Intelligence Over Power: Story of the Crows and the Cobra
Once upon a time, two crows made their home on a wide banyan tree.
On the tall, leafy tree beside a calm river, they carefully built their nest.
Caw-caw! cawww! sang the mother crow as she fixed the twigs in place.
Rustle-rustle..went the branches as the soft wind blew.
Before long, she laid her eggs and kept them warm and safe.
Tap-tap… tuck-tuck… went her beak as she gently adjusted the nest.
After some days, crack… crack… went the eggshells,
and out came the tiny chicks … peep-peep-peep!
Now, at the bottom of the tree, inside a dark burrow, lived a black cobra.
Hissssss… ssssss…
When the crows flew away in search of food, flap-flap! whoosh!
the sly cobra slowly climbed up the tree. Slither-slither… swishhh…
It reached the nest.
Gluuulp… gulp… glrrrk…
One by one, the snake swallowed the helpless chicks and slithered back into the tree hollow.
When the crows came back with food in their beaks to feed their babies, they were shocked to find their nest empty.
Caaawww! Caw-caw-caw! they cried in deep sorrow.
In some days, the mother crow laid eggs again, praying they would be safe this time.
But the sneaky cobra came back and gobbled up the little chicks once more.
The sad crows grew thoughtful, caw…caw… they wanted to teach the cobra a lesson and protect their babies.
Thinking of their clever friend, the jackal, they decided to visit him and seek his advice.
Rustle-rustle went the leaves as they flew to meet the jackal.
The crows told him about the evil cobra and asked for his advice on how to protect their babies from harm.
The jackal scratched his head scritch-scratch… hmm… then, ting! an idea sparkled in his mind. He told the clever plan to the crows.
Next morning, the crows flapped their wings excitedly flap-flap! swhoosh! and flew straight towards the royal palace.
They spotted that the princess, swimming and playing in the royal pond.
Splash! splish-splash! went the water.
On the edge of the pond lay her sparkling golden necklace, twinkling and gleaming in the sun.
In a flash swhoosh! one of the crows dived down and grabbed it, Flap-flap! and flew swiftly back, towards their nest.
“Hey! Stop!” yelled the guards.
Thud-thud! stomp-stomp! they chased after the crows.
The crow flew up to the tree flap-flap! and dropped the necklace into the cobra’s hole.
Clink-clank!
The guards reached the tree. Huff… puff…
They looked inside the hole.
Suddenly … HISSSSS!
Out came the angry cobra!
“Ahhh!” shouted the guards. They started striking the cobra with sticks.
Whack! Bang! Thump!
Soon, the cobra lay still and everything grew quiet.
From that day on, the crows lived cheerfully in their nest. The dangerous cobra was gone and could no longer threaten them.
The crows lived wisely, remembering the lesson they learnt – that clever thinking and unity can overcome even the greatest danger.
Moral of the story
Intelligence and wise planning can overcome even the strongest enemy.
The story teaches us that what cannot be achieved by force, can be achieved through cleverness.
Nothing in this world is impossible for a smart mind. It also reminds us that in times of trouble, seeking support and guidance from family and friends is the best choice.
Just like the little crows, who could defeat the dangerous cobra through smart thinking and the help of their friend, we can also keep our loved ones safe by being wise and reaching out for support in times of trouble.
This story also reminds us the importance of protecting and caring for our loved ones.
If you’re interested in a physical book, take a look at the engaging Panchatantra storybooks listed below.
