Herodias

"Herodias" by Gustave Flaubert is a short story published in 1877 as part of Three Tales. Set in ancient Judea, the story retells the biblical account of John the Baptist's execution. During a lavish birthday celebration for Herod Antipas, his wife Herodias orchestrates a cunning plan involving her daughter Salomé to secure the prophet's beheading. As John has repeatedly insulted the royal family, the plot unfolds with calculated precision before an anxious crowd, ending as the Baptist's disciples await the coming Messiah.

Herodias, by Gustave Flaubert. Republished by OpenStories from Project Gutenberg eBook #1291.