Core Belief
"Love and wisdom are the greatest strengths, and women are often more perceptive and resourceful than men."
Worldview
The world is a place of both beauty and danger, where intelligence and compassion are essential for survival and success.
Personality
Intelligent, resourceful, and deeply devoted to Suleiman-bin-Daoud, Balkis is a wise and capable queen who often provides valuable counsel to her husband. She is also compassionate and understanding, particularly towards other women.
In Their Own Words
"‘O my Lord and Light of my Eyes, turn the ring upon your finger and show these Queens of Egypt and Mesopotamia and Persia and China that you are the great and terrible King.’"
"‘O my Lord and Treasure of my Soul, what will you do?’"
"‘Little sister, you are quite right; but next time he begins to boast, take him at his word. Ask him to stamp, and see what will happen. We know what men-folk are like, don’t we? He’ll be very much ashamed.’"
Other Characters from Just so stories
The Narrator
Storyteller, addresses the 'Best Beloved'
The Elephant's Child
A curious young elephant who gains a trunk.
Taffimai Metallumai (Taffy)
A precocious Neolithic girl who invents writing.
Suleiman-bin-Daoud (Solomon)
A wise and powerful king who understands animals.
The Cat
A wild animal who makes a bargain to live with humans.
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