Fairy Tales, Stories & Games for Kids Fairy Tales, Stories & Games for Kids
Hello, friends!
Today I’ll tell you the story of Kara Karayev’s ballet “The Seven Beauties”, inspired by the great poet Nizami Ganjavi.
The beginning
The story takes place in the medieval East. Shah Bahram, caught in a thunderstorm during hunting, hides in an old castle. A hermit shows him faded paintings of seven beautiful maidens.
At night, Bahram imagines that they come alive and dance before him.
Love and trials
Later, he meets Aisha and her brother Manzer, who are competing in archery. Bahram wins, and he and Aisha fall in love — but she soon learns he is a Shah.
Meanwhile, enemies attack the land, and Bahram leaves for war, entrusting his Vizier, who secretly plots to seize power.
⚔️ Betrayal and justice
When Bahram returns, the people suffer under injustice.
Aisha and Manzer fight for freedom and truth, while the Vizier manipulates the Shah.
In the end, the people rise up and punish the Vizier — but Bahram, blinded by pride, loses his love and throne.
Meaning
“The Seven Beauties” teaches that:
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Power without conscience brings destruction.
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True love is built on kindness, not control.
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The people’s strength lies in unity and justice.
Each musical theme in Karayev’s ballet paints these emotions — hope, fear, love, and remorse — in sound.
Tips for parents
Listen to parts of the ballet with your child.
Ask: “Which beauty do you think was the kindest? What feeling does this music give you?”
This helps children feel the moral of the story through music.
Small task
Ask your child to draw the moment when the seven maidens dance in colorful dresses while little NUK the hedgehog watches them.
