The Clever Crows and the Cunning Jackal
In the heart of a lush forest stood a towering banyan tree, home to a pair of crows. The husband and wife had built a cozy nest among its branches, hoping to raise their young in peace. However, their happiness was overshadowed by a deadly menace—a black cobra that resided in the hollow of the same tree.
Each time the female crow laid eggs, the wicked snake would slither up and devour the helpless hatchlings. The sorrowful crows felt powerless against their cruel neighbor and feared they would never be able to protect their offspring.
One day, desperate for a solution, the crows sought the wisdom of a clever jackal who lived nearby. They narrated their plight and pleaded, “Dear friend, this serpent has made our lives unbearable. Please help us find a way to save our children.”
The jackal, known for his sharp mind, pondered for a moment and said, “Do not despair. Even the strongest of foes can be defeated with intelligence rather than strength. Here’s what you must do.”
He then whispered his plan:
“Fly to the royal palace in the city and look for a careless noble who has left behind something valuable—perhaps a necklace or an ornament. When you spot such an item, pick it up and fly away, but make sure the palace guards see you. Let them chase after you. Lead them to your tree and drop the treasure right at the entrance of the cobra’s hollow. The rest will unfold on its own.”
Determined to follow the jackal’s advice, the crows immediately set off toward the kingdom’s capital.
As they soared over a grand lake near the palace, they spotted a group of royal women bathing. The noblewomen had left their gold and pearl jewelry on the riverbank, while guards stood at a distance to watch over them.
Without hesitation, the female crow swooped down, grasped a gleaming necklace in her beak, and took flight at a leisurely pace, ensuring the guards noticed.
As expected, the palace guards raised an alarm and ran after her, throwing sticks and stones to stop the thief.
Leading them skillfully, the crow returned to the banyan tree and, just as planned, dropped the necklace at the mouth of the cobra’s hollow. Then she perched on a nearby branch, watching keenly.
The commotion roused the black cobra from its slumber. As it emerged with its hood flared in anger, the pursuing guards arrived, spotting both the stolen necklace and the hissing serpent.
Mistaking the cobra as a threat, the guards attacked it fiercely with sticks and stones. The snake, though venomous, stood no chance against their assault. Within moments, the wicked creature was slain.
Triumphant, the guards retrieved the necklace and left, unaware that they had just rid the crows of their greatest enemy.
From that day forward, the crows lived in peace, free from the fear of the cobra. They raised their young happily, grateful for the jackal’s wisdom.
Moral of the Story:
Even the most powerful enemy can be defeated through intelligence and clever strategy.