Story Summary
Read the classic Panchatantra tale, The Crows and the Serpent. Discover how a pair of clever crows use wit to defeat a deadly snake and protect their nest.
A pair of crows lived happily on a massive banyan tree until a wicked black serpent moved into a hollow at the tree's base. Whenever the crows laid eggs, the serpent would slither up and devour their hatchlings. Heartbroken and desperate, the crows sought advice from their friend, a wise jackal. The jackal told them that physical strength was no match for the serpent, but a clever plan could end their misery. Following his advice, the female crow flew to the royal palace while the queen was bathing. She snatched a glittering gold necklace and flew slowly back to the tree, ensuring the palace guards followed her. She dropped the necklace into the serpent's hollow. To retrieve the queen's jewelry, the guards poked into the hole with their spears. When the serpent emerged to attack, the guards killed it immediately. The crows finally lived in peace, having used wit to defeat a foe they could not fight with force.
The Moral
Intelligence and strategy are far more powerful than physical strength when facing a formidable enemy.
“Intelligence is the greatest strength of all.”
Fun Fact
The Panchatantra, where this story originates, was originally written to teach three young princes the principles of 'Niti' or wise conduct and statecraft.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Crows and the Serpent?
The moral is that wit and intelligence can overcome even the strongest physical enemy. Strategy often succeeds where brute force fails.
Who gave the crows the idea to steal the necklace?
The wise jackal, a friend of the crows, suggested the plan. He knew that the crows could not kill the snake themselves and needed the humans to do it.
Why did the serpent keep eating the crows' eggs?
The serpent lived at the base of the same tree and saw the hatchlings as an easy source of food. It used its superior strength to bully the crows.
What did the crow steal from the queen?
The crow stole a valuable gold necklace while the queen was distracted during her bath. This was done specifically to draw the attention of the palace guards.
How was the serpent finally defeated?
The serpent was killed by the palace guards. When they tried to retrieve the necklace from the hollow, the serpent attacked, and they killed it in self-defense.
What is the origin of this story?
This story is part of the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose. It dates back to roughly 300 BCE.
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