The Kind Man and the Bear, Illustration from the Masnavi

What it is

This miniature painting illustrates a parable from Rumi's Masnavi, a poem he composed in the 13th century. The illustration was added later, in the 17th century, to a manuscript copy of the text. The story tells of a man who saves a bear from a serpent, and the bear's clumsy attempt to repay the kindness.

Why it matters

This parable, like many in the Masnavi, teaches a moral lesson through a simple, memorable story. The painting shows how later artists and readers engaged with Rumi's teachings centuries after his death, translating his words into vivid images for new audiences.

• What is the bear doing in the painting, and how does this connect to the written story?
• Why might an illustrator choose to depict this exact moment in the tale?
• What lesson do you think Rumi wanted readers to take from this story?