The Monkey and the Wedge

The Monkey and the Wedge – Deep in a dense forest, there lived a group of mischievous monkeys. Among them was a curious and adventurous monkey named Manu. Manu was known for his playful nature and his knack for getting into trouble.

Watch Astrology Quiz in Tamil | Watch Entertainment Quiz

One day, while exploring the forest, Manu came across a group of carpenters working near a riverbank. They were busy constructing a bridge using heavy wooden logs. The carpenters had placed a wedge to keep the logs in place as they worked.

Intrigued by the shiny wedge, Manu couldn’t resist the temptation to play with it. He leaped onto the bridge and snatched the wedge from its position. Amused by his newfound toy, Manu began jumping and swinging around, completely oblivious to the consequences of his actions.

With one mischievous leap, Manu accidentally dropped the wedge. It slipped through a small gap in the logs and fell into the flowing river below. The logs instantly shifted, causing the bridge to collapse. The carpenters, who had been working diligently, were taken aback by the sudden chaos.

Frightened by the commotion he had caused, Manu scampered away, leaving the carpenters to deal with the mess. As he retreated into the forest, he realized the gravity of his actions. Deeply remorseful, Manu knew he had to make amends.

Days later, Manu stumbled upon a group of animals struggling to cross the river where the bridge once stood. They were desperate to reach the other side but had no means to do so. Witnessing their plight, Manu realized he had an opportunity to right his wrongs.

Determined to help, Manu approached the animals and offered a solution. “I will be your bridge,” he proclaimed. “You can walk across my back, and I will carry you safely to the other side.”

The animals, skeptical at first, hesitantly accepted Manu’s offer. One by one, they cautiously stepped onto the monkey’s back, using him as a bridge to cross the river. Manu, despite the weight and the strain on his body, remained steadfast and resilient.

As the last animal safely reached the other side, Manu felt a profound sense of satisfaction. The animals expressed their gratitude, acknowledging the monkey’s selflessness and courage. Manu had redeemed himself and learned a valuable lesson about the consequences of his actions.

Meanwhile, a wise old owl named Hoot witnessed the entire incident. Impressed by Manu’s transformation, he approached the monkey and commended his newfound wisdom and compassion. Hoot explained to Manu that his initial mischief had caused harm, but his act of selflessness had redeemed him.

“You have learned that your actions can have consequences, both good and bad,” Hoot said. “Remember this lesson and use your mischievous nature to bring joy and help others, rather than causing harm.”

From that day forward, Manu embraced his role as a helper and protector of the forest. He became known as the Monkey Bridge, offering his back to those in need. The animals revered him for his kindness and bravery.

The moral of this Panchatantra story is that our actions have consequences, and it is our responsibility to rectify any harm caused. Manu’s journey from mischief to redemption teaches children the importance of accountability and the power of compassion. It emphasizes the value of using one’s mischievous nature for positive purposes and making amends for past mistakes.