Panchatantra The Tortoise and the Geese
A long time ago, in a lush forest, a tortoise named Kambugriva lived near a beautiful lake. The lake was also home to two geese who were the tortoise’s closest friends. They often spent their days talking about life and the world beyond the forest.
One year, a severe drought dried up the lake. The geese decided to fly away in search of a new home. Saddened by the thought of parting, the tortoise pleaded, “Please don’t leave me behind. Take me with you!”
The geese hesitated but eventually came up with a plan. “We will carry you,” they said, “but you must promise to remain silent during the journey. If you open your mouth, you will fall.” The tortoise agreed eagerly.
The Journey Begins
The geese held a stick between their beaks, and the tortoise bit onto the stick tightly. Together, they soared through the sky. As they flew over a village, curious onlookers pointed and shouted, “Look at the clever geese carrying a tortoise!”
Hearing their comments, Kambugriva grew agitated. Unable to control his pride, he opened his mouth to speak, “They aren’t clever; it’s my idea—” But before he could finish, he let go of the stick and fell to the ground, losing his life.
Moral of the Story
- Words spoken impulsively can have dire consequences.
- Self-control is essential in challenging situations.
- Pride and ego often lead to downfall.
Interactive Elements
- Quiz Questions:
- What was the tortoise’s name in the story?
- Why did the geese ask the tortoise to stay silent?
- What happened when the tortoise opened his mouth?
- Word Meanings (with Links):
- Drought: A prolonged period of dryness (Learn more about droughts).
- Agitated: Feeling disturbed or upset (Discover tips on managing agitation).
- Impulse: Acting without thinking (Explore impulsive behavior here).
- Moral Dilemmas:
- If you were the tortoise, how would you have controlled your urge to speak?
- Should the geese have trusted Kambugriva to stay silent, knowing his nature?
- Opinion Prompt:
- “Have you ever regretted saying something without thinking? Share your experience at Mystorybook.me.”
Related Stories and Links
- Read another tale of impulsive actions: The Monkey and the Crocodile.
- Discover ways to develop self-control at Verywell Mind.
- Explore more moral lessons on Mystorybook.me.
Panchatantra The Tortoise and the Geese
