Reading Notes: The Cunning Crane and the Crab

I found this story of the cunning crane and the crab the most fascinating among all Jatakas stories. It is simple, yet tells the importance of wisdom and strategy.

“Dear Fish,” said the Crane, “I am so sorry to see you cooped up in this hole. I know a beautiful lake close by, deep and fresh and cool, and if you like I will carry you there.”

I like how the crane is so cunning and somewhat persuasive.

“I’m not so cruel as all that. I have eaten a fish now and then” — he saw it was of no use denying that, because they knew he had — “but I have plenty of other food, and it goes to my heart to see you here. In this hot water you will all be boiled fish before long!”

This not only sounds cunning to the fish, but I think it's really persuasive. The crane is trying to persuade the fishes with evidences.

'Then the Crane saw what a fool he had been to let a Crab put a claw round his neck. He knew that the Crab could kill him if he liked, and he was frightened to death at the thought. People who try to deceive others often pay for it themselves, and that is what happened to the Crane.'

This is amazing how Crab could scare and outsmart the cunning crane. I like this story of wisdom, strategic thinking, and the importance of sound persuasion.

The Giant Crab, and Other Tales from Old India by W. H. D. Rouse. Source:

Illustration of Crane. Source: Illustration by Robinson

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