Mouse Deer's Clever Escape
Kancil dan Harimau >> Edisi Indonesia
Folklore from Central Java
LONG Time ago in a jungle of Java, a tiger was wandering around for food. He hadn't been eating for days. He was really hungry! While he was approaching a small lake, he saw Mouse Deer drinking. The tiger wanted to eat him.
Tiger smiled, "Hmmm yummy, finally I get my lunch!"
Tiger slowly ducked, crawled, and held his breath. And then..."Gotcha!" said Tiger. He caught Mouse Deer and bit his leg. Mouse Deer was trembling. He was really shocked. But he tried to be calm. He was thinking of a plan to escape from Tiger. He looked around and suddenly he had an idea!
He said, "Hey Tiger, I know you are hungry and want to eat me. But the king will angry if he knows you eat me now."
"Why? The king knows that I eat meat. I eat animals like you! Said Tiger.
Mouse Deer explained, "I guard king's cake. It's very delicious. Only the king and his family eat it. "Mouse Deer pointed at one big, black lump near the lake. It did not look delicious at all. But Tiger was curious.
"Don't be fooled by its appearance. Its taste is very delicious. That's why it meant for kings. And you won't get hungry for a month after you eat it. I tasted it once, "said Mouse Deer.
Tiger's mouth watered. "Can I taste it?"
"Of course you can not The king will punish me like he did when I tasted it last time. He would kill me if something happened to the cake again!"
Well...it's all up to you. I eat you or I eat the cake.
The choice is yours."
"Well, then. You don't give me much choice, Tiger. You can have the cake. But first, let me run away as far as I can. By the way, the king won't be able to get me."
"All right...Now, go!" He was really hungry. He could not wait any longer to eat king's cake.
Mouse Deer took a safe distance away from Tiger. But he still could watch him, as Tiger eagerly took the peace of the 'cake'.
Phooey, it's no cake! It's...it's buffalo's dung! I'll get you, Mouse Deer! You! Watch it!"
But Mouse Deer was already far away. He laughed aloud. Mouse Deer was safe for now. But Next Time, he might meet face to face with Tiger again. ***
kancil (kantjil) =mouse deer
Cleverness and courage triumph over physical weakness
The story teaches us that intelligence, cleverness, and courage can overcome physical strength and adversity. It emphasizes the importance of wit and cleverness in navigating challenges, showing that even the smallest and seemingly weakest individuals can outsmart larger and more powerful foes. Additionally, it highlights the value of quick thinking and resourcefulness in difficult situations, illustrating how these qualities can lead to success and survival. Overall, the moral encourages us to rely on our intellect and bravery to overcome obstacles, rather than solely depending on our physical abilities.
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