Panchatantra Stories Part 2 – Mitra Bheda Tales of Wisdom, Friendship, and Intelligence

Story 2: The Clever Monkey and the Crocodile

(Vānara–Kumbhīla Kathā - वानर–कुम्भील कथा)

Long ago, on the peaceful banks of a wide and gently flowing river, there stood a tall jamun tree with strong branches and shiny green leaves. Every season, the tree bore sweet, juicy fruits that filled the air with a pleasant fragrance. This tree was home to a clever, lively monkey who lived a carefree and happy life. He spent his days swinging joyfully from branch to branch, enjoying the fruits, and watching the river flow endlessly beneath him.

In the same river lived a large crocodile, who often swam close to the jamun tree. One warm afternoon, as the crocodile rested near the riverbank, the monkey noticed him looking tired and hungry. Being kind by nature, the monkey plucked a few ripe jamun fruits and threw them down to the crocodile.

The crocodile tasted the fruits and was amazed. “These are the sweetest fruits I have ever eaten,” he said gratefully.

From that day onward, a friendship slowly blossomed between the monkey and the crocodile. Every afternoon, the crocodile would visit the tree, and the monkey would share fruits with him. They talked for hours about the forest, the river, and the creatures living around them. The crocodile admired the monkey’s intelligence, and the monkey trusted the crocodile’s calm nature.

Soon, the crocodile began taking some fruits home for his wife. At first, she enjoyed them, but soon greed entered her heart.

“These fruits are so sweet,” she thought. “If fruits from this tree are so delicious, imagine how sweet the monkey’s heart must be. I want to eat his heart!”

She demanded that her husband bring the monkey’s heart to her. The crocodile was deeply disturbed. He valued his friendship with the monkey and did not want to harm him. But his wife refused to eat or speak until her demand was fulfilled. Confused and pressured, the crocodile finally agreed to a terrible plan.

The next day, the crocodile approached the monkey with a heavy heart but hid his sadness behind a smile.

“My dear friend,” he said, “my wife wishes to meet you. Please come to our home. I will carry you safely on my back across the river.”

The monkey felt honored and trusted his friend. Without suspecting danger, he climbed onto the crocodile’s back, and together they began crossing the deep river.

Halfway through the journey, the crocodile suddenly stopped swimming. In a low and guilty voice, he confessed the truth.

“My friend,” he said, “forgive me. My wife wants to eat your heart. I cannot take you back now.”

The monkey felt a surge of fear, but he did not panic. He remembered that calm thinking is the greatest strength. Pretending to be surprised but not afraid, he replied wisely,

“Oh dear friend, why didn’t you tell me earlier? I never carry my heart with me. I keep it safely on the jamun tree. Please take me back so I can fetch it for your wife.”

The crocodile, foolish and greedy, believed the monkey’s words. Without thinking, he turned back toward the tree. As soon as they reached the riverbank, the monkey leapt swiftly onto the highest branch of the jamun tree.

From above, the monkey looked down and said calmly,
“You may live in water, but I live by my intelligence. A heart cannot live outside the body.”

The crocodile stood silently in the water, ashamed and regretful. He realized that greed had destroyed a true friendship and that his lack of wisdom had cost him dearly.

The monkey, safe and proud of his presence of mind, decided never to trust blindly again. The crocodile swam away, carrying the weight of his mistake forever.

And so, the clever monkey lived happily on his jamun tree, wiser than before.

Moral of the Story:

Presence of mind and intelligence can protect us even in the most dangerous situations. Greed and betrayal always lead to loss and regret.

Story 3: The Clever Rabbit and the Proud Lion

(Śaśaka–Siṁha Kathā - शशक–सिंह कथा)

Long ago, in a vast and fertile forest filled with tall trees, flowing streams, and countless animals, there lived a fierce and powerful lion. He was the undisputed king of the forest, feared by all creatures for his immense strength and loud roar. However, the lion was also cruel and arrogant. Every day, he hunted and killed animals far more than he needed, disturbing the peace of the forest.

The frightened animals gathered one day to discuss their suffering.
“If this continues,” said a deer, “none of us will survive.”
“We must find a solution,” said a wise old tortoise.

After much discussion, the animals decided to approach the lion with a proposal. They respectfully said,
“O King of the Forest, instead of hunting us daily, allow us to send you one animal each day as your meal. This will save us from constant fear and maintain peace. ”The lion, pleased by the idea of not having to hunt, agreed.

From that day onward, every day one animal was sent to the lion. Though sad, the animals accepted this as the price of survival. Days passed, and it was soon the turn of a small, gentle rabbit.

The rabbit was terrified, but he was also intelligent and thoughtful. As he slowly walked toward the lion’s cave, he began thinking deeply.
“Strength cannot defeat strength,” he thought, “but wisdom can.”

Instead of rushing, the rabbit walked very slowly and reached the lion late in the day. The lion, already hungry and angry, roared furiously.

“Why are you late?” thundered the lion. “I will kill you at once!”

The rabbit bowed respectfully and said calmly,
“O mighty King, I am truly sorry. I was delayed because another lion stopped me on the way.”

The lion was shocked.
“Another lion?” he growled. “In my forest?”

“Yes,” replied the rabbit. “He claimed to be the true king and challenged your authority. He threatened to kill me if I did not take you to him.”

The lion’s pride was deeply hurt. Blinded by anger, he demanded,
“Take me to this enemy at once!”

The rabbit led the lion through the forest to an old deep well filled with clear water. Peering inside, the lion saw his own reflection in the water, along with the echo of his roar.

“Look!” said the rabbit. “There he is!”

The lion, mistaking his reflection for the rival lion, roared loudly. The reflection roared back. Enraged and convinced, the lion jumped into the well to attack his enemy.

But the well was deep.

The lion drowned, and the forest was finally free.

When the rabbit returned, the animals gathered around him in joy and amazement. They praised his courage and intelligence. Without using force, the small rabbit had saved the entire forest.

From that day onward, peace returned. The animals lived without fear, remembering the lesson that wisdom and unity are stronger than brute power.

Moral of the Story

Intelligence can defeat strength when strength is guided by arrogance.
Pride and cruelty always lead to downfall.