Story Summary
Explore The Clever Rabbit Judge, a famous Cambodian folktale where a witty rabbit uses cleverness to save a man from an ungrateful, hungry crocodile's jaws.
A kind man traveling through the woods found a crocodile stranded in a dried-up pond, gasping for life. Taking pity on the creature, the man tied the crocodile to his cart and hauled it to the cool waters of the nearby river. However, as soon as the crocodile felt the refreshing current, he lunged and clamped his jaws onto the man's leg. 'I saved your life!' the man cried in disbelief. The crocodile coldly replied, 'I am hungry, and that is the way of the world.' They agreed to seek judgment from three passersby. First, an old tree and then an aging ox both ruled in favor of the crocodile, expressing bitterness toward humans who had exploited them. Desperate, the man met the Clever Rabbit. After hearing the dispute, the Rabbit looked puzzled. 'I cannot judge such a complex matter unless I see exactly how it began,' he declared. The crocodile, wanting to prove his case, agreed to return to the cart and be tied up exactly as he was before. Once the crocodile was securely bound and helpless on the dry ground, the Rabbit turned to the man and said, 'Now, you are free to go, and the crocodile is exactly where his ingratitude deserves.'
The Moral
True justice requires wisdom to outsmart the ungrateful, and one should never trust those who repay kindness with cruelty.
“To find the truth, one must return to the beginning of the path.”
Fun Fact
In Cambodia, the Rabbit is often associated with the moon; according to legend, a rabbit's silhouette can be seen on the moon's surface as a tribute to its wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Clever Rabbit Judge?
The moral is that wit and wisdom are powerful tools for justice, and that one should be wary of those who show no gratitude for kindness.
Who is the Rabbit in Cambodian folklore?
The Rabbit, known as Phous or Sophea Phay, is a legendary figure in Cambodian tales representing intelligence, justice, and the triumph of the small over the large.
Why did the tree and the ox rule against the man?
They felt humans were generally ungrateful, noting that the tree provided shade only to be cut down, and the ox worked hard only to be slaughtered when old.
How does the Rabbit trick the crocodile?
The Rabbit uses a 're-enactment' trick, convincing the crocodile to return to his original trapped state to 'prove' the facts of the case, effectively neutralizing the threat.
Is The Clever Rabbit Judge part of a larger collection?
Yes, it belongs to the 'Gatiloke' or 'Kite Loke,' a collection of traditional Cambodian stories used to teach moral lessons and social conduct.
What does the crocodile symbolize in this story?
The crocodile symbolizes raw power, treachery, and the lack of moral conscience or gratitude toward those who offer help.
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