Mouse-deer and Bear

The Tale of Kancil and Bear: Intrigue in the Forest

Edisi Indonesia: Kancil dan Beruang

Fable of Kancil (Mouse-deer) and A Bear

Once upon a time, in a serene forest, life for its inhabitants was peaceful. However, one day, an unwelcome guest arrived, causing fear among the forest dwellers.

The animals, once living harmoniously, now dared not venture out of their homes, hungry yet terrified to search for food.

Far from the forest, lived Kancil who hadn't visited in a while. Suddenly, he felt the urge to return to the forest and meet his friends. Unaware of the dire situation, he stepped into the now silent woods.

Sensing the sudden change in the forest's atmosphere, Kancil grew suspicious and curious. "Why is this forest so quiet?" he mumbled. A fast-moving Bird of Warning, Burung Balam (The Spotted Dove), signaled him to be cautious.

"Hey, Kancil! Hide quickly before you become prey! This forest is no longer safe!" shouted Burung Balam.

Kancil, puzzled, did not understand what was happening. Burung Balam explained that a large bear had instilled fear in the forest, preying on the birds' offspring.

The intrigued Kancil, attempting to run for cover, encountered the bear before he could get far. The bear's large body and sharp claws frightened the smaller animals.

Despite the chase, Kancil unintentionally collided with the bear, causing it to fall into the mud. Although in a dangerous situation, the Kancil refused to surrender. He had a cunning plan to escape the danger.

"Stop! Don't eat me in this condition. It won't be as enjoyable as you think. I have a better proposal," said Kancil.

The curious bear asked, "What should I do?"

"This is my idea. Let's go to the nearby river to clean ourselves. After that, you can enjoy feasting on me comfortably," suggested the deer.

The bear agreed, following Kancil to the river. During the journey, Kancil asked, "Are you a bear?"

"Yes, I am a bear! I am the king of the forest. All animals fear me," boasted the bear.

"In that case, you must prefer honey over eating me, whose taste is still in doubt," teased Kancil.

"Yes, I do like honey. Unfortunately, I haven't found any in this forest," replied the bear.

Seizing the bear's desire, Kancil diverted its attention. "I know a place that stores delicious honey. I will take you there after I clean myself."

The unsuspecting bear agreed, without a hint of suspicion. Upon reaching the river, Kancil cleaned itself, and they continued the journey to a cave where the bear assumed honey was stored.

At the cave entrance, Kancil said, "This cave is dark, but deep inside, there's incredibly tasty honey."

Excited, the bear entered the cave. However, unknown to the bear, the cave was not an ordinary one; it was the mouth of a crocodile that had long awaited prey. The clever Kancil had successfully outwitted the bear.

"Thank you, deer. You've provided me with food. Honestly, I've been very hungry because I haven't eaten for a long time," said the crocodile.

"You're welcome, crocodile. I gave it to you because you once helped me cross the river," replied Kancil.

It turned out that the cave the deer referred to was the mouth of a crocodile that had been patiently waiting for prey. The sound of bees the deer mentioned was, in fact, the sound of beetles playing in the crocodile's mouth.

Now, the bear lay dead inside the crocodile's mouth. The forest returned to its tranquil, peaceful, and safe state. No longer did the animals live in fear.

Cultivating Wisdom and Perseverance: The Tale's Valuable Lessons

This enchanting tale of Kancil and Bear imparts valuable lessons to children, emphasizing the significance of intelligence and resilience in the face of challenges.

1. Harnessing Intelligence: The story encourages children to embrace their intelligence as a powerful tool when confronted with difficulties. Kancil's clever strategies showcase the importance of thinking critically and finding creative solutions to problems. By using their wits, children can navigate challenges and overcome obstacles in a thoughtful manner.
2. The Power of Perseverance: Kancil's unwavering determination and refusal to succumb to fear demonstrate the strength that lies in perseverance. Children learn that challenges are a natural part of life, and by persisting through difficulties, they can discover solutions and achieve success. The story inspires a resilient mindset, teaching children not to give up easily but to persevere with courage and determination.
3. Hope in Every Challenge: The narrative instills the idea that every problem holds a solution. By witnessing Kancil's journey, children grasp the concept that challenges, no matter how daunting, can be overcome. This message encourages a positive outlook, teaching children to approach problems with optimism and the belief that, with effort and determination, they can find resolutions to any predicament.
4. Building Emotional Resilience: The ups and downs in the story reflect the emotional rollercoaster of facing challenges. Children are taught that setbacks are temporary, and even in challenging times, maintaining hope and emotional resilience is crucial. This emotional fortitude will serve them well as they encounter difficulties in their own lives.

In essence, the story imparts a holistic message, guiding children to develop their cognitive abilities, fostering a resilient spirit, nurturing hope in adversity, and instilling emotional strength. These lessons, drawn from the escapades of Kancil and Bear, serve as a foundation for a well-rounded and empowered approach to life's challenges.