Once upon a time, deep in a lush jungle, there lived a large snake. This snake had been a resident of the forest for many years, skillfully hunting its prey and surviving the wild. But one fateful day, the snake found itself in despair as it roamed the forest with an empty stomach. Despite its efforts, no prey was to be found. Feeling defeated, the snake slithered to the edge of a nearby lake to rest.
As it gazed upon the lake, the snake’s eyes widened at the sight of countless frogs jumping and playing in the water. It thought to itself, “What a feast this could be! But how can I catch these frogs without alarming them?” With its cunning mind at work, the snake devised a clever plan.
The Snake’s Deception
While the snake was lost in its scheming, a curious frog noticed it sitting motionless near the lake. Cautiously keeping its distance, the frog asked, “Oh snake, why do you sit here quietly instead of hunting for food?”
The snake, sensing an opportunity, sighed dramatically and replied, “Oh dear frog, I am a cursed being, doomed to a life of misery. I no longer hunt for food.”
The intrigued frog asked, “Why have you been cursed? What wrong did you commit?”
The snake then spun a sorrowful tale. It explained, “This morning, as I searched for prey, I saw a frog darting into the bushes. I chased after it, thinking it would make a good meal. But instead of catching the frog, I accidentally bit the daughter of a meditating Brahmin nearby. She died instantly. Furious, the Brahmin cursed me, saying, ‘You, who preyed on frogs, shall now serve them for the rest of your life!’ I am now bound by his curse and can do nothing but serve frogs.”
The frog believed the snake’s story and shared it with the other frogs in the lake. Soon, the frog king himself arrived to speak with the snake.
The Snake Gains Trust
The frog king, moved by the snake’s tale, declared, “If you are truly cursed to serve frogs, then prove your devotion by carrying us on your back around the forest.”
The snake, hiding its delight at how well its plan was working, agreed. It began carrying groups of frogs on its back, wandering around the jungle as a servant to the frog kingdom.
For two days, the snake diligently carried the frogs, but soon it grew weak and slow. The frog king noticed this and asked, “Why do you look so tired, snake?”
The snake replied, “I haven’t eaten in days. I am too weak to continue.”
Feeling pity, the frog king said, “Very well, you may eat some of the smaller frogs to regain your strength. But you must continue serving us.”
The snake, hiding its sinister grin, began eating small frogs to satisfy its hunger. Over time, it consumed more and more frogs, always making excuses for its actions.
The End of the Frogs
Eventually, the snake had eaten nearly all the frogs in the lake. Finally, it lured the frog king onto its back and devoured him as well. With its belly full and no frogs left to serve, the snake slithered away, victorious in its cunning plan.
The Lesson
This story teaches an important lesson: In life, one must act wisely and strategically to overcome challenges and adversaries. Proper timing and calculated moves can help turn the odds in your favor.
Let this tale of the snake and the frogs remind us of the power of strategy and the importance of vigilance in trusting others. Stay sharp, stay wise, and always think ahead!
Feel free to share your thoughts on this story in the comments below. What lessons do you take from it? 😊