Indian Fairy Tales & Folktales
Traditional stories from India — Panchatantra, Jataka tales, and more.
100 stories in this collection
'A long-bow story'
Greed can lead to one's own undoing, and cleverness can outsmart even the most cunning.
A Lac of Rupees for a Bit of Advice
Valuable advice, though seemingly costly or inconvenient, can save one's life and lead to great fort...
A Lesson for Kings
True righteousness lies in conquering evil with good, anger with calmness, and stinginess with gener...
A WONDERFUL STORY
Adventures of an Indian Brave
Disrespect and thoughtlessness can lead to dire consequences, but perseverance and humility can lead...
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AN INDIAN STORY—I
Even in captivity, courage and cleverness can lead to freedom.
ARABIAN NIGHTS’
The power of storytelling can save lives and bring about justice.
BARBER HÍM AND THE TIGERS
Cunning and a bold front can overcome even the most formidable adversaries, but excessive greed or f...
BENGALI VERSION
Envy and deceit may triumph for a time, but truth and justice will ultimately prevail, often with se...
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BOKWEWA, THE HUMPBACK
True spiritual understanding and perseverance lead to ultimate fulfillment and a higher state of bei...
BRAVE HÍRÁLÁLBÁSÁ
True evil will eventually be revealed and punished, while loyalty and perseverance are rewarded.
BUDDHIST VERSION
Innocence, though slandered, will eventually be revealed and vindicated, while malice will be expose...
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By Henry R. Schoolcraft
Through perseverance and following spiritual guidance, one can bring great benefit to their people.
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CONCLUSION
True wisdom and adherence to one's word can overcome evil and lead to ultimate reward.
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CONCLUSION
True wisdom and selflessness are rewarded, while deceit and ambition are punished.
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DER KAMELREITER UND DIE SCHLANGE
Do not expect good from those inherently evil, and sometimes, wisdom is required to overcome malice.
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DER LÖWE UND DER HASE
Even the weakest can overcome the strongest through cleverness and wit.
DER LÖWE UND DER KATER
Sometimes, the very problems we wish to eliminate are essential for maintaining our position and val...
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DIE MAUS, DIE IN EIN JUNGES MÄDCHEN VERWANDELT WURDE
One's true nature or origin will always assert itself, and it is best to accept who you are.
Dorani
True love requires understanding, communication, and mutual commitment, often transcending the super...
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EIGHTEENTH GOBLIN
True wisdom lies in understanding the impermanence of the body and the importance of selfless action...
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EIGHTEENTH GOBLIN
True wisdom lies in understanding the impermanence of the body and prioritizing spiritual good over ...
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EIGHTH GOBLIN
True cleverness or sensitivity is often revealed in the most subtle and undeniable ways, and extreme...
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EIGHTH GOBLIN
True cleverness or exceptional sensitivity is often revealed in the most subtle and undeniable ways,...
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ELEVENTH GOBLIN
True wisdom lies in understanding the long-term consequences of actions and prioritizing duty over f...
FABLES FROM INDIA
The collection of fables offers various morals, such as the importance of wisdom over wickedness, th...
FABLES FROM THE HITOPADESA
One should always exercise caution and critical judgment, as appearances can be deceiving, and unche...
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FIFTEENTH GOBLIN
True self-sacrifice is demonstrated when one gives up something precious even when not directly thre...
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FIFTEENTH GOBLIN
True self-sacrifice is most admirable when it is unexpected and goes against one's immediate self-in...
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FIFTH GOBLIN
True heroism, which involves risk and direct action, deserves the greatest reward, while wisdom and ...
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FIFTH GOBLIN
True bravery and direct action, especially when risking one's life, hold greater merit than wisdom o...
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FIRST GOBLIN
Those in power bear the ultimate responsibility for ensuring justice and truth, and rash judgment ca...
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FOOTNOTES TO INTRODUCTION
Be wary of what others tell you, especially when it contradicts your own senses, as group consensus ...
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FOURTEENTH GOBLIN
A marriage performed with proper ceremony and parental consent is more legitimate than a secret unio...
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FOURTEENTH GOBLIN
True ownership and legitimacy are established through proper, public channels, not through deceit or...
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FOURTH GOBLIN
True nobility is demonstrated by selfless sacrifice, even when not strictly bound by duty.
Grasp all, lose all
Excessive greed leads to the loss of everything, even what one already possesses.
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Grasshopper
Idleness, disrespect, and mischief, though sometimes entertaining, ultimately lead to ruin, but even...
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GRAY EAGLE AND HIS FIVE BROTHERS
True brotherly love and kindness are rewarded, and even enemies should be treated with mercy and giv...
Harisarman
Sometimes, fortune favors the bold and the cunning, even if their knowledge is feigned.
Harisarman
Sometimes, fortune favors the bold and the cunning, even if their knowledge is feigned.
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HE OF THE LITTLE SHELL
HINDIALAINEN LEGENDA
HOW A BOY WAS CURED OF BOASTING
Boasting and excessive pride often lead to a humbling fall.
HOW AN INDIAN BOY WON HIS NAME
Acts of kindness and selflessness are rewarded and can lead to a life of good fortune and respect.
How Ball-Carrier finished his Task
True wisdom and strength come from effort and ingenuity, not from easily acquired power or wealth.
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HOW FIRE WAS BROUGHT TO THE INDIANS
Through cooperation and sacrifice, even the most challenging problems can be overcome, and those who...
HOW GOOD AND EVIL CAME TO BE
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HOW KING BURTAL BECAME A FAKÍR
True spiritual power and enlightenment come from self-denial, humility, and service, not from worldl...
HOW MORNING STAR LOST HER FISH
All living creatures, including fish, value their lives and freedom.
HOW RABBIT DECEIVED FOX
Even the most cunning can be outsmarted by a cleverer foe, and sometimes it's best to know when to g...
HOW RAVEN BROUGHT FIRE TO THE INDIANS
Great resources, though hoarded by the selfish, are ultimately meant for all and can be acquired thr...
HOW SIX FRIENDS SOUGHT ADVENTURE
True friendship and combined talents can overcome even the most formidable obstacles.
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HOW SUMMER CAME TO THE EARTH
Great desires, even if expressed simply, can lead to profound changes and sacrifices for the greater...
How Sun, Moon, and Wind went out to Dinner
Those who are selfish and forget their loved ones will face negative consequences, while those who a...
HOW THE FIRST
Disobedience and unchecked curiosity can lead to unforeseen and lasting consequences, not just for o...
HOW THE FIRST MAYFLOWERS
Acts of kindness, even to the smallest creatures, can bring unexpected beauty and blessings.
HOW THE INDIANS LEARNED TO HEAL
Kindness and hospitality are rewarded with invaluable knowledge and blessings.
HOW THE RÁJÁ’S SON WON THE PRINCESS LABÁM
Kindness and cleverness, often aided by supernatural help, can overcome seemingly impossible obstacl...
HOW THE SQUIRREL
Hard work and honesty are rewarded, while laziness and theft lead to punishment and loss.
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How the Summer Came
Great blessings often require great sacrifice, and the courage of one can bring warmth and joy to ma...
How the Sun, the Moon, and the Wind Went Out to Dinner
Those who are selfish and forget their family will face negative consequences, while those who are t...
How the Wicked Sons were Duped
Greed can blind people to true value and lead them to be easily manipulated.
HOW THE WICKED SONS WERE DUPED
Greed can blind people and lead them to be easily manipulated, and those who treat their elders poor...
HOW THE WOMAN OVERCAME THE BEAR
Facing your fears directly can make them disappear.
HOW TWO INDIAN BOYS SETTLED A QUARREL
Many quarrels are forgotten with time, and their causes often prove insignificant in retrospect.
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Iagoo, the Story-Teller
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IN THE LAND OF SOULS [\[21\]](#Footnote2121)
Even in profound grief, one must eventually return to their duties and community, with the promise o...
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INDIAN VERSION
Excessive pride and fastidiousness can lead to neglecting one's duties and incurring sin, even if on...
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INTRODUCTION TO APPENDIX
Wit and intelligence can overcome brute strength and size.
Jackal or tiger?
Truth, though sometimes obscured by power and deceit, will ultimately prevail, and true virtue will ...
Khudadad and His Brothers—p. 145
Even when faced with betrayal, kindness and forgiveness can lead to a just and happy outcome.
![LE GRAIN DE MOUTARDE.[\[29\]](#Footnote2929)](/library-files/english/h_a_h_l_ne_adeline_guerber/contes_et_l_gendes_1re_partie/le_grain_de_moutarde_29_footnote2929/images/cover/cover_001.png?w=100)
LE GRAIN DE MOUTARDE.[\[29\]](#Footnote2929)
Death is an inevitable part of life, and understanding its universality can bring acceptance and pea...
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LEELINAU, THE LOST DAUGHTER
LIFE’S SECRET
Kindness and selflessness are ultimately rewarded, while cruelty and envy lead to ruin.
LITTLE BEAR
Sometimes, those who seem like a burden can prove to be your greatest asset.
Little Surya Bai
Goodness and truth will ultimately triumph over evil and deceit, and destiny will find its way.
LITTLE SURYA BAI
Goodness and true love will ultimately triumph over evil and deceit, even after great suffering.
LOVING LAILÍ
True love, guided by destiny, can overcome any obstacle, including death and the passage of time.
Madschen
Past wrongs can be righted, and true worth will eventually be recognized and rewarded.
Mahalaxmi and the Two Queens
True devotion and humility are rewarded, while pride and disrespect for the divine lead to suffering...
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MANABOZHO, THE MISCHIEF-MAKER
Mi a Pancsatantra?
Stories and fables can be a powerful and effective tool for teaching wisdom and life lessons, even t...
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Mish-o-sha, the Magician
With courage and cleverness, even the most formidable evil can be overcome.
MISHOSHA, THE MAGICIAN OF
Even when abandoned and facing powerful adversaries, cleverness and courage can lead to triumph and ...
Muchie Lal
Kindness and purity of heart will ultimately triumph over malice and deceit, leading to true happine...
MUDJEE MONEDO
Good will ultimately triumph over evil, often through wisdom and courage rather than brute force.
Nagoba, the Snake-King
Kindness and respect, even towards those who have wronged you, can avert harm and bring blessings.
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NINETEENTH GOBLIN
Unrequited or forbidden love can lead to tragic ends, but even in death, divine grace can offer a se...
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NINETEENTH GOBLIN
Unrequited or misplaced love can lead to tragic and foolish ends, especially when one chooses grief ...
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NINTH GOBLIN
True value lies in practical skill and adherence to one's station, not just any specialized knowledg...
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NINTH GOBLIN
Practical skills and adherence to one's social role are more valuable than esoteric knowledge or ski...
NOTE CONCERNING THE "TIRREA BEDE," NIGHT 655
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Notes and References
Ingratitude can lead to one's downfall, while wisdom and foresight are rewarded.
NOTES ON THE FAIRY LEGENDS
Understanding the cultural context and belief systems of a people is crucial to interpreting their s...
NOTES ON THE NARRATOR’S NARRATIVE
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OSSEOJ THE SON OF THE EVENING STAR
True worth and love transcend superficial appearances and are ultimately rewarded by higher powers.
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Panch-Phul Ranee
Even in adversity, kindness, ingenuity, and perseverance can lead to great fortune and happiness.
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PANJÁBÍ VERSION
Even in the face of immense suffering and separation, virtue and perseverance can lead to ultimate r...
PÁNWPATTÍ RÁNÍ
Jealousy and malice can lead to one's own downfall, while loyalty and cleverness are rewarded.
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