Indonesian FolkloreSang Kancil Tales

The Mouse Deer Escapes the Trap

Sang Kancil avoids becoming dinner by tricking a farmer into thinking he is dead.

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Illustration for The Mouse Deer Escapes the Trap - a sang kancil tales Indonesian Folklore story with moral lessons

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Story Summary

Discover how Sang Kancil uses his wit in The Mouse Deer Escapes the Trap. This classic Indonesian folktale shows that cleverness can overcome any hunter's snare.

Sang Kancil, the clever mouse deer, was foraging near the edge of a vegetable patch when he suddenly felt a snap. A farmer's snare had caught his leg, pulling him tight against a wooden stake. Panic flared, but Kancil knew that struggling would only tighten the knot. He heard the farmer’s heavy footsteps approaching and realized he had only moments to act. Instead of crying out, Kancil held his breath, stiffened his small limbs, and let his tongue lol out of his mouth. When the farmer reached the trap, he poked the deer with his foot. Seeing the stiff body and glazed eyes, the farmer grumbled that the animal must have died hours ago and was now too rotten to eat. Disgusted, the farmer untied the rope and tossed the 'carcass' into the tall grass to discard it. The moment Kancil felt the soft earth beneath him, he sprang to his feet with lightning speed and vanished into the safety of the deep jungle, leaving the stunned farmer standing with an empty rope.

The Moral

Remaining calm and using your intelligence is often more effective than physical strength when facing a crisis.

“To survive the hunter's snare, one must first master the art of stillness.”

Fun Fact

Sang Kancil is the most famous trickster figure in Southeast Asian folklore, often compared to the West African Anansi the Spider or the Native American Coyote.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of The Mouse Deer Escapes the Trap?

The story teaches that composure and quick thinking are the best tools for survival. By not panicking, Sang Kancil was able to devise a plan that saved his life.

Who is Sang Kancil in Indonesian folklore?

Sang Kancil is a legendary trickster figure, a mouse deer known for being small but incredibly wise and cunning. He frequently outsmarts larger, more dangerous animals and humans.

How did the Mouse Deer trick the farmer?

Sang Kancil pretended to be dead and 'rotten' so the farmer would think he was unfit for consumption. This prompted the farmer to untie him and throw him away, providing an opportunity to flee.

What kind of animal is a mouse deer?

A mouse deer, or chevrotain, is a small ungulate found in South and Southeast Asia. They are the smallest hooved mammals in the world and are known for their shy, elusive nature.

Why didn't Sang Kancil try to break the trap?

The story emphasizes that Kancil realized physical force would be useless against the farmer's snare. He chose mental agility over physical struggle to ensure a successful escape.

Is Sang Kancil popular outside of Indonesia?

Yes, these tales are deeply rooted in the folklore of both Indonesia and Malaysia. They serve as cultural staples for teaching children about ethics and problem-solving.