A Short History of Folktales in India
Folktales are Oral stories that are passed down by the elders to the younger generation. For centuries, folktales have been a crucial medium for preserving cultural traditions and teaching the youth to understand the world around them.
A Folktale from Andhra Pradesh
One day, a guru foresaw in a flash of vision what he would be in his next life. So he called his favourite disciple and asked him what he would do for his guru un return for all he had received. The disciple said he would do whatever his guru asked him to do.
Having received this promise, the guru said, ‘Then this is what I would like you to do for me. I have just learned that when I die, which will be very soon, i am going to be reborn as a pig. Do you see that sow eating garbage there in the yard? I am going to be reborn as the fourth piglet of its next litter. You will recognise me by a mark on my brow. When that sow has littered, find the fourth piglet with a mark on its brow and with one stroke of your knife, slaughter it. I will then ne released from a pig’s life. Will you do this for me?’
The disciple was sad to hear all this, but he agreed to do as he promised.
Soon after this conversation, the guru did die. And the sow did have a litter of four little pigs. One day, the disciple sharpened his knife and picked out the fourth little pigs, which did indeed have a mark on its brow. Just as he was about to bring down his knife to slit its throat, the little pip suddenly spoke. ‘Stop! Don’t kill me!’ It screamed.
Before the disciple could recover from the shock of hearing the little pig speak in a human voice, it said, ‘Don’t kill me. I want to live on as a pig. Week ago, when I asked you to dispatch me, I didn’t know what a pig’s life would be like. It’s great. Just let me go.’
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I’m not sure that pigs have great lives but as the story suggests, one should not make assumptions!
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A pig like that, you would only eat one leg at a time.
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Thank you, Narayan, for the beautiful tale, which resonates with me because I love the pigs, and they are very intelligent creatures. I am more than grateful, dearest Narayan, for the happy ending; otherwise, I would be very upset. I am looking forward to reading more of your wonderful stories, which will bring me closer to the country I love, India.
I like the apt image!
Joanna
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a wonderful story!👍🏽👏🏼
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Thank you, swadharma, it is always inspiring to read your bio and how you might have come so close to understand this civilisation.
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🙏🏼❤️🔱🕉️🔱❤️🙏🏼
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Wonderful story. Reminds me of the movie Babe, about a pig.
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Vanya, thank you. I haven’t seen the film but pigs are uncommon animals in a way. There presence always reminds me of Animal Farm 🙂
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Ah yes! Animal Farm. In Babe the movie, the orphaned pig herds sheep.
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Love this story, thank you.
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So long, Gma. Thank you for coming along.
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What an interesting tale. We don’t realize the value of an experience until we’re in the middle of it, even if it’s something as unlikely as living like a pig 🙂
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Thank you Ritesh, you’re right, understanding only comes after something has passed 🙂 and Apologies for taking time to write.
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Haha, a great story!
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So long Stella, thank you.
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This story is both fascinating and humorous, showcasing the unpredictability of desire and the irresistible charm of life in all its forms. It reminds us that we often do not fully understand what we want until we experience it, and that the instinct to survive can sometimes override even our most cherished promises.!!! Totally loved it ♥️
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Thank you Aparna, these gems of stories are a shared memory of humour, gossip and meaning. May be moral for a few perspectives.
And you are you right Aparna, understanding is an art unlike any other. Can’t say if it can be taught too. Thank you for adding to it. Precious comment 🙂
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Perhaps it can’t be taught like a formula, but it can be cultivated. It requires a willingness to listen, to observe, and to simply be present without rushing to judgment.
Thank you for adding your own gems to this conversation.🌻♥️
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I love folktales. They always have meaning
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