Herodias

by Gustave Flaubert

"Herodias" by Gustave Flaubert is a short story published in 1877 as part of his collection *Three Tales*. Set in ancient Judea, the story reimagines the biblical account of John the Baptist's execution. At a lavish birthday celebration for Herod Antipas, his wife Herodias orchestrates a cunning scheme involving her daughter Salomé to secure the prophet's death. As John has repeatedly insulted the royal family, the plan unfolds with calculated precision, leading to a fateful request and an anxious crowd awaiting the executioner's blade.