Reading Notes: Jataka Anthology

The Cunning Crane and the Crab By W.H.D. Rouse

The story begins by establishing that the little pool where the fish live is a fine place to live sometimes, but there are times when it is more difficult. There is also another lake nearby that is always comfortable and easy to survive in.

The Crane sees a way to take advantage of the fish struggling to survive in the little pool by telling them about the existence of the beautiful lake and igniting a desire in them for a better life.

Once the fish were excited about the possibilities that await in the beautiful lake they were willing to consider trusting the Crane, going against evidence “since the world began” that a crane would not help a fish.

The fish devise a plan to try to verify the Crane’s story by sending the old Fish with one eye with the Crane to the lake and back. However, once the old Fish returns and shares how wonderful the lake is all the Fish became so excited they couldn’t wait to go themselves and didn’t think about the possibility of the Crane double-crossing them.

One by one the Crane carries each of the Fish to his tree where he kills and eats them.

The Crane hoping to get one last meal out of his rouse at the little pool searches for another fish and finds a crab. The Crane tries to enact his trick by inviting the Crab to take part in the bright future available in the lake.

The Crab however was not blinded by excitement and was able to think clearly and doubt the Crane’s assurances. To protect himself the Crab devised a way to insure the Crane would not be able to betray him.

When the Crane tries to betray him the Crab enacts his failsafe by threatening the Crane’s life which works in getting the Crane to deliver the Crab safely to the lake. The Crab then kills the Crane for his betrayal.

Bibliography. "The Cunning Crane and the Crab" from The Giant Crab, and Other Tales from Old India byW.H.D. Rouse. Web source.

Image: Grey Crowned Crane Africa Canes Bird Tanzania, Max Pixel