ONCE BITTEN TWICE SHY Once a watch-dog was sleeping in a farm-yard in the sun. Somehow a wolf got into the farm and attacked the sleeping dog. Taken aback, the dog begged for mercy. He said, Sir! I am very thin and weak as I am new here. Let me get fat after feeding on rich food that I get here. Then you can come and eat me up. The wolf was taken by the dog's words and went away leaving it free. The dog thanked his stars and decided not to sleep in an unsafe place. After few days, the wolf re-visited the farm and looked for the dog. This time the dog was lying very safely on the ro ... read more

CERTAIN THINGS CAN'T BE HIDDEN Once upon a time there was a trader who had a large flock of goats. People used to come from distant and nearby places to buy goats from him. Thud the trader was earning a lot from his trade. He had also employed a goat-herd who drove the flock to a pasture in the morning and after sunset, drove them back and shut them up in the fold. One day, the goat-herd was about to drive the flock back home as usual when he saw that some goats had strayed aside. So, he tried to get them back by calling and whistling. All the strayed goats returned and joined the flock ... read more

Once upon a time, there were three orphans, whose names were Otarun, Akope, and Awekun. The brothers had reached such an age that it was time to decide what trade they might undertake. In order to advise them on such an important decision, the brothers went to visit Ijapa the tortoise who had been their trusted guardian for many years. As soon as they arrived, Ijapa offered the brothers kola nuts and they all sat in his front yard under the acacia tree. ‘Now, I am all ears,’ said Ijapa to his visitors. ‘What brings you here at this time of the day?’ Otarun cleared his throat before sp ... read more

The Tale of the Magic Box Once upon a time, in a faraway land there lived a farmer with his two sons. He worked hard and looked after his farm, his cattle, and orchard regularly. He did not take a break and toiled with his laborers throughout the year. It was little wonder that he had fields finest in the village. His cattle and sheep were the best in the village. Choicest fruits and vegetables grew in his garden and orchard. During the monthly fair, where all village folks met to sell their wares, his was the best of the lot. His neighbors envied and said, "There goes Manohar, his sons ... read more

The Most Beautiful Heart One day, in a heavily crowded place, a young man began shouting. "People, look at me. I have the most beautiful heart in the world." Many people looked at him and were stunned to see his beautiful heart in a perfect shape, without any flaw. It looked quite amazing. Most of the people who saw his heart were mesmerized by the beauty of his heart, and praised him. However, there came an old man who challenged the young man, "No my son, I have got the most beautiful heart in the world!" The young man asked him, "Show me your heart, then!" The old man show ... read more