Mango Grove Bonds: A Story of Cunning and Devotion
Mendut Fable from Central Java
Mendut Fable from Central Java
In the lush embrace of a mango tree by the grand riverside lived a monkey. One day, a male crocodile approached, seeking mangoes from the Monkey.
The Monkey generously shared some mangoes with the Crocodile, who thanked and sought permission to return when in need.
Thus, a friendship blossomed between the Monkey and the Crocodile. However, the female crocodile, the mate of the male crocodile, sensed her husband's softened demeanor due to frequent indulgence in mangoes, often neglecting to bring chickens and geese for her meals.
The female crocodile, fearing the impact of this friendship, schemed to end the Monkey's life. One day, she informed her mate that she was gravely ill, and the cure lay in the heart of a monkey.
Feigning imminent death unless fed the Monkey's heart, the male Crocodile found himself torn. The Monkey, known for its kindness and friendship, had always provided mangoes. Yet, his beloved wife faced certain death without the monkey's heart.
In a bid to resolve this dilemma, the male Crocodile invited the Monkey across the river where they lived. He lured the Monkey up onto his back.
Midway through the river, the male Crocodile began his descent, prompting the Monkey to question his merciless actions.
The Crocodile explained his wife's dire condition and the necessity of consuming the Monkey's heart as medicine. He felt compelled to fulfill this request. However, the Monkey revealed a secret — he continually leapt from branch to branch, for harboring a heart within his body was perilous. He had concealed his heart atop a secluded branch veiled by foliage.
The Monkey directed the Crocodile to the nearby mango tree so the Monkey could retrieve his heart and present it to the Crocodile.
Placing trust in the Monkey's words, the Crocodile ferried the Monkey back to the riverbank. Instantly, the Monkey leapt to the mango tree and perched on one of its branches.
He conveyed that the female Crocodile lacked empathy, while the male Crocodile failed to grasp the essence of friendship.
Startled by the deception, the male Crocodile was unable to pursue the Monkey, who had ascended the tree, liberated from the threat of impending demise.
MORAL MESSAGE: Confronted with adversity, the Monkey gathered composure, discovering inspiration to safeguard his life: "He who seeks freedom must embrace responsibility, eschew blame, and assume full accountability."
"Every action triggers an equal reaction, a principle of nature. Each individual holds responsibility for their actions, the environment, their existence — an accountability to the Divine."
