The Donkey's Head (Turkish folktale)

The Donkey's Head is a popular Turkish folktale, often told in various versions across different regions and communities within Turkey. The core narrative typically revolves around a king or ruler who, through some unfortunate circumstance, is cursed or transformed to have the ears of a donkey.

The king is often depicted as attempting to hide his affliction from the public, typically employing a barber who is sworn to secrecy upon discovering the king's unusual feature. However, the secret proves too burdensome for the barber to bear, and he is compelled to share it, albeit indirectly.

In many versions, the barber whispers the secret into a well, a hole in the ground, or even into a reed. The secret then manifests in a tangible way. For example, reeds growing at the location where the secret was whispered begin to reveal the truth when they are used to make musical instruments, such as a ney (an end-blown flute). The instrument, when played, reveals the phrase "The king has donkey's ears" or a similar divulgence of the secret.

The story serves as a cautionary tale about the burden of secrets, the importance of honesty, and the futility of trying to suppress the truth. While the king attempts to maintain a facade of normalcy, the truth inevitably surfaces, highlighting the power of collective knowledge and the difficulty of controlling information. The folktale also offers subtle social commentary, hinting at the often-strained relationship between rulers and the people they govern. The donkey's ears can be interpreted as a symbol of foolishness or incompetence, suggesting a critique of the king's ability to rule effectively.

The tale of The Donkey's Head is a staple of Turkish storytelling and is frequently used in children's literature and educational settings to impart moral lessons. The narrative variations and cultural adaptations across regions contribute to the richness and enduring appeal of this traditional Turkish folktale.