The Crocodile and the Two Children: 5 Fables of Fate and Survival

A Crocodile, chancing upon two children engaged in bathing, seized one with alacrity and conveyed him forthwith to his subterranean abode within the riverbank. “Remain thou here,” quoth the Crocodile, “whilst I repair hence to procure thy companion.”

Subsequent to the Crocodile's departure upon his errand, the captive child, with commendable presence of mind, effected his escape and betook himself with all speed to the village.

Upon the Crocodile's return to the bathing place, he discovered that the remaining child had absconded, and that the inhabitants of the riverbank were directing a volley of projectiles in his direction.

He retreated in discomfiture to his lair; but alas, the child he had previously captured was likewise flown.

Incensed beyond measure by this double disappointment, the Crocodile emerged from the water and ventured into the village itself. For the space of three days did he stalk the villagers, ere he finally relinquished his pursuit and returned to the watery element.

A crocodile, possessed of a deadly disposition, wrought havoc amongst the sheep, cattle, and even the persons of the local inhabitants, engendering a widespread trepidation.

The chieftain, in a state of considerable perplexity, solicited counsel from the populace; however, no individual possessed a solution to the vexing predicament.

Thereupon, a fox, emboldened by an astute intellect, proffered his services, declaring, “Though I am diminutive in stature and lacking in physical prowess, I may, perchance, deliver you from future tribulations. For it is not brute force that is required, but rather sagacity, which I am equipped to provide.”

“And what, pray tell, is your counsel?” enquired the chieftain, his countenance etched with anticipation.

“Refrain from engaging the crocodile in mortal combat when it has attained its full size and vigour,” the fox advised with measured tones. “Instead, emulate my example and consume the crocodile's eggs.

For by this stratagem shall ye vanquish your adversary and secure the future safety of your community.”

The huntsman's spouse was delivered of a babe, as was the doe's mate.

For the child of the huntsman, venison liver was required as first sustenance, and for the fawn, coffee leaves were deemed necessary.

The huntsman betook himself to the coffee tree and lay in wait. The deer arrived; the huntsman raised his fowling piece.

'Halt!' exclaimed the deer. 'We are both beset by exigencies. Permit me to convey these coffee leaves to my offspring, that it may flourish. I shall return on the morrow!'

The huntsman acceded to this entreaty, and the deer absconded with the coffee leaves for its young.

On the subsequent day, the huntsman repaired to the tree; the deer was present. The huntsman discharged his weapon, felling the deer, and conveyed the carcass to the village. He furnished his child with venison liver, and the child prospered exceedingly.

Dog and Lizard were, indeed, companions.

Upon a certain day, the Lizard remarked, 'Surely, the consumption of flesh procured through the chase must afford thee considerable gratification.'

'Nay,' the Dog responded with a sigh, 'the men seize the meat for their own indulgence, leaving us dogs with naught.'

'But consider,' the Lizard exclaimed, 'the arduous labour thou dost perform!'

'Observe,' quoth the Dog. Thus, the Lizard ascended into a tree, maintaining a vigil.

The huntsmen dispatched the dogs in pursuit of game, which the dogs, with diligence, brought to bay. Yet, when the Dog attempted to partake of a morsel of the meat, a huntsman did strike him upon the cranium with a club.

With cries of 'Ow! Ow!', he did gaze upwards towards the Lizard perched in the tree. The Lizard, perceiving the veracity of his friend's utterance, nodded with melancholy.

Upon receiving intelligence that his consort was in the throes of parturition, a gentleman hastened homewards.

A hyena, stationed proximate to the thoroughfare, vociferated, 'A male child hath been delivered; a buffalo shall be the instrument of his demise!'

Perceiving that the neonate was indubitably a male, the paterfamilias was beset by anxieties appertaining to the hyena's prognostication, yet imparted the matter to no soul.

Years subsequent, whilst engaged in the superintendence of their flocks, they espied a buffalo.

'I shall dispatch it!' the scion exclaimed.

'Nay!' the pater responded, 'It is incumbent upon me to execute this.'

He slew the buffalo, whereupon he ejaculated with manifest relief, 'Thus is the hyena's prophecy rendered nugatory!'

In his alacrity to extend felicitations to his sire, the boy stumbled and impaled himself upon the buffalo's horns, thereby meeting his end.