Aung’s father, a respected puppet-maker, carves four masterfully crafted marionettes for his son when the youth decides to seek his fortune in the wider world. The father warns Aung that the puppets represent forces of human destiny:
- The King of the Devas (Thagyamin): Clad in celestial robes; embodies Wisdom, Keen Observation, and Foresight. He counsels Aung to look beyond superficial appearances.
- The Sorcerer (Yamakan): Armed with magical spells and a wand; symbolizes Material Wealth, Ingenuity, and Craftiness. He can summon riches and bend nature.
- The Ogre (Balu): Fierce and muscular; symbolizes Brute Strength, Coercion, and Power. He crushes physical obstacles through intimidation.
- The Holy Hermit: Dressed in ascetic robes; embodies Compassion, Humility, Peace, and Moral Rectitude. He teaches that helping others is life’s supreme calling.
On his journey, Aung ignores the Deva and the Hermit, relying first on the Sorcerer to create lavish goods and then on the Ogre to bully and seize a rich merchant’s caravan, forcibly abducting the merchant’s distressed daughter, Mala. When Mala rejects his tyrannical wealth and arrogant demeanor, Aung is overcome with remorse and realizes that fear-based dominance repels genuine love and peace. He seeks the guidance of the Hermit and the Deva, returns the stolen wealth, builds a sanctuary for travelers, and wins Mala’s voluntary respect and companionship through humble service.