Along the banks of a tranquil river in Sri Lanka, where tall palms swayed and birds sang in the heat of the afternoon, there lived a lively monkey. His home was high in a fruit-laden tree that leaned over the shimmering waters. Each day, he feasted on ripe, golden fruit and often dropped a few into the river below for a friendly crocodile who basked in the shallows.
The crocodile, pleased by the monkey’s kindness, began to linger by the tree more often. They spoke across the water, sharing tales of their days, the monkey about the forest and the crocodile about the deep river. Over time, a bond of friendship grew between them.
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One evening, the crocodile returned home carrying a fruit the monkey had gifted him. His wife, resting by the riverbank, eyed the fruit hungrily. “Where did you find this delicious thing?” she asked.
“It came from the monkey who lives in the tree,” the crocodile replied proudly. “He is my friend and shares these fruits with me.”
The crocodile’s wife frowned, her eyes narrowing with envy. “If the fruit he eats tastes this sweet,” she hissed, “then imagine how sweet his heart must be! Bring me that monkey’s heart. I must have it.”
The crocodile trembled. “He is my friend,” he protested softly. “How can I harm him?”
But his wife was relentless. “If you truly care for me, you will do as I say,” she insisted. “If not, I will know you love that monkey more than me.”
Caught between loyalty and fear, the crocodile swam back to the tree the next morning, his heart heavy with deceit. “My friend,” he called cheerfully, “my wife and I wish to honour you. On our island across the river grow fruits even sweeter than these. Come with me to taste them.”
The monkey’s eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Sweeter than mine? Then I must see for myself,” he said, leaping onto the crocodile’s broad back. The river current carried them smoothly downstream. The monkey laughed with delight at the new adventure, unaware of the danger that awaited.
When they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile could no longer hide the truth. “My friend,” he said with a trembling voice, “I must tell you something. My wife desires your heart, believing it to be as sweet as the fruit you eat. Forgive me, but I have brought you to her.”
For a brief moment, silence hung in the air. The monkey’s sharp mind raced. Then, pretending calm, he said, “Ah! Why did you not tell me earlier? I left my heart hanging on a branch of my tree. Take me back, and I will fetch it for you.”
The foolish crocodile, relieved by this simple answer, turned and swam swiftly toward the shore. As soon as they neared the bank, the monkey leapt with all his might onto the highest branch of his tree. He looked down and laughed.
“Oh, my friend,” he cried, “you are truly foolish! Who keeps their heart outside their body? Go home and tell your wife that she must be content with her envy. No creature can taste a heart filled with friendship.”
The crocodile hung his head in shame and swam away slowly. From that day on, he never returned to the monkey’s tree. The clever monkey continued to live happily, sharing his fruit only with those who wished him well.
Moral
Wisdom and composure triumph over strength and deceit. Cleverness and calm thinking can rescue one even in the face of betrayal.
Knowledge Check
1. Who are the main characters in The Monkey and the Crocodile?
The story features a clever monkey and a deceitful crocodile, representing wit and greed respectively.
2. What causes the conflict between the two friends?
The crocodile’s wife’s jealousy and greed for the monkey’s heart lead to betrayal.
3. How does the monkey save himself from danger?
By pretending he left his heart on a tree branch, he tricks the crocodile into returning him to safety.
4. What cultural or moral value does this folktale highlight?
It emphasizes intelligence, self-control, and the Buddhist ideal that wisdom overcomes desire.
5. What does the crocodile’s wife symbolize in the story?
She represents greed, envy, and the destructive nature of desire.
6. Where does this folktale originate and what is its broader connection?
The tale originates from Sri Lanka and is part of the Siṃhapaññā Jātaka, shared widely in South Asian Buddhist traditions.
Source:
Adapted from the Sinhalese folktale “The Monkey and the Crocodile” in Village Folk-Tales of Ceylon, Vol. II, collected by H. Parker (1910), London: Luzac & Co.
Cultural Origin: Sri Lanka (Sinhalese folklore; derived from the Siṃhapaññā Jātaka, Buddhist tradition)
