the Moorish chieftain

Also known as: the Moor · Family: Moors · Role: chieftain · First appears: Chapter IV · Prince Marko and a Moorish Chieftain · Part 1

In Chapter IV · Prince Marko and a Moorish Chieftain, the Moorish chieftain built a magnificent, twenty-storey castle by the sea. At Istamboul, he demanded that the Sultan (Marko's father-in-God) give him his daughter in marriage, threatening to fight if refused. He imposed a daily tax on the city, including a maiden, for three months; one day, when he received no answer, he struck the Palace with his club and shattered its windows. The Sultan, alarmed, promised to yield his daughter.

Next morning the Sultan presented his daughter and the wedding gifts to the Moorish chieftain. He rode on Bedevia in the wedding procession, but Marko pursued it, killing the dever and the second witness. Marko and the Moor fought for four hours before the Moor fled on Bedevia; Marko followed, struck him with his club, and severed his head from his body.