Balga’s Parallel Journey

This flow follows Balga as his comic pursuit of Ilma develops into loyal, practical companionship with Csongor.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

The Abandoned Farmer

The Abandoned Farmer A domestic grievance Balga explains that his intended bride, Ilma, has left with Tünde. He presents the loss in earthy terms, complaining about abandonment, hunger, and the difficulty of a life without the woman who once shared his ordinary world. A new direction Csongor recognizes in Balga a possible companion and tells him where Ilma has gone. Balga joins the search, though he is drawn as much by his wife and bodily comforts as by any grand ideal.

Following the Footprints

Following the Footprints Two readings of a trace When the pair find footprints, Csongor treats them as a delicate sign of Tünde’s passage. Balga compares them with familiar tracks and objects, turning a romantic clue into a comic puzzle. A divided purpose The same path serves two kinds of longing: Csongor hopes to find his beloved, while Balga hopes to reach Ilma. Their shared journey holds together even though each man imagines a different reward.

The Makeshift Justice

The Makeshift Justice A dispute interrupted Balga calls the quarreling little devils to Csongor, expecting the young master to decide who owns their inheritance. Csongor’s proposed race sends the rivals away and makes the magical gear accessible. The cost of intervention Balga is left to face the returning devils after Csongor disappears with the objects. His bruises and evasions turn the hero’s clever plan into an immediate physical burden for the servant.

The Captive Cart Ride

The Captive Cart Ride A reluctant escort The little devils threaten Balga, then force him to travel with them in their cart. Balga tries to mislead them, protect himself, and preserve his dignity, but his excuses cannot restore his independence. Comic endurance His account of taverns and thirst contrasts with Csongor’s cosmic description of magical travel. Balga survives the mishap through improvisation and stubbornness, qualities that make him more useful than his complaints suggest.

The Husband Returns

The Husband Returns A belated reunion Balga finds Ilma again after his wanderings and greets her with reproaches about hunger, absence, and suspected mischief. Their reunion is noisy and imperfect rather than solemn. A comic settlement Tünde permits Ilma to remain with Balga while also keeping her in her service. The decision restores the couple’s bond without erasing the play’s joke that marriage combines affection, appetite, quarrels, and everyday dependence.

At the crossroads shortly after Csongor’s departure

On the road after Balga joins Csongor

During the little devils’ quarrel

After the devils reclaim their attention

Near the ending when Tünde summons Ilma and Balga