Once upon a time in a lush jungle somewhere between Burma and Thailand, where golden pagodas shimmered above the treetops and birds sang ancient songs, there lived a tiger feared by all and a rabbit.
This tiger, named Shan, was fierce, proud, and terribly hungry. He demanded daily tribute from the forest animals, deer, monkeys, wild boars, all lived in fear of being devoured.
Tired of hiding, the animals held a council. But who would dare confront the beast?
From the shadows, a small voice piped up. It was Paya Khway, the clever rabbit known more for tricks than bravery.
“I have a plan,” he said, twitching his nose. “But you must all trust me.”
The next day, when the tiger came growling for his meal, only the rabbit appeared.
“You?” scoffed Shan. “You’re barely a snack.”
“True,” said Paya Khway, “but I am the second offering. The first rabbit was eaten by another tiger.”
“Another tiger?” growled Shan, his pride ignited.
“Yes,” said the rabbit. “He lives in a crystal cave beyond the waterfall. He said you’re weak and that he is the king of this jungle.”
Furious, Shan roared. “Take me to him!”
Rabbit Tricks the Tiger
The rabbit led the tiger through thick jungle vines and slippery stones to the edge of a deep well.
“He’s in there,” whispered Paya Khway, “resting.”
Shan peered inside and saw his own reflection in the water.
He roared. The reflection roared back.
He bared his fangs. The reflection mirrored him.
Enraged, he leapt into the well to fight this “other tiger.” He splashed, clawed, and finally sank.
The jungle was silent.
Paya Khway hopped to the edge, smiled, and said, “Strength may rule for a while, but wit endures forever.”
From that day on, the animals crowned the rabbit their protector. His tales were passed down from hut to hut, generation to generation.
Moral
The Clever Rabbit and the Hungry Tiger reminds us that intelligence can outmatch brute force. The story celebrates courage, cunning, and using wit to protect the vulnerable—a hallmark of Southeast Asian folktales.
Knowledge Check
1. What is the central theme of “The Clever Rabbit and the Hungry Tiger”?
That intelligence and cleverness can triumph over strength and aggression.
2. What trick did the rabbit play on the tiger?
He tricked the tiger into jumping into a well by making him believe there was a rival tiger inside.
3. Which cultures are associated with this folktale?
This story originates from Burmese (Myanmar) and Thai folk traditions.
4. How does this story reinforce values in Southeast Asian societies?
It promotes wisdom, humility, and community protection, key values in both Burmese and Thai storytelling.
5. What kind of tale is this?
This is a trickster tale, where a small, clever animal outwits a stronger predator.
Origin: This folktale is common in Southeast Asian cultures, especially Burmese, Thai, and Laotian regions where trickster rabbits feature prominently in village stories and Buddhist teachings.
