crocodile and the monkey
A clever monkey, called Maimon, lived peacefully in a tall mango tree located on the edge of a vast river in a lush green forest. The tree grew an abundance of ripe yellow mangoes that Maimon enjoyed eating and playing with during the day.
The Formation of an Unlikely Friendship
One day, a very old and tired crocodile emerged from the river. When the monkey saw this, he felt enormous compassion for the crocodile and generously shared mangoes with him. This happened on a daily basis and the two became very close friends.
The crocodile would tell Maimon all about the mysteries of life in the river and Maimon would share stories about the wonders found in the forest.
The Crocodile's Wife and Her Greed
Every day the crocodile would take mangoes to his wife. One evening she mentioned, "These mangoes are so good; I can only imagine how sweet the heart of a monkey must be. I want to eat that monkey's heart so I can be healthy again."
Croc Rod, the Crocodile, was filled with sadness in his heart for his friend, the Monkey, because although he loved the Monkey, his wife, Mrs. Croc, kept insisting and pressuring him to betray his friend.
The Deceptive Plan (Step 1)
Croc Rod called Maimon, the Monkey, and told him, “I want to invite you to a fantastic lunch that my wife is preparing for you to show her gratitude for your many acts of kindness.”
Maimon, full of excitement, replied, “I would be happy to come for lunch; however, I don’t know how to swim!”
Croc Rod slyly replied, “Just jump on my back, and I will take you across the river.”
The Confrontation (Step 2)
Maimon jumped on Croc Rod’s back, and they took off for the bank. While they were swimming, and right in the middle of the river, Croc Rod dove down a little. Maimon was scared and asked, “Why are you doing this to me?”
At this point, Croc Rod could no longer keep his secret and said in sadness, “I am sorry, Maimon. My wife wants to eat your heart in order to be healed, and that is the real reason I am taking you to her.”
The monkey's impulse to save himself at the last second
Maimon ("Maim-on") was shocked to see that he did not have the means of escaping from the crocodile, but as Maimon thought quickly and with ease, he decided to tell the crocodile that he should have told him before they went hunting.
"My Friend, Here's some advice; we (monkeys) don't take our hearts with us on long (trips), instead we leave them on the trees, fearing that we'll lose them."
The unsuspecting crocodile was shocked (by the news) and asked Maimon: "Where is your heart?"
Maimon responded: "It is on the highest limb of the mango tree. If you bring me back before I get to it; I will gladly give it to your wife."
Life or death and the hard lesson learned
The crocodile was fooled by Maimon and hurried back to the shore. Once near the tree, Maimon made one big (jump) and grabbed a limb of the tree, then quickly climbed to the top and took a deep breath.
The crocodile shouted to Maimon, "Hurry up and bring down your heart."
Maimon responded with laughter, "Go ahead, stupid croc! Have you ever heard of a creature that leaves its heart outside of its body? You survived because of your stupidity, and I survived because of my intellect! So, go away and never return, because a traitor does not have friends."
عنوان
1. What was the motivation for the crocodile's wife to catch the monkey?
2. What clever trick did the monkey play to save his own life?
3. What is the moral of the story?
The story's moral for children:
- - Quick Wisdom: When in immediate danger, it is your calm reason that will save you, not tears.
- - Be careful who you choose as a friend, because you cannot trust them if they are willing to put their own happiness before your life or your dignity.
- - Betrayal is not lasting: Anyone who attempts to betray another will end up alone, without any friends who will be loyal to them.