
In this blog, we’ll take you on a journey through one of the most famous Panchatantra tales: The Monkey and the Crocodile. This ancient fable not only offers timeless wisdom but also provides the perfect opportunity to learn and reinforce high-level vocabulary. By immersing yourself in this story, you’ll discover new words in context, helping you understand their meanings more deeply and retain them longer. So, let’s dive into the world of Panchatantra and enrich your vocabulary while enjoying a classic tale of wit, friendship, and moral lessons!
Once upon a time, in a verdant (lush and green) forest, there stood an imposing (grand and impressive) tree beside a meandering (wandering or winding) river. This tree was the domicile (residence or home) of a sagacious (wise) and vivacious (full of life) monkey. The monkey reveled (enjoyed greatly) in the bountiful (abundant) fruits and the refreshing breeze, living an uncomplicated and contented life. In the same river lived a crocodile, whose disposition (nature, temperament) was unusually affable (friendly and pleasant). Though his outward appearance was formidable (powerful and intimidating), he was a creature of gentle temperament.
One day, the crocodile noticed the monkey perched on the tree, savoring a delectable (delicious) fruit. Intrigued (curious) by the monkey’s actions, he swam closer to the tree and greeted the monkey with a cordial (warm and friendly) salute.
“Greetings, dear friend! What are you consuming? It looks delectable,” the crocodile remarked.
The monkey, always generous, tossed a fruit to the crocodile, who eagerly accepted it and tasted it. The fruit, brimming (full, overflowing) with sweetness, delighted the crocodile. “This fruit is ambrosial (delicious, divine). Where did you find it?” the crocodile asked.
The monkey, now amused, explained that it grew from the tree. As they conversed, the two became fast friends. The monkey, in turn, would routinely drop fruits from the tree for the crocodile, while the crocodile would swim over to chat with his friend. Their camaraderie (friendship) grew, and they spent many a delightful hour together.
However, unbeknownst (unaware, unknown) to the monkey, the crocodile’s wife had grown inquisitive (eager to know) about the monkey’s heart. She had heard from the jungle’s gossipers that monkey hearts were said to be delicious and nourishing, a delicacy to behold. Her greed consumed her, and she yearned to devour (eat) the monkey’s heart. She implored (begged) her husband to bring the monkey to her, so that she could feast upon it. The crocodile, though hesitant, succumbed (yielded, surrendered) to his wife’s insistence.
“I do not wish to harm our dear friend,” the crocodile muttered, “but my wife’s desire is insatiable (impossible to satisfy). I must fulfill it, but I will seek a way to preserve our friendship.”
The next day, the crocodile invited the monkey to his abode (home) on the other side of the river, claiming that he had a surprise for him. The monkey, ever trusting, eagerly accepted the invitation and climbed onto the crocodile’s back. As they ventured (dared to go) across the river, the monkey marveled at the shimmering (glistening, shining) water and the splendor (grandeur, brilliance) of nature surrounding them.
However, when they reached the center of the river, the crocodile suddenly ceased his swimming. With an air of treachery (dishonesty), he submerged the monkey into the water.
“Why are you doing this?” the monkey demanded, his voice tinged with panic.
The crocodile, his face now twisted with malevolence (ill-willed intent), revealed his true intention. “I regret to inform you that I am bound by my wife’s wishes. She covets (desires greedily) your heart. You shall be the sacrifice (victim) so that she may satiate (satisfy) her hunger.”
The monkey, momentarily taken aback, swiftly regained his composure (calmness, self-control) and devised a stratagem (plan). He realized that monkeys are known for their adroit (skillful) wit, and so he began to speak in a calm and calculated (thoughtful) manner.
“Crocodile,” the monkey began, “I am afraid you’ve been deceived by your own misperception. I left my heart hanging on the tree. If you return me to the shore, I shall bring you my heart.”
The crocodile, blinded by his avarice (greed) and eager to please his wife, believed the monkey’s story. He turned around and swam back to the shore. As soon as they arrived, the monkey sprang from the crocodile’s back and, with a swift leap, climbed to safety on the tree.
“You are a fool!” the monkey called down. “If you had only asked for it before, I might have given my heart to you. But now, your greed has led you astray (off course). You are outwitted (outsmarted, deceived), and your plan has failed.”
The crocodile, crestfallen (disappointed), swam away, his face burning with humiliation. From that day onward, the monkey and the crocodile never spoke again, their friendship severed (cut off) by the crocodile’s greed.
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Moral of the Story:
The story imparts a valuable lesson about the importance of wisdom, quick thinking, and the destructive nature of greed. It underscores how intelligence and cleverness can triumph over brute strength, while unchecked desire often leads to one’s downfall.