bird watching over the city, the Tsar may sleep; danger will be sounded by a warning caw. At the cockerel’s first alarm, the Tsar dispatches his two sons to lead his army; at the second, he decides to go himself to the field of battle. He discovers the bodies of his sons who seem to have killed one another. From a nearby tent there emerges a lovely Queen of Shamakha. She completely infatuates and fools the old Dadon, who asks her to marry him. On their return to the capitol, the astrologer reminds Dadon of his promised token of gratitude. The astrologer asks for the Tsar’s bride. Infuriated, Dadon slays the astrologer. The queen deserts him, and he is killed by the golden beak of the avenging cockerel.