Along with the tales of the
Panchtantra, the tales of
Vikram and the Vampire are part myth
and part fantasy. These are tales of magic and adventure, tales that date from a hoary antiquity. Where they are similar to the tales of the
Panchtantra is that each tale imparts a moral message to the reader; where they differ is in their length (they are much longer) and in the element of romance – which is absent from the fables of the
Panchtantra. In all told there are some twenty five tales; the anthologist has included eleven tales in this collection.
The method of story-telling adopted is that of a tale within a tale. Vikram is
attempting to bring the Vampire (properly speaking, a
Baital or giant bat) to a black magician – and the Baital is attempting to elude his grasp. These tales are recounted by the Baital both as a means to pass the time during his captivity, and as a challenge to Vikram who as earned much renown as a just and righteous king. The Baital seems to be saying: where is the morality, where is the justice in human affairs? In moral terms, these tales of the Baital are similar to the temptation of the devil (though in a strictly
Hindu context).
The Baital is a born cynic, for he sees nothing good in human affairs… To the Baital, nobility of purpose is tantamount to mere foolishness. In other words, the Baital’s ethics – or lack of ethics – form the subject matter of these tales. And their subtext is suggested by their various titles: the deception practiced by men and women (in the art of romance), the villainy of the base, the proper conduct of war, and the consequences of telling the truth. These are the tales of the
Kali Yuga (age of materialism), tales in which
people talk smoothly with their tongues, but nourish deceit in their hearts.
These are also tales where a certain amount of moral ambiguity is involved. The Baital – repeatedly – asks Vikram who is at fault (who is the guilty party) in these tales. At times, even the great king Vikram is at a loss of words; and has no reply to give. Another parallel with the devil is suggested for, in the background, one hears the laughter of the Baital. Who is laughing, perhaps, at the folly of men…