Local legend holds tfiat Qasr al-Abd (Castle of the Slave) was built by a love-smitten slave named Tobiah. While his master was away on a journey, Tobiah built a palace and carved lions, panthers, and eagles into its walls in order to win the hand of the master’s daughter. Unfortunately, the master returned before Tobiah could finish the work, and the slave’s efforts and attraction went unrequited.

Kill-joy bistorians explain the inscription and the castle remains with reference to Tobiah the Ammonite Servant. Although this Tobiah was a rich priest in Jerusalem, the name of the castle refers to his occupation as a servant of God. Josephus, a historian before the profession became overrun with kill-joys, also records the wealth of a Tobiah family and the exploits of the young son Hyrcanus who built a strong fortress, constructed entirely of white marble and enclosed by a wide, deep moat. The ruins,restored in 1987, resemble a Hellenistic palace more than a defensive fort. Several red stone lions remain intact, though there is no roof. In summer 1993 Qasr al-Abd was closed to visitors.