The Monkey's Mangoes!: A Tale of Greed and Unexpected Consequences From 20th Century India
Deep within the tapestry of Indian folklore lies a wealth of stories passed down through generations, each shimmering with wisdom, humor, and profound insights into the human condition. These tales often employ animal protagonists to embody universal emotions and struggles, making their lessons both relatable and enduring. Today, we delve into one such story from the 20th century - “The Monkey’s Mangoes!” - a captivating fable that explores themes of greed, envy, and the unexpected consequences of our actions.
“The Monkey’s Mangoes!” unfolds in a lush village nestled amidst mango orchards. The story centers around a cunning monkey notorious for his love of mangoes. He spends his days meticulously surveying the trees, choosing the ripest and juiciest fruit for his enjoyment. One day, he discovers a magnificent mango tree laden with golden fruits. Its branches, heavy with the promise of sweet delight, beckon him closer.
Consumed by avarice, the monkey decides to hoard all the mangoes for himself. He begins stuffing them into his cheeks, his pouches, even his tail, driven by an insatiable desire for possession. As he gathers the bounty, a wise old owl observes the spectacle from a nearby branch.
The owl, recognizing the folly of the monkey’s actions, tries to reason with him: “Dear Monkey,” she hoots softly, “Why hoard all these mangoes when you cannot possibly consume them before they rot? Sharing your bounty will bring joy to others and ease their hunger.”
But the monkey, blinded by greed, dismisses the owl’s sage advice. “These mangoes are mine!” he declares, his voice laced with possessiveness. “I found them first, and I shall enjoy them all myself!”
As days turn into nights, the monkey continues to stuff himself with mangoes. He becomes increasingly bloated and uncomfortable, unable to move freely due to his excessive feasting. His once agile limbs become heavy and sluggish.
One scorching afternoon, while attempting to climb a nearby tree for shade, the weight of the mangoes in his body proves too much. He loses his balance and plummets to the ground with a thud, scattering mangoes across the dusty earth.
Humiliated and injured, the monkey finally realizes the folly of his actions. His greed had not only led to discomfort but also resulted in the loss of his precious hoard. The other animals, who had witnessed the spectacle, approached cautiously.
Seeing the monkey’s distress, they offered him water and comfort. As he lay recovering, the wise owl perched beside him. “My dear Monkey,” she cooed gently, “True satisfaction comes not from hoarding but from sharing. You have learned a valuable lesson today - one that will hopefully guide your future actions.”
| Theme | Description |
|---|---|
| Greed | The monkey’s insatiable desire for mangoes leads to his downfall. |
| Consequences of Actions | The story highlights how our choices, especially those driven by greed, can have unforeseen and often negative consequences. |
| Sharing and Compassion | The act of sharing brings joy not only to the receiver but also to the giver, fostering a sense of community and well-being. |
The Monkey’s Mangoes!" is more than just an entertaining story; it offers a profound moral lesson applicable to all ages. The tale reminds us that true happiness lies not in accumulating possessions but in sharing our blessings with others. It encourages us to be mindful of the consequences of our actions and to choose compassion and generosity over greed and selfishness.