Tinatin Sends Avtandil to Look for the Knight

## Chapter Chronology

**Tinatin Sends Avtandil to Look for the Knight** (Georgian: **თინათინისაგან ავთანდილის გაგზავნა მის ყმის საძებნელად**) is the fourth chapter of *The Knight in the Panther's Skin*.

## Plot

Avtandil sat on his bed alone, wearing only his nightclothes. He was playing a harp, singing and being overjoyed. Suddenly, Tinatin's ebony slave came in and informed him that Tinatin was summoning him.

## Paraphrase

Avtandil sat alone in his room, unaffected by negative emotions. He strummed a harp and sang a joyful melody, eagerly anticipating the fulfillment of his dearest wish. Tinatin's ebony slave entered the room and informed him that Tinatin, with her enchanting beauty, requested his presence.

Overjoyed, Avtandil quickly adorned himself in his finest attire. The longing to meet Tinatin had often brought him to tears, but now the opportunity was within reach. The thrill of being in the presence of his beloved was indescribable.

Fearlessly and proudly, Avtandil approached Tinatin, the one he had yearned for. He had wept in solitude for her countless times. Tinatin, radiating a mournful aura akin to lightning, possessed a beauty that could outshine the moon and stars combined. She wore an ermine mantle fit for a queen, accompanied by exquisite crimson veils that captivated Avtandil's gaze. Her brilliant eyes and alluring lashes heightened her allure.

Tinatin, concealed behind her crimson veil, sat contemplatively, her thoughts immersed in a pensive state. She greeted Avtandil softly and invited him to take a seat, which he gratefully accepted. The slave guided him to a low seat, positioning him in front of the maiden. Face to face, Avtandil beheld Tinatin, brimming with immense joy and devoid of fear.

Tinatin began to express her distress and the reason behind her summoning of Avtandil. Reluctant to speak about it, yet unable to evade the test, she inquired if he understood why he was brought to her presence. She revealed her overwhelming emotions and the cause of her inner turmoil.

Avtandil, filled with radiant optimism, declared that his current state of bliss allowed no room for darkness. He compared his brightness to the moon, destined to fade when confronted by the even brighter sun. Intrigued and captivated, he implored Tinatin to reveal the source of her distress and how he could alleviate it.

In elegant and carefully chosen words, Tinatin responded, recounting the event when Avtandil and King Rostevan hunted a significant amount of game. She recounted the sudden appearance and subsequent disappearance of a mysterious weeping knight who had haunted her thoughts ever since. Tinatin beseeched Avtandil to embark on a quest to seek out this enigmatic knight, urging him to search the vast expanses of the sky if necessary, promising him fame and glory upon his success.

While their current conversation marked the first occasion of their direct interaction, Tinatin acknowledged her awareness of Avtandil's unwavering love for her, which she had perceived from afar. She recognized that his eyes had seldom been free from tears, imprisoned by his deep affection for her. The quest she entrusted him with served a twofold purpose: to fortify Avtandil as a knight, instilling courage in him, and to alleviate her own grief by bringing her closer to her mysterious weeping knight.

Tinatin believed that by pursuing this quest, Avtandil would not only strengthen his love for her but also deliver her from sorrow and hinder the malevolent forces at play. The successful completion of his mission would sow seeds of hope and fill her heart with roses. Upon his return, she pledged to meet him as her lion and radiant sun, eager to embrace the fruits of his efforts.

"Embark on a three-year quest," Tinatin beseeched Avtandil, her voice unwavering and resolute. "Seek diligently for the one I have entrusted to you, remain steadfast and undeterred. Should you succeed in finding him, return to me with joy, and your triumphant victory shall be celebrated. But if, perchance, he eludes your grasp, I shall understand that he existed only within the tapestry of my mind, a figment of my imagination. And when you come back to me, my rosebud shall remain untarnished and untouched by the passage of time, as a testament to our unwavering love."

Avtandil, his devotion unyielding, pledged his unwavering fidelity to Tinatin. "I swear, my beloved sun, that I shall be yours alone," he professed ardently. "Even if the sun itself were to descend from the heavens, assuming human form before you, I would remain steadfast. May I be ensnared in the depths of a nightmarish hell if ever I stray from my fidelity. And may my love for you consume me if I ever give you reason to despair."

Overwhelmed by his words, Tinatin's faith wavered for a fleeting moment. She gazed at Avtandil, searching his eyes for the truth she yearned to find. "Oh, my sun," he implored, his voice laced with earnestness. "Have I not proven my worth? Have my actions not demonstrated my devotion? My longing for death has been replaced by a renewed will to live, all because of you. I am but your humble servant, forever obedient to your commands."

He continued, his voice filled with veneration. "From the moment God fashioned you as a radiant sun in the sky, the celestial bodies themselves have bowed before your might. The words you have bestowed upon me are a precious reward, for they carry the weight of your love. As long as your rays continue to illuminate my path, my rose shall never wither."

With their oaths solemnly exchanged and promises sealed, they found solace in each other's presence. They laughed, their faces radiant with joy as they shared every thought and sentiment. Avtandil, captivated by Tinatin's resplendent beauty, declared, "Those who dare to gaze upon you are driven to madness, as I am today. The fire that emanates from you has reduced my once tender heart to ashes."

Reluctantly, Avtandil rose to depart, his longing for Tinatin etched upon his face. Each backward glance he cast, every lingering gaze, betrayed his struggle to part from her. His eyes, filled with love's intoxication, sparked with both pain and longing. The world around him seemed to freeze, as hail fell, encasing the delicate rose in ice. Trembling with a mixture of emotions, he was compelled forward by the power of his love, his heart irrevocably bound to another's.

Laying upon his bed, he wept, his tears flowing ceaselessly like precious pearls. His weeping persisted, unyielding, as his body trembled like an aspen tree in a tempest. Finally, exhausted, he succumbed to sleep, where dreams offered a fleeting respite from his sorrow. In his slumber, he envisioned his beloved by his side, their joyous union celebrated in a grand feast. Startled awake, the absence of her presence intensified his sorrow tenfold.

The ache of separation, even in its brevity, weighed heavily upon Avtandil's heart. Pearl-like tears stained his pallid cheeks, revealing the depth of his longing. With the arrival of a new day, Avtandil adorned himself in attire befitting his noble purpose, determined to present himself favorably at the royal court. Sending a chamberlain as his emissary, he conveyed a message to the king, filled with deference and determination.

"Your Majesty," the message proclaimed, "I humbly offer my understanding and seek your permission to embark on a quest that spans the reaches of your realm. In my relentless pursuit, I shall make known the name of Tinatin, piercing the hearts of any who oppose her. The loyal subjects shall rejoice in our triumph, while those who defy your reign shall be humbled. I pledge to send you updates of my progress and shall not falter in presenting you with gifts that reflect the valor of our endeavor."

The king, filled with gratitude and admiration, contemplated Avtandil's words as if they were a melodious song. "Oh, Avtandil, you are a lion among men, your spirit attuned to the call of battle," he mused. "Your words and actions resonate with sensitivity and strength. Your wish is granted, but I wonder how I shall endure if your absence lingers."

And so, Avtandil set forth on his quest, driven by his unwavering love for Tinatin. Bound by a promise and fueled by the passion that kindles hearts, he ventured into the unknown, guided by the radiant light of his beloved sun.

The knight, Avtandil, entered the royal court with reverence, expressing his deep gratitude and offering words of thanks to the king. "Your Majesty," he pleaded, "I beseech you to bestow your highest praise upon other noble individuals. If God grants me relief from the anguish of being apart, I will rejoice in the hope of seeing you again on a future joyous day."

The king, filled with affection, embraced Avtandil tightly, treating him like a beloved son. Their bond was akin to that of a loving parent and child, unrivaled in its strength. Reluctantly, the knight bid his farewell, and Rostevan, burdened with sorrow, felt a profound loss in his departure. Wise and kind-hearted, Rostevan wept for the young knight embarking on his journey.

Avtandil, a gallant and fearless warrior, rode into the vast world as a knight of great courage. For twenty days and nights, he traversed the lands, his thoughts consumed by Tinatin, the woman who ignited a fervent love within his heart. Wherever he ventured, Avtandil had a remarkable ability to bring joy to those around him, erasing their sorrows with his mere presence. Nobles bestowed upon him valuable gifts, eager to share their finest treasures with this radiant young knight. Time was precious to Avtandil, and he wasted none, for his mind was singularly focused on the vision of Tinatin, the beacon of his affection.

In his travels, Avtandil approached a formidable city, instilling fear in the hearts of those who opposed him, regardless of their origins or lineage. Like an impregnable fortress, the city stood tall, its towering cliffs commanding respect. Avtandil delighted in the pleasures of the hunt, spending three blissful days near the city's vicinity. Recognizing the potential in his loyal companion, Shermadin, he appointed him as the vizier, bestowing upon him a position of trust and responsibility.

Shermadin, who had been Avtandil's steadfast childhood companion, had been oblivious to the intensity of the knight's unrequited passion. Avtandil confided in him, revealing the solemn promise made by the radiant maiden. "Dear and loyal Shermadin," Avtandil confessed, "Today, I stand before you in shame. You have always been devoted, faithfully fulfilling my every request. However, you are unaware of the tears I have shed in longing. But now, the one for whom I endured such suffering has rekindled the flame of happiness within me."

"I am overwhelmed by love for our queen, whose beauty grows with each passing day. Tears of longing stream from my eyes, like dew on a delicate rose. It is my duty to keep my sorrows hidden, but now that she offers me hope, my heart's joy is unmistakable.

She spoke to me and said, 'Go, Avtandil, and bring me news of the lost knight. When you return, I shall do my best to fulfill your heart's desire. I have no desire for any other husband, no matter how delightful.'

Her words provided solace to my bound heart, releasing the tight grip of pain. First and foremost, I wish to be her loyal knight for the rest of my life. A true vassal remains faithful and serves their ruler to the best of their ability. The darkness within my heart has dissipated, as she has extinguished the fire she ignited. A man should not falter in the face of adversity but face it with strength.

You and I, among all lords and vassals, share an unbreakable bond. Therefore, I have come to personally share the news with you. In my absence, I appoint you as the temporary lord and leader of our armies. There is no one else I trust with this responsibility.

Lead our soldiers into battle, inspiring them to conquer their fears. Dispatch messengers to the court, ensuring our homeland's affairs are communicated. Write letters on my behalf and bestow valuable gifts upon deserving individuals. But when you assume this role, keep my absence a secret.

Hunt in my place and do not allow our army to grow complacent. Wait here for three years, guarding the secret you now possess. If I return unscathed, I will be eternally grateful. However, if I do not return by then, mourn and grieve for me.

If three years pass without my return, inform the king of my death. Express your distress and sorrow as you convey this inevitable truth. Speak of my descent into the valley from where no one returns. Distribute my wealth among the poor, ensuring they are provided for.

By fulfilling these tasks, you will grant me the greatest favor. I implore you to remember me always and not forget me easily. Pray for my soul and ensure my path forward is paved with provisions. Recall my youth and let your heart sing a motherly melody for me."

Upon hearing these words, the servant was overcome with alarm and concern. Tears cascaded from his eyes, resembling glistening pearls. He confessed, "To claim that I am glad and worthy would be a falsehood. I know, however, that I cannot hinder your departure. Can we not both venture forth, so that I may accompany you?"

The knight responded honestly, for truth requires no shield. "A lover should be alone when he embarks on his journey. Pearls are not obtained freely, merely by catching a glimpse. A treacherous man deserves to be pierced by a lance and made to yield.

Whom else could I entrust with my lordship but you, the most deserving? You alone possess the insight to discern what needs to be done and ensure its completion. Strengthen our borders, so that news of our enemies' advances does not reach my ears. Perhaps I shall return, if I am not lost in the tale woven by God.

Whether individually or collectively, fate claims all those who are born. Loneliness is inconsequential if the powers of heaven have forsaken their aid. If I have not returned in three years, don mourning attire and lament my absence. I will provide you with a letter to prevent my courtiers from treating you with scorn."

## Characters

### Active

* **Avtandil** — The main protagonist and knight who is deeply in love with Tinatin. He embarks on a quest to find a mysterious weeping knight and fulfill Tinatin's request.
* **Tinatin** — King Rostevan's daughter whom Avtandil loves deeply. She summons Avtandil and entrusts him with a quest to find the weeping knight, hoping it will alleviate her own grief.
* Tinatin's ebony slave — Enters Avtandil's room to inform him about Tinatin's request.
* **King Rostevan** — The king who grants Avtandil permission to embark on his quest and expresses admiration for him. He shares a close bond with Avtandil and treats him like a beloved son.
* **Shermadin** — Avtandil's loyal childhood companion who becomes his vizier. Avtandil confides in him and shares the details of his love for Tinatin, as well as his plans during his absence.

### Mentioned

* **The weeping knight** — A mysterious figure who appeared and disappeared during a hunting event, haunting Tinatin's thoughts. Tinatin asks Avtandil to find this knight.
* **Noble individuals** — Avtandil mentions other noble individuals to whom the king should bestow praise while he is on his quest.
* **Soldiers and armies** — Avtandil mentions soldiers and the army that Shermadin will lead in his absence.
* **The poor** — Avtandil instructs Shermadin to distribute his wealth among the poor in case he doesn't return.

## Memorable Quotes

>
> It's thrilling to be with beauty, to have your beloved with you.
>
>
>
> — Rustaveli, Stanza 125: d

"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"

1. ↑ Originally "Changi", a harp-like instrument from Georgia.