Story Summary
Read The Old Tiger and the Traveler, a Panchatantra classic about how greed leads a man into a predator's trap. Learn why logic must always trump desire.
An old tiger, no longer agile enough to hunt, sat by a marshy lake holding a golden bangle. Seeing a traveler pass by, the tiger called out, 'Friend! Take this gold bangle as a gift. I am old and have turned to a life of prayer to atone for my past sins.' The traveler was skeptical but deeply tempted by the gold. 'How can I trust a killer?' he asked. The tiger replied smoothly, 'I have lost my teeth and claws; I live only for charity now. Bathe in the lake to purify yourself, and the bangle is yours.' Blinded by greed, the man stepped into the water. He immediately sank into the thick mud. As he struggled, the tiger approached slowly, saying, 'Do not worry, I will help you.' Instead, the predator fell upon the trapped man, proving that a predator's nature never truly changes.
The Moral
Greed clouds the judgment and leads one into traps; never trust the honeyed words of a known enemy.
“Where there is a prospect of getting wealth, even if it be from a dangerous source, the end is usually disaster.”
Fun Fact
This story is part of the 'Mitra-bheda' (The Loss of Friends) book of the Panchatantra, which focuses on how honeyed words can be used to deceive and destroy.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Old Tiger and the Traveler?
The moral is that greed can blind a person to obvious dangers. It also teaches that one should never trust the words of those who are naturally predatory, regardless of their claims of reform.
How did the tiger trick the traveler in the story?
The tiger used a golden bangle as bait and pretended to be a religious hermit who had renounced violence. He convinced the traveler that he was too old and toothless to be a threat.
Why did the traveler believe the tiger?
The traveler was blinded by his desire for wealth. Although he initially doubted the tiger, the sight of the gold and the tiger's false religious talk overrode his survival instincts.
What happens to the traveler at the end of the story?
The traveler gets stuck in the deep mud of the lake while trying to reach the tiger. Unable to escape, he is easily caught and eaten by the tiger.
Is The Old Tiger and the Traveler from the Panchatantra?
Yes, it is one of the most famous stories from the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose.
What does the golden bangle symbolize in this fable?
The golden bangle symbolizes 'forbidden fruit' or a temptation that looks rewarding but is actually a lure into a fatal trap.