The Monkey and the Crocodile: A Tale of Wit and Survival

Once upon a time, in a lush forest near a river, there lived a clever little monkey. The monkey enjoyed a carefree life, swinging from tree to tree, munching on fresh fruit, and gazing out at the calm river. One day, while sitting in his favorite tree, he noticed a crocodile swimming in the water below. The crocodile, who had been watching the monkey for some time, swam closer and introduced himself.

An Unexpected Proposal

The crocodile greeted the monkey and said, “I have been watching you for a while, little monkey, and I think we could become good friends. I live just across the river with my wife, and we would love to have you over for a visit.”

The monkey, although cautious, was flattered by the crocodile’s invitation. He agreed to visit the crocodile’s home on the other side of the river. However, there was one problem—the monkey could not swim. The crocodile, noticing this, offered to help by giving the monkey a ride across the river on his back.

The Crocodile's Trick

The next day, the monkey hopped onto the crocodile’s back, eager for the adventure. As they reached the middle of the river, the crocodile suddenly submerged beneath the water, revealing his true intentions. He had planned to drown the monkey and feast on him.

“Little monkey,” said the crocodile with a sly grin, “I’ve been wanting to eat you for a while, and now is my chance.”

The Monkey’s Clever Escape

Quick-thinking and quick-witted, the monkey remained calm. He replied, “Oh, dear crocodile, I’m flattered that you want to eat me, but I have a problem. I left my heart on the tree. I cannot live without it, and without it, I would not taste as good to you.”

The crocodile, eager to enjoy his meal, was intrigued. “Your heart is on the tree?” he asked, confused but curious.
“Yes,” said the monkey. “I cannot live without it. If you take me back to the tree, I can fetch my heart, and then we can feast together.”

The crocodile, believing the monkey’s lie, agreed to take him back to the tree. Once the monkey was safely back on the shore, he quickly scurried up the tree, out of reach, and laughed down at the crocodile.

The Moral of the Story

The crocodile, realizing he had been outsmarted, swam away in frustration. The monkey, safe and sound, continued to live his peaceful life in the trees.

This story teaches a valuable lesson: intelligence and quick thinking can often save you from danger, and even the strongest may be outwitted by the clever.