One sunny day, Sang Kancil, the clever mouse deer, stood at the edge of a wide, rushing river. On the far bank, he could see trees heavy with ripe, juicy fruits that made his mouth water. However, the river was infested with hungry crocodiles led by the fearsome Sang Buaya. Knowing he could not swim across without being eaten, Sang Kancil hatched a brilliant plan. He called out to the water, 'Oh, Sang Buaya! The King is hosting a grand feast and has commanded me to count all the crocodiles so he can prepare enough meat for you!' Greedy and excited, Sang Buaya ordered his subjects to line up side-by-side across the river. Sang Kancil began his journey, hopping from one scaly back to the next while shouting, 'One! Two! Three!' and so on. When he reached the last crocodile and leaped safely onto the opposite bank, he turned and laughed. 'Thank you, Sang Buaya, for providing me with such a sturdy bridge! There is no feast, only the sweet fruit I am about to enjoy.'
Intelligence and quick thinking are more powerful than brute strength. A clever mind can find a way through even the most dangerous obstacles.
Questions about this story
What is the moral of The Mouse Deer and the Crocodiles?
The moral is that wit and intelligence can overcome physical strength and size. It teaches us that being clever allows us to solve problems that force alone cannot.
Who is Sang Kancil in Indonesian folklore?
Sang Kancil is a popular trickster figure in Malay and Indonesian oral traditions. He is a small but cunning mouse deer who frequently outsmarts larger, more powerful animals.
Why did the crocodiles line up for the mouse deer?
The crocodiles were tricked into believing that the King was hosting a magnificent feast. They lined up across the river so Sang Kancil could count them to ensure there was enough food for everyone.
What kind of animal is a mouse deer?
The mouse deer, or chevrotain, is a real animal found in Southeast Asia. It is the smallest hoofed mammal in the world, known for being shy and incredibly fast.
Advertisement
Good night.
