# Mangogul — The Indiscreet Jewels character guide > Mangogul in The Indiscreet Jewels by Denis Diderot. **Role:** major **Also known as:** Tanzai, Zaide, Hiaouf Zeles, Accordingly Mangogul, Inscriptions Mangogul, V Mangogul, the great Mangogul **First appearance:** 0001-the-indiscreet-toys ## Snapshot Sultan of the Congo whose magic ring makes women's most private parts confess their secrets aloud, turning idle curiosity into a kingdom-wide scandal. ## Who they are Mangogul rules Congo with absolute power and an equally absolute appetite for amusement, and when the genius Cucufa hands him a ring that makes women's toys speak, he treats it as a toy of his own. Yet his first impulse is to test it on Mirzoza, the favorite he genuinely loves, and he recoils — terrified that what he hears might cost him the one person he trusts. His experiments ripple through the court, exposing widows, invalids, and hypocrites, and setting up the central question of whether knowledge of others' secrets is worth the price. ## Relationships ### [Kanaglou](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/kanaglou) _friendship_ Kanaglou is a close confidant and advisor to Sultan Mangogul, frequently engaging in political and personal discussions. ### [Mirzoza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/mirzoza) _romantic_ Mangogul is deeply in love with his favorite sultana Mirzoza, sharing an intimate and passionate bond. ### [Erguebzed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/erguebzed) _rivalry_ Erguebzed is a powerful courtier who frequently opposes Mangogul's decisions and schemes against him. ### [Kerfael](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/kerfael) _professional_ Kerfael serves as a high-ranking official in Mangogul's court, carrying out administrative and diplomatic duties. ### [Egle](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/egle) _romantic_ Egle is one of Mangogul's lesser-known lovers, enjoying brief but intense moments of affection with the sultan. ### [Zermounzaid](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/zermounzaid) _professional_ Zermounzaid is a trusted vizier who advises Mangogul on matters of state and governance. ### [Cucufa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/cucufa) _psychological_ Cucufa is a mysterious enchantress who manipulates Mangogul through magical means, often for her own cryptic purposes. ### [Zuleiman](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/zuleiman) _professional_ Zuleiman is a loyal general in Mangogul's army, responsible for military campaigns and security. ### [Fricamona](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/fricamona) _social_ Fricamona is a courtesan who entertains Mangogul with witty conversation and social graces, but remains a casual acquaintance. ### [Kanaglou](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/kanaglou) _friendship_ Kanaglou is a close confidant and advisor to Sultan Mangogul, frequently engaging in political and personal discussions. ### [Mirzoza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/mirzoza) _romantic_ Mangogul is deeply in love with his favorite sultana Mirzoza, sharing an intimate and passionate bond. ### [Erguebzed](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/erguebzed) _rivalry_ Erguebzed is a powerful courtier who frequently opposes Mangogul's decisions and schemes against him. ## In the story ### [The Indiscreet Toys](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/the-indiscreet-toys) The Sultan who wields the magical ring, using it to expose the secrets of the women in his court. ### [Birth of Mangogul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/i-birth-of-mangogul) The newborn prince whose birth coincides with the deaths of several sovereigns. ### [Education of Mangogul](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/ii-education-of-mangogul) The young prince who receives a comprehensive education and later becomes a great sultan, known for his reforms and amiability. ### [III: Which May Be Regarded as the First of This History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/iii-which-may-be-regarded-as-the-first-of-this-history) The Sultan, bored and yawning, seeks a remedy for his disgust and decides to invoke the Genius Cucufa. ### [Evocation of the Genius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/iv-evocation-of-the-genius) The Sultan who evokes the Genius Cucufa and receives the magical ring. ### [Mangogul's Dangerous Temptation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/v-mangogul-s-dangerous-temptation) Tempted to test the ring on Mirzoza but ultimately swears not to. ### [First Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/vi-first-trial-of-the-ring) The Sultan who tests the ring on Alcina, finding amusement in the revelation and dismissing Mirzoza's concerns. ### [VII: Second Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/vii-second-trial-of-the-ring) Sultan who secretly uses the ring to make the ladies' Toys speak. ### [VIII: Third Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/viii-third-trial-of-the-ring) Hosts the supper and uses the ring to expose the women's secrets. ### [IX: The State of the Academy of Sciences at Banza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/ix-the-state-of-the-academy-of-sciences-at-banza) Mangogul has just left the recluses at the start of the chapter. ### [XI: Fourth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xi-fourth-trial-of-the-ring) The Sultan who orchestrates the fourth trial of the ring, causing Ismene's Toy to speak. ### [XII: Fifth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xii-fifth-trial-of-the-ring) Decides to test the ring on Manilla to expose gambling addiction; follows Mirzoza's advice on timing. ### [XIII: Of the Opera at Banza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xiii-of-the-opera-at-banza) Uses the ring on the opera singers, causing their Toys to sing lewdly. ### [XIV: Orcotomus's Experiments](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xiv-orcotomus-s-experiments) The Sultan who observes the failed experiments invisibly, becomes enraged, and later vents to Mirzoza about the waste of pensions. ### [XV: The Bramins](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xv-the-bramins) Attends the religious service with Mirzoza; knows the secret of the ring. ### [XIX: Seventh Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xix-seventh-trial-of-the-ring) Tests the ring on Zelais, causing her Toy to speak despite the muzzle, and later turns off the ring to save her. ### [XX: Eighth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xx-eighth-trial-of-the-ring) The Sultan who resolves to test vaporish women with his ring, visiting Salica and Arsinoe. ### [XXI: Ninth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxi-ninth-trial-of-the-ring) Uses the ring on Thelis's Toy, learns of her extensive infidelities and betrayals, and silences the Toy when it mentions his father. ### [A Sketch of Mangogul's Moral Philosophy](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxii-a-sketch-of-mangogul-s-moral-philosophy) Sultan who presents his moral philosophy based on the ring's revelations, defining women by their Toys. ### [Tenth Trial of the Ring: The Dogs](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxiii-tenth-trial-of-the-ring) Applies the ring to Haria, revealing her secret history with her dogs and husband. ### [Eleventh Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxiv-eleventh-trial-of-the-ring) Uses the ring to expose the widows' secrets and rid himself of their petitions. ### [Twelfth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxv-twelfth-trial-of-the-ring) Uses the ring to uncover Fatme's false accusation and ultimately pardons Kerfael. ### [XXVI: Mirzoza's Metaphysics](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxvi-mirzoza-s-metaphysics) Engages with Mirzoza's lecture, initially skeptical but ultimately charmed by her wit and sentiment. ### [Sequel of the Preceding Conversation](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxvii-sequel-of-the-preceding-conversation) Engages in a philosophical debate with Mirzoza, arguing that most men and all women are machines without souls, and proposes a whimsical experiment with his mare. ### [XXVIII: Thirteenth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxviii-thirteenth-trial-of-the-ring) Sultan who tests the ring on his mare and banishes Ziguezague for refusing to transcribe her speech. ### [The Best Perhaps, and the Least Read of This History](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxix-the-best-perhaps-and-the-least-read-of-this-history) Narrates his dream of the Region of Hypotheses, complains of a headache, and plans to use the ring. ### [XXX: Fourteenth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxx-fourteenth-trial-of-the-ring) The Sultan who uses the ring to test Egle, discovers her innocence, and orders her return to court. ### [Was Mangogul in the Right?](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxi-was-mangogul-in-the-right) Argues that women's virtue is a chimera, citing education and societal examples; wagers with Mirzoza to find a truly virtuous woman. ### [The Fifteenth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxii-the-fifteenth-trial-of-the-ring) The Sultan who investigates the private lodges of senators and uses the ring on Alphana. ### [XXXIII: Sixteenth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxiii-sixteenth-trial-of-the-ring) Hosts the salon and uses the ring to expose the petits-maîtres. ### [Seventeenth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxiv-seventeenth-trial-of-the-ring) Uses the ring to expose Eriphila's infatuation with the actor Orgogli during a play. ### [Conversation on Literature](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxv-conversation-on-literature) Participates in the debate, dismisses academic flattery, and supports Mirzoza's critical views. ### [Eighteenth and Nineteenth Trials of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxvi-eighteenth-and-nineteenth-trials-of-the-ring) Narrates the trials of the ring to Mirzoza, demonstrating his memory and wit. ### [XXXVII: Mirzoza’s Dream](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxvii-mirzoza-s-dream) The Sultan who listens to Mirzoza's dream and proposes consulting Bloculocus for interpretation. ### [Twenty-First and Twenty-Second Trials of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxviii-twenty-first-and-twenty-second-trials-of-the-ring) Tests Fricamona's and Callipiga's Toys with the ring, reports results to Mirzoza. ### [XXXIX: Dreams](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xxxix-dreams) Relates his dream of Mirzoza with a dog's head and engages in philosophical banter with Bloculocus. ### [Twenty-Third Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xl-twenty-third-trial-of-the-ring) Sultan who conducts the trial on Fannia's Toy. ### [The History of Selim's Travels](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xli-the-history-of-selim-s-travels) Plans a ball to gather city Toys for ring trials; falls asleep during Selim's narrative. ### [Twenty-Fourth and Twenty-Fifth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlii-twenty-fourth-and-twenty-fifth-trial-of-the-ring) Uses the ring extensively at the masquerade, tricks a young woman, and later resolves the dispute between Alibeg and Nasses. ### [XLIII: Selim at Banza](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xliii-selim-at-banza) Joins the conversation, comments on women's passions, and proposes to interrogate Cypria with the ring. ### [XLIV: Twenty-Sixth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xliv-twenty-sixth-trial-of-the-ring) Observes Cypria's apartments and uses the ring to compel her Toy to speak. ### [Cydalisa](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlv-cydalisa) Sultan who listens to Selim's story and later proposes testing Fulvia's fidelity with the ring. ### [Twenty-Seventh Trial of the Ring: Fulvia](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlvi-twenty-seventh-trial-of-the-ring) The Sultan who orchestrates the trial by using the ring to force Fulvia's Toy to speak, revealing her infidelities. He later persuades Selim to stay at court. ### [Prodigious Events of the Reign of Kanaglou, Mangogul’s Grandfather](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlvii-prodigious-events-of-the-reign-of-kanaglou-mangogul-s-grandfather) The reigning sultan, who appears at the end of the chapter; the author notes that princes sometimes perform unremarkable actions. ### [Twenty-Eighth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlviii-twenty-eighth-trial-of-the-ring) Relates the story of Olympia and Selim, and reveals Egle's lack of virtue. ### [Twenty-Eighth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlviii-twenty-eighth-trial-of-the-ring) Suggested by Selim as a possible subject for the ring's trial. ### [Chapter XLIX: Twenty-Ninth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlix-twenty-ninth-trial-of-the-ring) Observes Zaide's love for Zuleiman, becomes obsessed with her, neglects Mirzoza, and secretly proposes to Zaide. ### [Chapter XLIX: Twenty-Ninth Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/xlix-twenty-ninth-trial-of-the-ring) Deeply in love with Zuleiman, writes him letters, kisses his portrait, and rejects Mangogul's advances. ### [Platonic Love](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/l-platonic-love) Debates the nature of love with Mirzoza, arguing that love is fundamentally about physical enjoyment. ### [Thirtieth and Last Trial of the Ring](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/chapters/li-thirtieth-and-last-trial-of-the-ring) Grieves Sulamek, uses the ring on Mirzoza in desperation, then returns it to Cucufa. ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters/mangogul - Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se - All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/the_indiscreet_jewels_se/characters