Every culture has its traditions, customs and beliefs. Retelling of fables and folktales is a big part of any culture. Pakistan has its own share of legends and tales as well.

While we have all heard of Sassui Punhun and Prince Saiful Malook, there are a number of enchanting tales from different regions of Pakistan that you might have missed!

1. Noori Jam Tamachi

Noori Jam Tamachi is a famous Sindhi folktale about Prince Jam Tamachi, the ruler of Sindh, who fell in love with a beautiful fisher-woman named Noori. When Jam married Noorie and made her the queen, it did not go well with the other royal ladies. Out of jealousy, they poisoned her to death.

2. Yusuf Khan and Sherbano

Known as the Pashto Romeo and Juliet, Yusuf Khan and Sherbano is a tragic love story. Yusuf Khan was a handsome young man who lived in the village of Turlandi with his sister and mother.

Yousuf liked to hunt. Everyday he would go to the forest with his dogs to hunt for deer. During one of his hunting trips, he came across Sherbano near Kharamar Hills. While they were falling in love, Yousuf’s cousins plotted against him and took control of his father’s lands. Poor and alone, Yousuf was exiled from his hometown and moved to India. There, he joined the army while his cousins forced Sherbano to marry another man.

When Yousuf received the message of Sherbano’s marriage, he dashed back to his hometown and successfully stopped the wedding. The two got married and began a happy life. One day, Yousuf’s cousins asked him to join them for hunting. When they went to the jungle, they murdered Yousuf. When Sherbano heard the news, she committed suicide at the hillside where they first met.

3. Mirza Sahiban

Mirza Sahiban is a famous tragic romance of Punjab that tells the story of Mirza and Sahiban. They both belonged to different tribes and were children of the rulers. Mirza was the son of Wanjal Khan who ruled the tribe of Kharral tribe and Sahiban was the daughter of Khewa Khan, the ruler of the Sayyal tribe.

Mirza and Sahiban were childhood friends who were never apart. As they grew up, they realized that they were destined to be together. Their love soon became the talk of the village. When Sahiban heard the rumors, he forcibly arranged her marriage with another man. On the wedding day, Mirza rescued the bride and they both eloped. Mirza decided to take shelter in forest, while Sahiban wanted to keep moving to escape her brothers. Despite her protests, Mirza decided to stay and rest. He arranged arrows to kill off his enemies. While he was sleeping, Sahiban guarded him as she was sure that her brothers would show up. However, as she didn’t want Mirza to kill her siblings, she broke the arrows.

Shortly after, her brothers showed up ready to shed blood. Mirza woke up and looked for the arrows only to find them gone. As they showered Mirza with arrows, Sahiban realized her mistake and threw herself over Mirza’s body to protect him. Both lovers died in each other’s arm.

4. Hani and Sheh Mureed

Hani and Sheh Mureed is an epic Baloch love ballad that dates back to 15th century. It is inspired by the lives of Baloch heroes, their sentiments and philosophical theories. It tells the tragic love story of Sheh Mureed and Hani.

5. The Tasrufdars

Tasrufdars are tiny elf-like creatures who live in lakes and springs. According to a Kashmiri legend, villagers of Hatbalnag believed that Tasrufdars were malevolent beings who didn’t like the presence of human beings. The sacred spring in the village was home to tasrufdars. If someone disturbed or polluted the spring, the elves would injure and curse the person. Some villagers also believed that they live in ancient chinar trees.

If you want to read more interesting tales and fables, check this out!