The Fourth King: The Story of the Other Wise Man

A kindhearted king plays a bigger role in the Nativity than he realizes in this ode to unsung heroes everywhere.

Once upon a time, three kings came out of a distant land and followed a star across the desert. You may know them as the Wise Men, or perhaps the magi-bearers of gold, frankincense, and myrrh for a newborn child. What few know is that another king set out on the long and difficult journey, a king named Mazzel who, unlike the well-sung trio, arrived too late and empty-handed. First there was the frightened nomad girl who needed rescuing from a sandstorm, then the lost merchant caravan in need of a guide, and more crises along the route. What was Mazzel to do? Based on the short story “The Other Wise Man” by Henry Van Dyke, this enchanting fable from artist Ted Sieger is a heartening, universal tale that reminds us all of the meaning of Christmas.