Story Summary
Discover the clever tale of The Weaver's Wife from the Panchatantra. This story explores wit, strategy, and deception in ancient Indian folklore and fables.
A weaver, suspecting his wife of infidelity, tied her to a post one night and fell into a deep sleep. Her friend, a barber’s wife, arrived soon after and offered to switch places so the weaver’s wife could meet her lover. While the friend was tied to the post, the weaver woke in a drunken rage and shouted at the silent figure. Receiving no response, he grew furious and sliced off the woman's nose before returning to bed. Later, the weaver’s wife returned and secretly swapped back with her mutilated friend. When morning broke, the wife cried out to the heavens, 'If I have been a faithful and virtuous wife, let the gods restore my nose!' The weaver rushed to her and was astonished to see her face perfectly unharmed. Believing a divine miracle had occurred, he begged for her forgiveness and remained forever convinced of her purity. Through her cunning and quick wit, the wife turned her husband's wrath into devotion.
The Moral
Sharp wit and strategic thinking can often overcome the most dire consequences, though the path of deception is fraught with risk.
“The gods themselves bear witness to the purity of a woman's heart.”
Fun Fact
The Panchatantra was originally composed in Sanskrit over 2,000 years ago and is one of the most translated non-religious books in literary history.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Weaver's Wife?
The story illustrates that sharp wit and strategic thinking can overcome difficult situations. It highlights how intelligence and presence of mind are often used to escape the consequences of one's actions.
Who is the author of the Panchatantra?
The Panchatantra is attributed to the ancient Indian scholar Vishnu Sharma. He reportedly compiled these tales to teach three young princes the principles of 'Niti' or wise conduct and statecraft.
Why did the weaver tie up his wife?
The weaver suspected his wife of being unfaithful and deceptive. In a fit of jealousy and anger, he tied her to a wooden post to prevent her from leaving the house during the night.
How does the barber's wife figure into the story?
She is the weaver's wife's friend who agrees to switch places so the wife can meet her lover. Unfortunately, she ends up having her nose cut off by the weaver, who thinks she is his wife.
How did the wife prove her innocence?
After switching back with her friend, she loudly challenged the gods to restore her nose if she were faithful. When her husband saw her nose was perfectly intact, he believed a miracle had occurred.
What does the story teach about strategy?
It demonstrates how deception and timing can be used to manipulate perceptions. It shows that in ancient folklore, strategy often involved using an opponent's own beliefs and emotions against them.
