Fables (Panchatantra)

The Loyal Mongoose (The Farmer's Wife)

Characters: The Farmer's Wife, The Pet Mongoose, A Snake

A farmer and his wife once adopted a tiny baby mongoose, raising it alongside their own newborn infant as part of the family. The mongoose grew up to be fiercely loyal and protective. One afternoon, the mother had to step out to fetch water from the well, leaving her baby sleeping safely in the crib while the pet mongoose kept watch nearby. Shortly after she left, a venomous, deadly snake slithered into the cottage, creeping toward the crib! The brave mongoose leaped forward in a fierce battle and tore the snake to pieces, saving the baby's life. When the mother returned home carrying her water pot, she saw the mongoose waiting at the door with its mouth stained with blood. Jumping to a panicked conclusion, she assumed the worst and struck the loyal animal with her heavy pot. Rushing inside, she found her baby safe and a dead snake nearby, realizing too late that she had acted on blind assumption.

Values in this story

  • Patience
  • Verification before Judgment
  • Mindfulness