Story Summary
Explore the Panchatantra classic, The Jackal and the Drum. Discover how a hungry jackal overcomes his fear of a loud noise only to find a hollow disappointment.
A hungry jackal named Gomaya was wandering through a forest when he came upon a clearing where a battle had recently taken place. Suddenly, a thunderous 'Boom! Boom!' echoed through the trees. Terrified, Gomaya nearly fled, fearing a giant predator was lurking nearby. However, he paused to observe and noticed a large abandoned war drum caught in a thicket. Whenever the wind blew, a dry branch would strike the drum's leather surface, creating the loud noise. Thinking the drum might be filled with delicious fat or meat to produce such a sound, the jackal mustered his courage and bit into the tough leather. After a struggle, he broke it open only to find it was completely hollow. He realized then that the source of his terror was nothing but air, and he had let a mere sound deceive him.
The Moral
Do not be deceived by loud noises or outward appearances; investigate the source before succumbing to fear.
“Only the weak are terrified by a noise that has no substance behind it.”
Fun Fact
This story belongs to the first book of the Panchatantra titled 'Mitra-bheda' (The Loss of Friends), which focuses on how misunderstandings and deceit can break alliances.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Jackal and the Drum?
The moral is that one should not be intimidated by loud noises or empty threats. It teaches that appearances can be deceiving and that we should investigate the truth before letting fear take over.
Who wrote the story of The Jackal and the Drum?
This story is part of the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of interrelated animal fables in Sanskrit verse and prose, traditionally attributed to the scholar Vishnu Sharma.
Why did the jackal think there was food inside the drum?
The jackal assumed that such a powerful and resonant sound must come from a creature or object filled with rich fat and meat, illustrating how greed can sometimes cloud one's judgment.
What caused the drum to make noise in the forest?
The drum was left behind in a forest clearing after a battle; when the wind blew, a nearby tree branch would sway and strike the drum's taut leather surface.
Is the jackal in the story wise or foolish?
The jackal is initially foolish for being afraid of a sound, but he shows wisdom by deciding to investigate the source of his fear rather than running away immediately.
What does the 'drum' symbolize in this fable?
The drum symbolizes 'empty vessels'—people or situations that seem intimidating or important because they make a lot of noise but have no substance or value inside.
