The Rabbit in the Moon

An Indian folktale, retold by Chanell

Long, long, ago there were three animal friends - a monkey, a rabbit, and a fox - who lived in a mountain forest. One day, a supernatural being came down to earth disguised as a beggar. He traveled through many villages and towns but no one would help him. The beggar heard of the three animal friends and decided to visit them.

When they saw the beggar, they felt pity for him. The beggar said "I have heard that the three of you are very friendly. Please help me! I have not eaten for many days!" Hearing this, the three friends hurried away to find food for the beggar.

The monkey quickly returned with fresh fruits from the forest. The fox caught some fish from the river. The rabbit, however, searched throughout the forest but sadly returned with nothing.

He told the beggar he was sorry that he wasn't as talented and lacked the wisdom that his friends had. Then the rabbit had an idea and asked his friends to gather dry twigs and pile it up for him.

When they were done bringing the twigs he asked the fox to set the twigs on the fire. The rabbit then hugged his friends and jumped into the fire before anyone could do anything.

While jumping into the flames he cried out to the beggar, " Please wait till my body is cooked and then eat it." The beggar was shocked. He took the body of the friendly rabbit out of the fire and placed it against his heart.

Then the two of them rose into the sky up to the moon where the supernatural being built a wonderful palace for the rabbit that sacrificed himself to a friendly stranger in need. Till this day you can still see the rabbit in the moon!

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