"Blacamán the Good, Vendor of Miracles" is an intriguing tale of deception, ambition, and ultimate triumph. It follows the journey of Blacamán the Good, who learns the art of deceit from Blacamán the Bad, only to ultimately outgrow his mentor and become a genuine miracle worker. Through a series of misadventures, Blacamán the Good evolves from a simple-minded apprentice to an accomplished and celebrated sorcerer.

Introduction to Blacamán the Bad

The story begins as Blacamán the Good recounts his early days with Blacamán the Bad, a flamboyant con artist known for his extravagant attire and manipulative tactics in the Colombian province of La Guajira. This charismatic swindler made a living by selling dubious products, including a supposed antidote for snakebites, to gullible villagers. His act was so convincing that even the admiral of a United States naval fleet, stationed nearby, fell for his ruse and purchased the miraculous potion. Blacamán the Bad’s defining characteristics were his unsettling laughter and his rhetoric, which he wielded to charm and deceive his audiences.

The Unlikely Apprenticeship

Intrigued by Blacamán the Bad's craft, Blacamán the Good found himself unwittingly drawn into an apprenticeship. The seasoned trickster saw potential in the young man's naive appearance, believing it could be useful in his cons. Despite a rocky start filled with misplaced confidence and a desire to predict the future, Blacamán the Good quickly discovered his ineptitude in both fortune-telling and interpreting the present. As they fled retribution from the navy, both master and apprentice faced numerous challenges, with Blacamán the Good bearing the brunt of their hardships.

Trials and a Surprising Discovery

Blacamán the Good endured relentless torment at the hands of his mentor, who subjected him to severe psychological and physical trials. Yet, in a moment of uncontrollable frustration, Blacamán the Good hurled a dead rabbit against a wall, only to witness an incredible transformation—the rabbit came back to life and returned to him. This unexpected event marked a turning point, revealing his true potential as a legitimate sorcerer, distinct from the fraudulent antics of Blacamán the Bad.

Blacamán the Good's Rise to Fame

Recognizing his newfound abilities, Blacamán the Good embarked on a solo journey, captivating audiences along the coastline with his genuine magical powers. His popularity soared, leading to a successful business venture involving a chain of stores that sold unique items amplifying his renown. Living a life of opulence, he enjoyed luxuries such as a chauffeur-driven car, silk garments, and exotic lotions, all befitting his rising status. Proud of his achievements, he proclaimed himself an artist, mastering the art of true miracles rather than deceit.

A Fateful Reunion and Final Revenge

When Blacamán the Bad eventually reappeared, worn and weakened by his own concoctions, he sought mercy from his former apprentice. Blacamán the Good, however, chose not to extend his hand to the old charlatan, deciding instead to exact his revenge. He buried Blacamán the Bad in a carnival trunk of his own making, periodically reviving him only to prolong his suffering indefinitely. In this way, Blacamán the Good ensured that his once-tormentor would endure the same eternal imprisonment as his own prolonged life.