The fourth Wise Man

Artaban: the fourth Wise Man

At Explora Natura, those of you who participate in our activities know this and end-of-year trips, We are storytellers, transmitters of dreams, guardians of illusions, and this one is about the fourth Wise Man.

You know, a story that isn't told is a story that gets lost in time. So don't keep them to yourself.

Today we want to share with you a little-known story about the Three Wise Men.

How many Wise Men were there?

On a day as special as today, we want to tell you the story of Artaban, the fourth wise man. It is a beautiful Christmas story based on the tale by the American writer Henry Van Dyke, published in 1896 under the title 'The Other Wise Man'.

Melchior, Caspar, Balthazar, and Artaban were four important wise men from the East. They were so important that they reigned in their respective countries. They were scholars of the stars. They spent much time gazing at the heavens and identifying each one. During their long nights of study, the four wise men discovered a star unlike any other. It shone brighter than the rest, and its tail left a trail of light that intrigued and fascinated them. After several nights of observation, they concluded that this star marked a path that led them to Bethlehem, the place where the baby Jesus was about to be born.

The four magicians decided to follow their impulses, as they had the feeling that they should follow the path indicated by that star.

They immediately set to work, each gathering the necessary preparations for the journey. They would meet in Babylon. Knowing it would be a long and arduous trip, they bundled up and packed their camels and gifts for the child, for they had a feeling he was destined to be a very important person. They decided on the gifts: Melchior would bring gold; Gaspar, frankincense; and Balthazar, myrrh. Artaban decided to bring precious stones as a gift: a diamond, a ruby, and a pearl.
Each Wise Man started from a different point, so their meeting would take place in Babylon, after which they would continue their journey together.

But on his way to Babylon, Artaban encountered a poor man who had been robbed by bandits. Moved by his plight, he gave him the diamond he was carrying as a gift for the child.

When he arrived at the meeting point, the other Magi, tired of waiting for him, had already left for the next destination, Judea. He followed them, but when he arrived there, they weren't there either. Instead, he encountered a desolate scene: Herod had ordered the killing of all newborn boys. Seeing a soldier about to kill a baby, he offered him a ruby in exchange for sparing the child's life. But other soldiers, seeing what he was doing, took him prisoner and imprisoned him in Jerusalem.

After 33 years behind bars, the wise king Artaban regained his freedom. He never forgot his mission, so when he learned that Jesus was to be crucified, he decided to go in search of him. But on his way, Artaban encountered a woman about to be sold, and he decided to give her the last pearl he had in exchange for her freedom.

When Artaban, the fourth Wise Man, tired and with very little strength, arrived at Mount Golgotha with Jesus, already crucified. They looked at each other and Artaban said to him:

– Forgive me, Jesus, for arriving late.
Jesus then said to him:
– Artaban, you will be with me today in the kingdom of heaven, because when I was hungry, you gave me food, and when I was sick, you cared for me. When I was imprisoned, you set me free…
"But Lord, when did I do all that?" Artaban asked, surprised.
– What you did for your brothers, you did for me – Jesus replied.

So, you know, we should never forget our tasks or leave them unfinished; we must complete what we start. Furthermore, we should share and treat others as we would like to be treated. Doing good along our path makes us and others happy.

That is why, and to remind us every year, the Three Wise Men from the East give gifts to children who have behaved well, to celebrate the wonderful adventure of their companion Artaban, and the life lesson he teaches us.
May you be very happy and make others happy this year!
At Explora Natura, this is our purpose.

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