The Long Path to Wisdom: Tales from Burma
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Authors
Sendker, Jan-Philipp
Liesener, Lisa
Wiliarty, Kevin
Issue Date
2018
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Abstract
There are a number of touching stories here. The only one I can find that I would list as a fable is "The Crocodile and the Monkey" (295). It has a surprise ending quite different from the normal ending of this fable. The sick wife in this version asks for the "heart of a young monkey." The crocodile notices one young monkey on one side of the river that is unusually adventuresome. He tells the monkey that the fruit on the other bank of the river is bigger and juicier. After some days, his persuasion works, and the monkey climbs on his back. As traditionally in the story, the crocodile begins to submerge halfway across the river. The monkey learns what is up and explains that monkeys could not swing around as they do if they were carrying their heavy hearts. Instead they hide them in trees. "Let me go back and I will fetch you two of them." Brought back to his shore, he then gives the crocodile in fact two large figs. The crocodile's wife eats them and, convinced that they are monkey hearts, she enjoys excellent health all the rest of her days. Happy ending!
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Other Press
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11911 (Access ID)