Fables Reborn
The enduring tales of Arabic classic Kalila wa Dimna have now been reimagined for a Spanish-language edition to connect with children across cultures
The ancient fables of Kalila wa Dimna have travelled across centuries and continents since they were first recorded in India more than 1,000 years ago. Translated from Sanskrit into Persian and then into Arabic during the eighth century, they have been retold in countless languages since. The animal fables offer lessons on morality, wisdom and leadership – timeless themes that remain as relevant today as when they were first told in the royal courts of Babylon and Baghdad.
This classic work has now entered a new chapter through Qatar Reads, an initiative of Qatar National Library. The project reimagines the fables for a new generation through an exhibition of artwork, a Spanish translation and storytelling programmes for children.
Qatari artist and author Wadha Al Athba created 12 paintings that bring the fables to life in the tradition of Islamic miniature art. “I was captivated by the richness of the stories and the way one tale flows into another,” she says. “As I reread the tales and studied many miniatures, vivid scenes formed in my imagination. I wanted to simplify the narratives so that the morals would feel clear to children today, while staying true to the essence of the originals.”
The works are exquisitely realised in watercolour, gouache and gold leaf on handmade paper, echoing traditional techniques. Al Athba also experimented with natural pigments from her garden, using a butterfly pea flower to obtain a turquoise colour. “This brought a contemporary vibrancy to the work while maintaining a link with tradition,” she explains.
The illustrations form the heart of a new Spanish-language edition of Kalila wa Dimna, published by Hamad Bin Khalifa University Press and distributed to 1,000 children across Argentina. The artworks are also being exhibited at the Biblioteca Ricardo Güiraldes in Buenos Aires, accompanied by storytelling sessions and creative workshops.
“It’s a project that reminds us how stories can travel beyond borders,” says Nada Al Sayed, a senior programme development specialist at Qatar Reads. “It’s a genuine exchange between cultures and allows children to connect with Qatar in a tangible way.”
“I was captivated by the richness of the stories… as I reread the tales, vivid scenes formed in my imagination”
The opening tale of Kalila wa Dimna tells the story of a lion king, his trusted companion the ox Shanzabeh and the cunning jackal Dimna. When the ox wins the lion’s favour, Dimna grows jealous and schemes to turn them against each other. Through lies and manipulation, he convinces each that the other means harm, leading to a deadly confrontation. The story serves as a warning against envy, deceit and the danger of false counsel – a theme that sets the tone for the many fables that follow. “The Lion and the Ox is my favourite tale as it symbolises friendship and betrayal, and shows how powerful words can be,” says Al Athba. “These are the kinds of lessons that I want my children to understand.”
