Story Summary
Explore the classic Japanese folktale The Jellyfish and the Monkey. Learn how a clever monkey outsmarts the Dragon King’s messenger to save his own life today.
Long ago, the Queen of the Sea fell gravely ill. The Royal Physician declared that only a live monkey’s liver could cure her. The Dragon King summoned the Jellyfish—who in those days had a sturdy shell and four legs—and ordered him to fetch a monkey from the surface. The Jellyfish swam to a remote island and convinced a Monkey that the underwater palace was a paradise filled with delicious fruit. The Monkey climbed onto the Jellyfish’s back, and they set off. Mid-journey, the talkative Jellyfish revealed the true purpose of the trip. Thinking quickly, the Monkey cried, 'Why didn't you say so? I left my liver hanging on a pine tree to dry! It’s quite heavy, you see.' The Jellyfish, believing him, turned back to the island. As soon as they reached the shore, the Monkey scrambled up a tree and mocked the Jellyfish. When the Jellyfish returned empty-handed and told the truth, the Dragon King was so enraged he ordered his guards to beat the Jellyfish until every bone in his body was crushed. Since that day, the jellyfish has remained soft and boneless.
The Moral
Wit and presence of mind can overcome physical threats, while loose lips and foolishness lead to failure.
“I am sorry, but I left my liver hanging on a branch of the big pine tree to dry!”
Fun Fact
This story is a Japanese variation of a tale found in the Indian 'Panchatantra,' showing how folklore traveled along ancient trade routes from India to Japan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Jellyfish and the Monkey?
The story teaches that wit and quick thinking can save one from even the most dangerous traps. It also serves as a warning that talking too much or revealing secrets can lead to failure and punishment.
Why does the jellyfish have no bones in Japanese mythology?
According to this legend, the jellyfish originally had a shell and bones. He lost them as a punishment from the Dragon King after he was tricked by a monkey and failed his mission to retrieve a cure for the Queen.
Why did the Dragon King need a monkey's liver?
The Dragon Queen had fallen sick with a mysterious illness, and the court physician claimed the only remedy was the fresh liver of a live monkey. This forced the King to send a messenger to the land.
How did the monkey escape the jellyfish?
The monkey tricked the jellyfish by claiming that monkeys keep their livers hanging on trees to keep them dry. He convinced the jellyfish to return to the island to 'pick it up,' allowing him to escape.
What happened to the jellyfish at the end of the story?
When the jellyfish returned without the monkey and admitted he was tricked, the Dragon King was furious. He ordered his subjects to beat the jellyfish so severely that all his bones were crushed into jelly.
Is The Jellyfish and the Monkey a real legend?
Yes, it is a famous 'pourquoi' tale from Japanese folklore. These stories are traditional narratives that explain why certain animals have specific physical characteristics, such as the jellyfish's soft body.
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