Sallimus: Itämainen kertomus

by Voltaire

"Sallimus: Itämainen kertomus" by Voltaire is a philosophical novel published in 1747. Set in an ancient Near Eastern world, the story follows Zadig, a young Babylonian who encounters repeated misfortunes and arbitrary treatment while seeking happiness. Through his trials with rulers and women, he confronts the problem of evil and fate's unpredictability. The tale blends entertainment with satire, questioning religious intolerance and eighteenth-century values while exploring whether suffering serves a greater purpose in the universe.