For an interesting parallel to this tale, see "Phakir Chand" in
"Folk-tales of Bengal," by the Rev. Lal Behari Day.
Go to the Verge of Destruction and Bring Back Shmat-Razum. Page 179.
(Part vii. p. 38.)
In the original text the last task given by the king is to go "I know
not where and bring back I know not what." Shmat-Razum is a variant.