Story Summary
Explore the classic Panchatantra tale of The Monkey and the Crocodile, a story of wit and betrayal where quick thinking saves a monkey from a treacherous friend.
On the banks of a river, a monkey lived in a lush jamun tree laden with sweet, purple fruit. He befriended a crocodile, sharing his harvest with the reptile every day. The crocodile took some fruit home to his wife, who loved the sweetness but grew greedy. She reasoned that if the monkey ate such sweet fruit, his heart must be the sweetest morsel of all. She demanded her husband bring her the monkey's heart. Torn between friendship and his wife, the crocodile eventually lured the monkey onto his back, promising a grand dinner at his home. In the middle of the deep river, the crocodile confessed his dark intent. Thinking quickly, the monkey laughed and said, 'My friend, I would have gladly given it, but I leave my heart on the tree for safekeeping. We must go back and get it.' The foolish crocodile swam back to the shore. As soon as they reached the bank, the monkey leaped to the highest branch, telling the crocodile that his heart was exactly where it belonged—inside his chest—and that their friendship was over.
The Moral
Presence of mind can save you from the greatest dangers, and a false friend is more dangerous than an open enemy.
“Do you think anyone can keep their heart outside their body? You have betrayed my trust, and a broken friendship cannot be mended.”
Fun Fact
The Panchatantra, the source of this story, is one of the most translated non-religious manuscripts in history, with versions appearing in Old Persian, Arabic, and Greek as early as the 6th century.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Monkey and the Crocodile?
The story teaches that presence of mind and quick thinking can help one escape even the most life-threatening situations. It also warns that a friend who betrays your trust for their own gain is not a true friend.
Who wrote the story of The Monkey and the Crocodile?
This story is part of the Panchatantra, an ancient Indian collection of animal fables. It is traditionally attributed to the sage Vishnu Sharma, who used these stories to teach political science and life lessons to young princes.
Why did the crocodile's wife want the monkey's heart?
The crocodile's wife believed that because the monkey ate the sweet jamun fruits every day, his heart would be the sweetest and most delicious meat imaginable. Her greed outweighed the value of the monkey's friendship.
How did the monkey trick the crocodile?
The monkey used his wit by claiming that monkeys keep their hearts hanging on the branches of their trees rather than inside their bodies. He convinced the crocodile to swim back to the riverbank to 'retrieve' it.
What does the jamun tree symbolize in the story?
The jamun tree represents a source of abundance and safety. It is the place where the monkey provides for his friend and eventually the sanctuary that saves his life from the crocodile's betrayal.
Is this story found in other cultures?
Yes, variations of this tale appear in the Buddhist Jataka tales and have been translated into dozens of languages, including the Persian 'Kalila and Dimna' and various Aesop-like fable collections across the Middle East and Europe.