Khaleh Suskeh (Aunt Cockroach): A Classic Persian Folktale
- Mar 25
- 4 min read
Khaleh Suskeh was a small, neat, and careful lady who lived alone in a quiet house. One day, she woke up and decided that she did not want to live alone anymore. She wanted to find a husband who would be kind, gentle, and loving. So she washed her face, wore her best clothes, tied a scarf on her head, and stepped outside to search for the right person.
As she walked through the street, she met a butcher. The butcher was a big man who worked with meat all day, and his shop was full of knives and heavy tools. Khaleh Suskeh greeted him politely. The butcher asked where she was going, and she answered honestly that she was looking for a husband. But before choosing anyone, she wanted to ask an important question.
She asked, “If one day I die, what would you do?”
The butcher laughed and answered without thinking much. He said, “If you die, I will cut you into pieces.”
Khaleh Suskeh was shocked and upset. She did not like this answer at all. She thought the butcher sounded cruel and harsh, and she did not want to marry someone who spoke in such a frightening way. She politely said goodbye and continued walking down the street.
After a while, she met a potter. The potter was sitting near his wheel, shaping clay into bowls and jars. His hands were covered in clay, and there were many pots drying in the sun. Khaleh Suskeh greeted him and again explained that she was looking for a husband, but first she had an important question to ask.
She asked, “If one day I die, what would you do?”
The potter thought for a moment and then replied, “If you die, I will put you in the oven and bake you, just like my pottery.”
Khaleh Suskeh did not like this answer either. She imagined the heat of the oven and felt uncomfortable. She wanted someone kind and caring, not someone who talked about fire and baking her like clay. She thanked the potter and continued on her way.
Soon she came across a grocery shop. The grocer was busy arranging fruits, vegetables, beans, and herbs. The shop smelled fresh and lively. Khaleh Suskeh greeted the grocer and explained again that she was searching for a husband, but first she needed to ask one question.
She asked, “If one day I die, what would you do?”
The grocer answered, “If you die, I will hang you in my shop.”
Khaleh Suskeh felt uncomfortable again. She did not want someone who would treat her like an object to display. She wanted someone who would feel sad and show love, not someone who would simply hang her somewhere. She thanked the grocer politely she continued walking until she finally met a small mouse. The mouse looked humble and gentle, he was the owner of a soap shop. He greeted Khaleh Suskeh kindly and listened carefully when she explained she was looking for a husband.
As always, she asked her question.
“If one day I die, what would you do?”
The mouse became quiet for a moment. Then he answered sincerely, “If you die, I would cry. I would be very sad because I would miss you.”
Khaleh Suskeh finally felt happy. She believed the mouse truly cared. His answer showed emotion and kindness, which was exactly what she was hoping to find. She decided that the mouse was the right husband for her.
They got married and began living together happily. Every day, the mouse would go out to find food while Khaleh Suskeh stayed at home and took care of their small house. They were content and peaceful.
One day, the mouse went to find food as usual. He found a pot of soup and decided to taste it. But the soup was too hot, and unfortunately, the mouse fell into the pot and died.
When Khaleh Suskeh realized that the mouse had not returned home, she became worried. She went outside to look for him. Eventually, she discovered what had happened, and she became very sad.
She cried and cried because she had truly loved the mouse. She remembered that he had said he would cry if she died, and now she was the one crying for him.
Khaleh Suskeh folktale is often told as a simple tale, but it carries a message about choosing kindness and sincerity. Khaleh Suskeh met many different characters, but she chose the one who showed real feeling and compassion.
Even though the ending is sad, the story reminds us that love is not about power, pride, or appearance. It is about caring deeply for another person.
And that is why the story of Khaleh Suskeh has been told for many generations.
Mini-Glossary: Key Names and Terms in the Story
Khaleh Suskeh: Literally “Aunt Cockroach,” a famous character in Persian folklore.
Agha Moosh: “Mr. Mouse,” the gentle character she chooses to marry.
Bazaar: Traditional marketplace.
Folktale: A story passed down orally through generations.
Retelling by The Museum of Time
25 March 2026
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