Jewish–born Esther and her uncle Mordechai turn the tables (and gallows) on Machiavelli–like Haman, viceroy (probably) of Xerxes I (a.k.a. Achashverosh, ruler of Persia.
Haman had secured a decree from Achashverosh calling for the slaying of the Jews on the 13th day of the lunar month of Adar.
Beautiful Esther, after a little maneuvering, adroitly secures a counter–decree from Achashverosh permitting the Jews to defend themselves on that day, which they successfully do, and slay their would–be killers. The day will be commemorated celebrated forevermore as the holiday of Purim (on lunar calendar Adar 14, four months and one day before Passover).