Le Tigre et le Petit Chacal: Conte Indien

Abstract

The story is described in the subtitle as an Indian "conte." Right at the start the Brahman is described as the person who can never do evil animals, who treats them like brothers. In this version, the tiger asks to be allowed to get out – just for a moment -- for a drink of water. After he is liberated and then confronts the Brahman, they agree to consult the first five living beings that they encounter. Those five here turn out to be a fig tree, a buffalo, an eagle, a crocodile, and then a jackal. At the end, it is the Brahman that finally puts the bolt through the latch on the bamboo cage. The tiger is of course surprised to find himself again locked in. At that point the jackal says "Oh, there was a latch and a bolt." The jackal bows to the Brahman, says goodbye, and goes away. A page at the end locates India and the story, ATU 155. The art is stylized and colorful. A good typical illustration shows the tiger pinning down the jackal (9). 6½" x 7¾".