Reading Notes: Elephant Stories (Monday)

Two Asian elephants in Tamil Nadu, India.

Photograph by Mohan Raj (2010)

The Greedy Forester

1. The white elephant’s sensitivity will likely come in handy. He may even wind up saving his elephant brethren, despite the latter’s cruelty.
2. The white elephant is completely selfless. He only seems to want to help others.
3. This story is somewhat like The Giving Tree. While the forester does get what he wants in the beginning, his exploitation of the elephant eventually gets him nothing. In fact, he’s punished for this exploitation.

The Brave Quail

1. This story is incredibly violent. First, a baby bird’s head is trampled off by an elephant. Then, a crow pecks out the eyes of that elephant. Then, an ant lays its eggs in the empty eye sockets of the elephant.
2. I guess the elephant got exactly what is deserved.

The Royal Elephant

1. The elephant shows loyalty in every circumstance. He also risks his own life for the sake of the kingdom and for his prince. For this, he’s respected by everyone.

Bibliography

Elephant Stories. Amar Chitra Katha, v. 554.