Avtandil's Letter to His Vassals

## Chapter Chronology

**Avtandil's Letter to His Vassals** (Georgian: **წიგნი ავთანდილისა თავის ყმათა თანა**) is the fifth chapter of *The Knight in the Panther's Skin*.

## Paraphrase

Avtandil, feeling the need to embark on a journey, wrote a letter to his loyal vassals, tutors, retainers, and servants, explaining his plans. He assured them that his decision to leave was not due to restlessness but a personal transformation. He had given up drinking and revelry and intended to rely on his archery skills for sustenance during his solitary expedition. Though he couldn't reveal the exact reason for his departure, he asked his followers to heed his instructions and ensure the safety of the realm in his absence.

Avtandil entrusted his dear companion Shermadin with the role of acting lord until his return or in the event of his demise. He held Shermadin in high regard, having raised him like a brother or son, and instructed everyone to obey him as they would Avtandil himself. Should Shermadin give any orders, they were to be carried out with the same loyalty and dedication. Avtandil emphasized that if he failed to return on time, all festivities should be suspended.

After confiding his intentions in writing, Avtandil adorned himself with a golden belt, signifying his readiness to embark on his journey. The soldiers lined up, and Avtandil declared his departure, refusing any assistance from others. He dismissed the slaves and ventured forth alone, traversing the rushes without fear. His mind remained fixated on Tinatin, his beloved slayer, as he galloped across the plains, gradually disappearing into the night.

The soldiers made earnest efforts to locate their lord but were unable to find him. Their faces reflected regret and sadness, realizing they had lost the source of their joy. They searched tirelessly, galloping in all directions with their fleet horses, but Avtandil eluded their pursuit. They lamented his departure and wondered who could replace such a formidable leader.

Messengers from distant lands were summoned, but they too failed to provide any information about Avtandil's whereabouts. His disappearance remained a mystery, and his despondent men were overwhelmed with sorrow, shedding tears of despair. In the court, countless courtiers gathered, and Shermadin read Avtandil's letter aloud, causing another wave of grief to sweep through the assembly. Not a single heart remained untouched, and everyone expressed their deep sorrow.

Acknowledging the troubling and unprecedented news left by Avtandil, the courtiers recognized Shermadin as the most suitable candidate to assume leadership. They pledged their obedience and support, acknowledging his authority and readiness to carry out any commands. In a unanimous act of homage, they anointed the servant as their new lord, united in their grief and determination to honor Avtandil's wishes.

"Prologue"

1. "The Story of King Rostevan, The King of Arabs"
2. "King Rostevan and Avtandil Go Hunting"
3. "The King of the Arabs Sees the Knight in the Panther Skin"
4. "Tinatin Sends Avtandil to Look for the Knight"
5. "**Avtandil's Letter to His Vassals**"
6. "Avtandil Sets Forth in Quest of the Knight"
7. "Avtandil Tells His Story to Asmat"
8. "The Meeting of Tariel and Avtandil"
9. "Tariel Tells His Story to Avtandil"
10. "The Story of Tariel's Falling in Love"
11. "First Letter Written by Nestan-Darejan to Her Beloved"
12. "First Letter Written by Tariel to His Beloved"
13. "Tariel Writes a Letter and Sends a Man to the Khatavians"
14. "Nestan-Darejan Summons Tariel"
15. "The Letter by the King of the Khatavians to Tariel"
16. "Tariel's Tryst with Nestan-Darejan"
17. "Tariel's Departure for Khataeti and Great War"
18. "Tariel's Letter to the Indian King and His Triumphant Return"
19. "The Letter of Nestan-Darejan Written to Her Beloved"
20. "Tariel Laments and then Faints"
21. "Tariel's Letter in Answer to His Beloved"
22. "The Council Concerning Nestan-Darejan's Marriage"
23. "Tariel and Nestan-Darejan Discuss Her Marriage"
24. "The Arrival of the Bridegroom and His Slaying by Tariel"
25. "Tariel Hears Tidings of the Disappearance of Nestan-Darejan"
26. "Nuradin-Phridon's Story"
27. "Tariel's Aid to Phridon"
28. "Phridon Tells Tariel Tidings of Nestan-Darejan"
29. "The Story of Avtandil's Return to Arabia"
30. "Avtandil's Request to the King and the Vizier's Entreaty"
31. "Avtandil's Discourse with Shermadin"
32. "The Testament of Avtandil for King Rostevan Before He Secretly Left"
33. "Avtandil's Prayer"
34. "King Rostevan Hears of Avtandil's Secret Flight"
35. "Avtandil's Second Departure to Meet Tariel"
36. "Avtandil Finds Tariel"
37. "Tariel Tells How He Killed a Panther and a Lion"
38. "Tariel and Avtandil Return to the Cave and See Asmat"
39. "Avtandil Goes to See Phridon"
40. "Avtandil Comes to Phridon's After He Parted from Tariel"
41. "Avtandil Goes to Seek Nestan-Darejan and Meets a Caravan"
42. "The Story of Avtandil's Arrival in Gulansharo"
43. "Patman Becomes Enamoured of Avtandil"
44. "Patman's Letter of Love to Avtandil"
45. "Avtandil's Letter in Response to Patman"
46. "Patman Tells Avtandil the Story of Nestan-Darejan"
47. "The Story of the Capture of Nestan-Darejan by the Kajis"
48. "The Letter Written by Patman to Nestan-Darejan"
49. "The Letter Written by Nestan-Darejan to Patman"
50. "The Letter Written by Nestan-Darejan to Her Beloved"
51. "Avtandil's Letter to Phridon"
52. "Avtandil's Departure from Gulansharo and Meeting with Tariel"
53. "Tariel and Avtandil Go to Phridon"
54. "Phridon's Counsel"
55. "Avtandil's Counsel"
56. "Tariel's Counsel"
57. "Tariel's Visit to the King of the Seas"
58. "The Wedding of Tariel and Nestan-Darejan Held by Phridon"
59. "The Three Knights Go to the Cave and Then to Arabia"
60. "The Wedding of Avtandil and Tinatin by the King of the Arabs"
61. "Tariel Learns of the Death of the King of India"
62. "Tariel's Arrival in India and the Defeat of the Khatavians"
63. "The Wedding of Tariel and Nestan-Darejan"

"Epilogue"